This discussion summarizes community-based research conducted by the Human Relations Service of Wellesley, Inc., during the first 15 years of its existence as a pilot mental health program. It suggests that the community mental health laboratory develop service and research as coordinated components. Service activities are viewed as vital parts of ongoing community research. A collaborative relationship between researcher and subjects is recommended. With flexibility and imaginative use of its unique characteristics, the community mental health laboratory provides observations not possible in other settings.