This is a description of a mental health project in which the goal of assisting the general public in managing stability-threatening situations is pursued by starting outside the community mental health center, in a rural high school. Included are: (1) a description of students; (2) a statement of goals that directed the teaching effort; (3) the content and format of the course; (4) student response; (5) evaluation; (6) the issue of entry into the school system by community mental health center; and (7) the role of the mental health consultant in a rural area. (Author)