A study was conducted to determine the perceptions of staff members in the psychiatric treatment division of a residential mental health center regarding the internal communication situation among division employees. The study, which combined organizational communication and basic communication research perspectives, was based both on an examination of the communication climate in the division and on an evaluation of how specific communication roles and functions were being performed. Data were collected through a series of indepth interviews with a sample of division employees and through the completion of self-administered questionnaires by a total of 92 employees (approximately 70% of all employees). Analysis of the data revealed that the employees as a group were not really dissatisfied with the internal communication situation, but that they felt the need for improvement in amount and frequency of communication, communication about change, and staff interaction. Although in general the professional employees were more satisfied than nonprofessionals, there were significant differences on only four communication dimensions. No significant sex differences were noted. Such studies as this one are valuable in revealing both positive and negative aspects of an organization's internal communication situation. (GT)