Focusing on the role and process of planning in the delivery of mental health services to the Mexican American community in Texas, this monograph examines the nature, context and purpose of planning; analyzes the interplay between federal and state mandates for planning; and assesses the status of current community mental health centers' (CMHCs) planning activites. A study of selected CMHCs and their respective planning systems examines their planning policy, structure, nature of planning, and relationship to other planning functions. A synopsis of the planning process at the Bexar County and Tarrant County CMHCs is provided. The following topics are discussed: culturally relevant service delivery; role of planners; a participatory model of planning; state plan requirements of Public Law 94-63; national guidelines regarding planning; the Connecticut and New Mexico mental health authorities' state planning activities; Texas' dynamic planning process; state planning and its relationship to service delivery to Mexican Americans in Texas; and the scope and level of citizen participation in planning, particularly Mexican American input into the process. The future development and impact of mental health planning is evaluated in light of current and potential changes in the community mental health system of Texas and the nation. (NQA)