This paper reviews the rationale for social network programs in the effort to deinstitutionalize the mentally ill. Stress and mental health problems are discussed in terms of biological and social determinants, measurement techniques, and coping mechanisms. Supportive relationships as buffers to stress are examined and the concepts of social networks and social support are distinguished. Social support groups such as the family, small socio-ecological systems, and large socio-ecological systems are discussed. Social support factors that guard a former psychiatric client against future rehospitalization are identified. A case example and a discussion of implications for intervention conclude the paper. (LLL)