The trend toward normalization of the mentally retarded has brought a new dimension to the problem of their adjustment. Within the past several years, large numbers of the mentally retarded have been discharged into the community from residential facilities; the stress and anxiety they experience at being thrust into a strange and alien world often become overwhelming, and the individual may become psychologically immobilized. Crisis intervention has been used only marginally with the retarded in this and other situations. A crisis intervention model is proposed which targets four treatment areas: (1) emergency problems associated with behavior disorders; (2) incidents arising from emotional disturbance; (3) stress resulting from the transition between institution and community; and (4) crises in the community (particularly within families and foster families). Against the backdrop of de-institutionalization and community placement, the possibilities for the creative use of crisis intervention with the mentally retarded are manifold. (Author/CS)