The decade of the 1980s has witnessed a rebirth of concern regarding the chronically mentally ill. The way mental health professionals view families of the chronically mentally ill has changed dramatically, largely because of the emergence of the biological theories of causation for schizophrenia. Innovative programs for families have included education, skill-training, supportive and comprehensive components. Findings of effectiveness studies on community-based programs cite the components of family intervention, residential facilities, day treatment, social skills training, problem-solving casework, and community support programs. There are specific implications for family approaches to the chronically mentally ill in rural areas. The closeness of the professionals to the community enhances their ability to mobilize natural helping networks, which is crucial where there is a dearth of resources available. The higher social adjustment of schizophrenics living in rural areas seems to be associated with the higher level of expectations. Of specific interest to rural practitioners is the current farm crisis. The loss experienced by the family of the mentally ill person is compounded by the loss to the family farm. (ABL)