Facility that provides comprehensive, ambulatory outpatient mental health day services to individuals residing in a specific locale (catchment area). CMHC is defined in the community Mental Health Centers Act (Section 201), which specifies the services to be provided and requirements for the governance, organization, and operation of the centers. The CMHC Act provides for federal financial assistance for the construction, development, and initial operations of CMHCs and, on an ongoing basis, for the costs of their consultation and education services. Health care services may consist of counseling, education, evaluation, development of skills for daily living, vocational rehabilitation, and short-term stabilization services.