This article has presented a rationale for utilizing a key informant approach to measure Hispanic mental health needs. In addition to describing various methods of assessing mental health needs and the presence of a natural support system within Hispanic communities, a key informant approach focused on Hispanics was presented. The importance of mental health programs being based upon an accurate understanding of a community's needs is universally accepted. However, when the community is culturally or linguistically distinct, this process increases in importance and difficulty. The key informant method presented in this article represents one effort to be more responsive to the needs of one group.