Outcomes management has received considerable attention in the literat
ure on mental health services delivery. However, relatively little pra
ctical information is available on how to implement an outcomes manage
ment system in the mental health care setting. The authors review seve
n key issues that must be addressed in planning such a system: involvi
ng senior organizational leaders in ownership of the project, securing
the support of clinicians and patients, selecting personnel to operat
e the system, choosing outcomes assessment instruments, developing dat
a collection procedures, selecting techniques for data management, and
using the data to improve outcomes. Ultimately, an outcomes managemen
t system is intended to generate data that can be used to stimulate di
scussion, to guide clinicians in tailoring treatments, and to identify
efficient treatment approaches.