ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the meaning of 'targeting' and the issues surrounding it from the perspective of a clinical psychiatrist. It examines some of the experiences and observations gained during that career. The chapter explains the notion of targeting in mental health services, highlighting aspects of targeting which set the agenda for clinical practice. It reviews some of the advantages and disadvantages of targeting. The chapter suggests the future of targeting in relation to national policy developments and initiatives and relevant examples are included to illustrate particular issues. The Care Programme Approach introduced in 1991 requires each person in contact with any specialist mental health professional to have a care plan and a named key worker. Primary care commissioning offers the prospect of locally relevant targeting, embracing the needs and total resources of local communities. Targeting, which is based upon up-to-date and locally relevant information, will be more flexible, and should become more effective, efficient and efficacious.
