Preparation for consultation on the part of both the consultant and the organization can have a direct effect on the outcome of consultation. While the importance of preparation for consultation has been acknowledged, most of the literature deals with preparation on the part of the consultant, rather than the organization. This document describes research preparation for consultation on the part of the organization, and involves the study of program consultation in 40 community mental health centers throughout the country. Results based on a comparison of most effective and least effective consultations stress the importance of organizational preparation. In addition, timing was found to be a critical component in outcome. Contrary to initial expectations, unprepared organizations were not necessarily resistant to consultation; rather, they had engaged in preparation which was inappropriate, suggesting that they did not know how to prepare for consultation. The consultant should be aware that an organization's lack of preparation may reflect a lack of knowledge and experience, and is not necessarily indicative of resistance to change. (Author)