Needs assessment is part of the decision making and program planning process in mental health centers. Four commonly used approaches for identifying needs are: (1) social indicators; (2) analysis of resources and patterns of use; (3) community surveys; and (4) group approaches. Rarely does a single approach provide all the information necessary to identify needs. An analytical framework should integrate need information with program constraints, and develop feasible alternative mental health solutions. Decision makers can then act on the recommended alternative solutions. Most decisions are made by selecting actions that are politically feasible and reflect marginal changes in the existing base of resources available to the center. (Author/MLT)