This article reviews the progress made in meeting United States' existing mental health goals for adolescents, and identifies issues that will have to be considered in setting new goals. The article examines the substantial need for child mental health services, particularly among young, socioeconomically disadvantaged youth. The unmet need for services is also described within the framework of children involved in various social service systems. To assist in the delivery of mental health services, a theoretical model guiding emerging policy is described, which addresses access, managed care, sector shifting, ethnic patterns, child and family factors, quality of care, service integration, and outcomes. Finally, recommendations are offered for improving the targeted goals for Healthy People 2010 in the following three areas: (1) improve the transfer of technology for delivering psychotherapeutic interventions in community-based settings; (2) question the current models of delivering psychotherapy by practitioners who are generalists; and (3) examine alternative financing structures for the delivery of care within primary health care, education, and other sectors. Three strategies for setting goals are suggested: (1) set goals for communities rather than at national levels; (2) set up a national surveillance system to monitor implementation on an annual basis; and (3) establish an incentive system. Contains approximately 150 references. (SD)