The priority-setting described in the previous step should yield a list of strategies that are considered the most effective for the prevailing circumstances in the particular country or region.

The next step is to establish the time frame and resources for the chosen strategies.

In determining a time frame, it is necessary to state the intended year of commencement and the duration of the strategy.  Some strategies need to keep functioning continuously and indefinitely. Others will operate only for a limited period.

The cost of each strategy and the total cost of the plan per year then needs to be calculated.

A critical factor for the implementation of the prioritized strategies is the availability of resources for mental health in the country or region concerned. The three principal resource inputs necessary for implementing the strategies, as with any health system, are human resources, physical capital and consumables. A mental health plan should also identify how these resources will be financed. This usually depends on the way in which the health system of the country or region finances all health activities.

In the light of this information, the time frame may need to be adjusted according to the available financial resources and capacities.

In subsequent years, the time frame and resources will need to be re-adjusted annually, according to the implementation of the plan and the available resources.