Intended as a key part of the NHS’s local comprehensive mental health services serving populations of around 50,000, these multidisciplinary, multi-agency teams have been less effective than expected, in part due to varying modes of operation in different districts. Some experts argue that the services they provide for example, crisis intervention, liaison with primary care services and continuing care for long-term clients could be delivered more effectively by several specialist teams rather than a single, large generic one comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, community mental health nurses, occupational therapists, support and (sometimes) social workers.