Objective To raise policy suggestions for public health bureaus by analyzing the mental health service in Chengdu City in 2004. Methods We applied descriptive methods to analyze the mental health service. Results The mental health resources in Chengdu City were insufficient and the utilization rate of health resources was low. Conclusions Strategies to improve this may include setting up mental health management sections; increasing the funds for health service; strengthening professionals training; exploiting the service field of relevant specialties and developing community mental health.