The authors have been involved in introducing a more system-directed intake procedure in a psychiatric hospital. In this article they describe a model for a system directed intake procedure. They summarise the aspects of the system that should be screened and describe the attitude of the intaker and some practical problems that may be met. Then they discuss the consequences of the introduction of such a screening procedure in the present situation of a psychiatric hospital and conclude that there have to be some major changes for it to be ethical. They are however convinced of its necessity.