Findings of a study on chronic psychiatric patients in treatment at a Regional Institute for Ambulatory Mental Health Care (RIAGG) are presented. The volume of this patient-group within the RIAGG-population is determined. Patient-characteristics, care-characteristics and deficits in care are described. A considerable group of patients within the RIAGG-population meet the criteria of long-term mental illness. The group is seriously disabled both in psychological and social functioning. Therapists are satisfied with the regular ambulatory care for this group of patients. For a small group a more extensive day-care programme is needed. Many chronic patients could benefit from more facilities for structuring daily activities. To meet these needs, two projects in the region have been accomplished.