summary  Apparently, many outpatients with chronic psychiatric disorders welcome the opportunity to communicate with their psychiatrists via e-mail. We therefore set up an e-mail system which patients could use if they wished. Those who opted to participate reacted enthusiastically to our pilot project that lasted three months. E-mail contact between outpatients and psychiatrist seems to enhance the value of outpatient treatment as normally practised. The system, its advantages and limitations are discussed.