The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of assertive community treatment in Copenhagen in two regions compared with two regions where this treatment was not implemented. The effect on user satisfaction, use of bed days, social network, global assessment of functioning, substance misuse will be evaluated.

In area where assertive community treatment was implemented 100 patients had filled in a form regarding their social situation. They were interviewed after one year and asked about user satisfaction and followed up in Danish registers. Register information was extracted concerning vital status, cause of death, use of psychiatric services and criminal record. The same procedure was carried out for a comparison group, carefully matched, from other regions in Copenhagen, where assertive community treatment was not implemented.

Inclusion Criteria:

• User of bed days exceeded 40 days last two years; or
• 4+ admissions during last two years; or
• A second diagnosis of substance misuse; or
• Non compliance with medication or outpatient visits in usual settings; or
• Being unable to use other existing services

Exclusion Criteria:

• Forensic patient with a sentence to stay in hospital