[Consumers' perspective of mental health service in front line, second and third stages clinics.]

This study is based on results of four major surveys on the satisfaction of the clientele regarding external consultation of mental health services in Montréal. It covers milieux offering primary care, specialized and ultra-specialized services. Conducted with 856 patients through personal interviews, this study has allowed to document consumers' perspectives. The major tendencies observed indicate that patient are generally highly satisfied with the work of mental health professionals and the therapeutic alliance they establish with them. Organization as well as functioning of services however, generate less satisfaction. These results appear to reflect the impact of recent transformation of the mental health system.