[Toward a redefinition of community psychiatry in Quebec]

Community Psychiatry is in troubled waters in Quebec. Overwhelmed by their caseloads, community clinics do not see the end of the tunnel with their new long-term mentally-ill patients. The painful reality of the new asylum in the community raises questions about Community Psychiatry despite its remarkable progress. The authors analyze the state of the art about schizophrenia, which is mainly related to chronic mental patients and point out the discrepancy between the original ideals of Community Psychiatry and the clinical reality. They develop the four following propositions to redefine Community Psychiatry in the actual context: recognize the need for the asylum as a process; tolerate the paradox of the multidisciplinary work; narrow the target population and the type of therapy offered; and secure continuity with the community.