Evidence shows that the hospital-based character of psychiatric services has a negative impact on the personal and social life of the psychotic patients. This situation is worse in rural areas where the Psychiatric Care facilities are fewer. In a 5-year study we investigate the therapeutic role of the Ambulatory Mobile Care Unit in the provinces of Fokida and Evros.

45 patients, aged between 17-67, diagnosed with psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional states, bipolar disorder etc.) were studied. Most of them were unemployed (56%), living with their parents, and belonged to the lower or middle class. An experienced psychiatrist-supervisor, other psychiatrists, trainees, psychologists, social workers and nurses were part of the intervention team that helped the patients in different stages of the disease (acute state, stable condition).

The intervention of the Mobile Care Ambulatory Unit resulted in:

1. a) Increase in the Employment Rate of the Patients (more than half of the patients has been employed in the end of the intervention)

2. b) Improvement in social abilities (more than 4/5 of the patients had improved relations with the local community c) Leisure time activities: acquisition of new hobbies in more than 2/3 of the patients d) Insight: most of the patients came in terms with their disease e) Nevertheless, very few of them managed to form their own family.

The mobile unit intervention has had a significant effect in most aspects of the life of the psychotic patients.