Studied the impact of the reorganization of public psychiatric services in Lausanne, Switzerland, at population, institution, and user levels. The reorganization involved converting 5 general psychiatric hospital units into 1 outpatient evaluation and brief treatment unit and 4 inpatient and outpatient units specialized for schizophrenia, anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, or dependence disorders. Data on the impact of the reorganization was obtained by interview with 14 treatment providers (physicians, nurses, administrators, therapists) and 11 care users (patients, police, judges, referring psychiatrists). The results were evaluated qualitatively. The results indicate questions about distribution of resources, access to care, specialization of care, and sharing of information. Public health issues associated with the reorganization of psychiatric care services are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved)