Aims. To compare out-patient mental health care among community care and ambulatory care in terms of therapeutic relationship as well as continuity of care. Method. Patients and their therapists were included in the study from the community mobile team and the ambulatory clinic. Scales to assess the therapeutic relationship were used along with our own questionnaire to assess the continuity of care. Results. Non supportive therapists interventions in patients' opinion differ among community and ambulatory care as well as therapists' emotional difficulties vary significantly between those units. Community patients see their psychiatrists less often though visit their case managers more frequently, than the ambulatory patients. Community care comparing with ambulatory care, starts treatment quicker for patients with severe and persistent mental health problems, favouring long term continuity of care. Conclusions. Some aspects of the therapeutic relationship are related to the form of psychiatric treatment. Community care improves continuity of care