The Italian Psychiatric Reform of 1978 is reviewed here in terms of national/regional mental health (MH) policies and with the help of epidemiological data. The reform law was essentially a framework one, and Italy's 21 regions were called to draft detailed organizational norms and to implement their systems. This explains a relevant interregional variability, despite several national MH plans. In a recent survey, compliance with national standards found homogeneous implementation on structural parameters but quite a variable one on functional parameters (continuity, coordination, accessibility, specialization). Epidemiological data show the impact of regional variability on the quality of treatment provided. Because of discrepancies among regional information systems, we analyze data from six Italian regions, where regional case registers have long been implemented, focusing on adult population prevalence and incidence rates and outpatient-inpatient care. Indicators of service use and some national MH documents are discussed in relation to the system's future prospects.