Little is known about the type of patient who is referred for clinical psychotherapy. A descriptive, retrospective cohort study was performed involving 100 patients who attended a (day) clinic for personality, anxiety and eating disorders. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of these patients are described. Most of the patients had multiple disorders of a serious nature, displayed a high degree of functional impairment and were relatively treatment-resistant. Of the 70% who were diagnosed as requiring treatment, 79% agreed to have the treatment that was offered.