OBJECTIVES: To describe the needs of patients treated at community psychosocial centers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 373 patients who were attending psychosocial care activities at least three times per week in community psychosocial centers, during 2007-2008. Needs were assessed using the “Camberwell Assessment of Need” (CAN). Psychotic symptoms were assessed using the “Positive and Negative Symptom Schedule” (PANSS). RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 40.0 years (standard deviation, SD = 12.6 years); 57.6% were male, 57.9% had fundamental education, 40.5% have schizophrenia, 15.9% have worked during last 12 months and 14.7% were living alone. Median time attending in community psychosocial centers was two years (range of 15 days to 30 years) and mean number of weekly therapeutic activities was 3.6 (SD = 2.3). The mean score for the total number of needs was 7.1 (SD = 2.8), with a range of 0 to 15 (maximum = 22). Basic needs were reported by 38 (10.2%) patients; at least one social need was reported by 90.9%. At least one functioning need was reported by 94.4% patients; 85.5% have at least one health need; 86.3% have at least one service need. Women showed higher number of needs than men (p = 0.02) and educational until fundamental level was also associated with more needs (p = 0.02). We did not observe associations between weekly activities, unemployment, age, diagnosis and number of needs. Patients with higher PANSS scores showed more needs (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS:  We observed higher number of needs than in studies conducted in Europe, in all conceptual domains assessed by CAN. Many patients showed needs related to health and services, despite the time that they were attending in community psychosocial centers. Patients’ needs should take in account in order to improve the quality of care offered in mental health services.