A holistic-existential model for psychiatric nursing is presented in this article. The aim is to present some basic characteristics of the holistic-existential approach to psychiatric nursing, and to show how a specific holistic-existential model can be implemented in psychiatric nursing and mental health care in the local community. An excerpt of a knowledge dialogue between professionals and users on basic values in community mental health care is included in order to see if their views correspond to an holistic-existential approach. Finally, some practical implications of this approach are outlined and related to mental health care in the local community.