With the recent increase in cultural and scientific exchange between the United States and the U. S. S. R., there has occurred a corresponding increase in the interest of American psychiatrists in obtaining a better understanding of what is now going on in Soviet psychiatry. The following report was written not only to give American readers a brief glimpse into the current directions of psychiatric activity in Russia but also to indicate some of the practical difficulties and stimulating rewards encountered in making a trip for such a purpose. This paper, then, is a report of my impressions of Soviet psychiatry gained during a 10-day visit to Moscow and Leningrad from Sept. 13 to 23, 1957. The trip was made as a medical tourist traveling privately, paying the standard Intourist rate of $30.00 per day. Since this included de luxe accommodations, meals, and the services of a car, driver, and