The challenges of mental health practice from the perspective of the psychosocial model: the view of health care professionals

Abstract

This study analyzed the discourse regarding the practice of mental health professionals according to the psychosocial model. This study was performed using a qualitative approach, and consisted of transcribing semi-structured interviews applied to 17 of a total of 25 workers of a substitution service of a city in southern Brazil. The theoretical framework was based on concepts regarding psychiatric reform and the psychosocial model. It was found that the workers face difficulties regarding “what to do” in mental health. It shows that some professionals are able to assimilate the changes introduced by the reform better than others, who are afraid of invading the other’s space or losing their center of knowledge/doing to other professionals. In conclusion, under the Psychosocial Model, professionals must be aware of the changes that are introduced every day to the context of the service, to the reality of the community, in interpersonal relationships and in their core of knowing/doing.

Descriptors: Mental Health; Health Services Reform; Health Policy.