Inclusion of mental health in primary health care: care strategy in the territory

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the strategies, challenges and possibilities of the articulation between mental health and primary health care from the perspective of health managers. Method: Exploratory, qualitative research carried out with 28 managers of mental health and primary care. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews between July and November 2013 and submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: The inclusion of mental health actions in primary care made it possible, in the view of managers, to increase users’ access to the care they need. This care strategy allows the extension of care practices in the territory, with matrix support as the main tool for the implementation of this care strategy. Final considerations: The articulation between primary care and mental health is a powerful device for psychosocial care, but it demands a new conformation of the Psychosocial Care Centers (Caps) and primary care services.