Psychiatric reform and substitutive mental health practices: An institutional reading of an experience at a psychosocial care center

Abstract

This article discusses the development of mental health care services based on the Anti-Asylum Movement. Drawing on contributions from psychoanalysis and social psychology, the study analyzes the conflicts and dilemmas arising in a Psychosocial Care Center (NAPS) in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. This study is part of Master's degree research at the Social and Occupational Psychology Department, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo. Semi-structured interviews were used with workers at the NAPS. According to the interviews, the transformation of the mental health care model mobilizes psychological issues among the workers. Various conflicts and anxieties were observed in relation to changes in the institutional support provided by the NAPS over time. The article analyzes difficulties in dealing with differences in the team or feelings of abandonment resulting from changes in the local administration in the interface between subjects and the institution.