Saúde mental na atenção básica: dividir ou somar apoios matriciais?

Abstract

The present paper discusses the relationship between Mental Health Teams and Support Groups for Family Health in mental health care within Primary Care in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The discussion is based on the recovery of historical fragments related to the implementation of mental health measures in the municipality, as well as the authors’ experience. Deadlocks and challenges were evident within the Mental Health Teams assigned to Primary Health Care, even after the creation of Support Groups to Family Health - which characterises exception on the national scene. The presence of psychologists in both teams can lead to conflicts concerning the division of caseloads which may result in shuttling patients from one team to the other and difficulties in accessing mental health care. We stipulate the need for dialogue between different matrix strategies and stress that dialogue on work processes is envisioned within the support method itself.