OBJECTIVE: Assess the perception of the professionals working at the family health strategy on the resources present within the territory toward meeting mental health care demands. METHODS: Cross-sectional, qualitative study carried out with 27 primary health care professionals. Data were collected by means of interviews, focus groups and observation. Following data collection, data were transcribed and analyzed in the light of the structuralist theory. RESULTS: Nurses referred to the existence of formal instruments toward promoting mental health care and highlighted the health services. Care coordinators mentioned health services, universities and partnerships with Child Protective Services and the District Attorney's Office. Community agents showed to be more integrated with the territory and to have a broader knowledge of formal and informal social support sources. The observation of the territory pointed out social resources that were not addressed in the interviews. CONCLUSION: The perception of the nurses regarding the community resources focused on formal health institutions or other entities related to the health care or health education areas. The coordinators identified other health services and social protection instruments. Community agents have a clearer perception of existing mental health resources.
Family health; Mental health; Social support; Primary health care; Intersectorial action
