This study sought to evaluate a Psychosocial Care Center from the perspective of the users' family members. Qualitative research was carried out, based on the theoretical and methodological references of Fourth Generation Evaluation. Gathering of data was made in a mental health unit in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, between October and November 2006, when 13 family members of users were interviewed. At a later stage, the interviews were validated in a negotiation workshop. Data were grouped and discussed, according to the topics: environment, therapeutic activities, team, plasticity, inclusion of the family, results of psychosocial attention, public policies and society. The data negotiation workshop was an important moment of discussion and reflection about the themes that emerged from the interviews. This evaluation shows the importance of giving voice to family members and view them as partners for establishing mental healthcare that fits in with the principles and guidelines of the Unified Health System and the tenets of Brazilian psychiatric reform.
Mental health; Mental health services; Family; Evaluation