Abstract

FERREIRA NETO, João Leite. Cross sectional practices of mental health clinic. Psicol. Reflex. Crit. [online]. 2008, vol.21, n.1, pp. 110-118. ISSN 0102-7972.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-79722008000100014.

The research investigates the changes in the practice of clinical psychology in Brazil, in the field of Mental Health by analyzing a case study of a Sanitary District in the city of Belo Horizonte, in which six professionals who work in primary health in the Mental Health Program were interviewed. It develops a historical panorama, a conceptual investigation and reflection about the connection between this sort of practice and the urban space. Data show changes in clinical practices in mental health which emerged from the confluence of public policies and local services, leading professionals to deal with these intersections not so much as a problem, but as an increase of the potential benefits of the clinic. The expression "extended clinic", in this context, designates the appropriate management of the tension between practice and politics.

Keywords : Mental health; Clinical Psychology; health politics; extended clinic; cross section.