This research aims to characterize the stigma experienced by patients with mental disorders and health professionals during the implementation process of the Therapeutic Residences, as well as to analyze the nursing staff's performance in overcoming those obstacles and implementing those Residences. A qualitative socio-historical research was undertaken. Its primary sources consisted of written documents and six interviews. The theoretical reference that supported the result analysis was the author Erving Goffman. It was observed that the social stigma resulted in some social actors' resistance against the implementation and permanence of the Therapeutic Residences, involving not only neighbors of the therapeutic residences, but also the effect on property rentals. Additionally, a professional identity crisis was observed. It was concluded that the nurse played a key role by interfering in the stigmatization process of mental disorder patients and of mental health professionals, showing that changing the form of care delivery could represent an innovation.
History of nursing; Assisted living facilities; Social stigma