Abstract

MACEDO, João Paulo  and  DIMENSTEIN, Magda. Training psychologists in the field of mental health: Piauí's psychology under analysis. Interface (Botucatu) [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.39, pp. 1145-1158.  Epub Aug 19, 2011. ISSN 1414-3283.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1414-32832011005000021.

This study discusses the curricular proposals of the psychology courses of the state of Piauí (Northeastern Brazil) for the field of mental health. We analyzed the pedagogical project and curricular organization, and also the way in which the psychology courses have invested their curriculum contents in the promotion and appropriation of principles, concepts and practices for the effective accomplishment of the psychiatric reform and of the psychosocial care strategy. A documental analysis was performed, as well as semistructured interviews with coordinators of the three courses in the capital city. The results indicate that, despite the progress in the incorporation of the discussions about public and mental health, and the action of psychologists in social-community contexts, the curricula maintain a clear and traditional dichotomy between the clinic and public health; they do not advance much regarding the new knowledge and practices to consolidate the psychiatric reform in the state; and they maintain the asylum and psychosocial models in the training and intervention ways of psychologists in Piauí's mental health.

Keywords : Psychiatric reform; Mental health; Psychologist's professional training; Curriculum.