Mental Health, Psychosocial Care, and Intersectionality: Ethical-Political Contributions to Brazilian Psychology

Abstract

This study aims offer present elements that enable reflections and concerns about the management of intersectionality as an analytical and practical tool in Brazilian psychology. It proposes a critical discussion that articulates social markers such as gender, race, class, sexuality, and territory in the analysis of inequalities that affect individuals and their contexts. It also highlights the concept of mental health as a public policy and societal project based on the principles of the Brazilian psychiatric reform and the anti-asylum struggle, which defend care in freedom, deinstitutionalization, and expanded access to rights. This study also seeks to portray concrete experiences that adopt intersectionality as a component of training, clinical-political action, and service management, showing the possibility of social transformation in mental health care based on the perspective of producing plural modes of care involved with territories. Thus, this study reaffirms the ethical-political commitment of psychology in defending professional practices in line with social rights and justice.

Keywords:
Mental Health; Intersectionality; Psychology; Psychosocial Care; Careful