Abstract
This study presents the Mental Health Community Organizations (MHCO) from Quebec (Canada). The authors draw up reflections considering its origin, insertion into the public health system, principles, characteristics and formats. The MHCO are autonomous, community-based services that provide nonprofit activities in health and social service fields. A descriptive, qualitative study based on a non-systematic review of the literature was done. The results point to the emergence of the MHCO in a context of dehospitalization of patients, but without enough resources replacing the psychiatric hospital. They were consolidated as an alternative to traditional psychiatry, recognized by the government as part of mental health care, and partially financed by the State. The MHCO share some principles, but they materialize in several formats. They stand out for encouraging the defense of rights, and socially reintegrating people in psychological distress. However, there are limitations considering their reach and interaction with public establishments, and the role of the State over these institutions is questioned. We conclude by pointing out similarities and differences between mental health assistance promoted by the MHCO from Quebec and by Brazil. It is necessary to continue dialoguing, aiming to establish policies and practices in mental health that guarantee community-based care.
Keywords:
mental health; mental health community organizations; Quebec