The article problematizes the concept of institution in order to debate the institutionalization process of the Brazilian current Psychiatric Reform. Considering the Reform itself as an institution, it raises possible conservative processes operating in the core of the movement which results in the law that redirects the model of assistance in mental health. From this perspective, the implication of health workers is discussed once it is often confused with the militancy wich they also practice against the asylums. At last, the concept of overimplication is explored to enable the reflection over its effects in the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform.
public policy; psychiatric reform; deinstitutionalization; militancy; overimplication