Abstract
This study examines the dilemmas faced by mental health professionals in the inclusion of the family in the projects of therapeutic care to the person with psychological distress. Semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals from two psychosocial care centers in the Southeastern region of Brazil were conducted. The content analysis pointed out discursive regularities that delineated four categories: serving the families: insecurity and rivalry; taking responsibility; primary focus: diagnosis or necessity?; trust, bonding and difference. Having the ethical philosophy of Spinoza and the politics of mental health care in Brazil as reference, the following are identified as issues to be evaluated and included in the reflections of the professionals on the assumptions that guide their practices in serving the families: the ideal of family, blaming the family and accountability for the care of patients with mental distress.
Keywords:
mental health; family; psychosocial care; Psychosocial Care Center