The present article discusses the evaluation of the quality of the services rendered at mental health centers (CAPS) and sees such evaluation as a permanent instrument for reflecting on the centers' activities. Evaluation therefore goes beyond the concept of a view from outside. In this case, it consists of a view from inside, while work is being carried out or a posteriori. Lines of evaluation, which can be applied to analyses and to the organization of everyday routines at such centers, are also discussed. The author suggests three areas of activities that should be evaluated: access, first interviews and accompaniment, as these are considered fundamental aspects of the work carried out at CAPS. Part of a case study of evaluation for a doctoral thesis written in 2006 is presented here. The case material was collected during supervision meetings with the staff, a setting that is considered an essential activity for analyzing the organization and dynamics of the work carried out at CAPS. From this perspective, supervisions serve as permanent evaluators of everyday activities at CAPS.
Psychosocial attention; evaluation of services; mental health; supervision