Being an excerpt from the author's dissertation, this is an attempt at understanding the essence of what the Psychosocial Care Center means to 34 of its users, residents of the city of Ubá in the State of Minas Gerais. By means of the reports their realities were represented concerning the emotional, mental and social elements. From analyzing all the interviews, there has emerged one category, among others: 'the social space of CAPS as an enabler for producing changes in life'. Thus it became evident that the service is not considered as being just some kind of a material space, but that it is recognized both as a reference point and where to get treatment. It also means the possibility for change the possibility to 'come back to reality', to 'make a dream come true',to make a person feel that he/she is capable of achievement. As a result, the rehabilitation process is already affecting the lives of the users, their autonomy being stimulated by CAPS concerning their everyday chores, their relations, and their emotional, social and economic life.
Nursing; Mental health; Rehabilitation