INTEGRATED MENTAL HEALTH RESIDENCY AND TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY CARE: REFLECTIONS FROM AN INCURSION INTO A TERRITORIAL DEVICE IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Abstract

Introduction: Both Brazil and Argentina, in line with the indication of the World Health Organization, have built, in recent decades, a public mental health policy focused on open and territorially-based devices, for the provision of care in freedom. The mental health residency programs carried out on these devices have enabled the training of workers committed to this perspective of care. Method: This is an experience report of an international internship held in 2018 within an integrated mental health residency. Results: Reflections were presented on the psychiatric reform process in Brazil and Argentina, considering community-based mental health care. Emphasis was placed on the history, organization and actions carried out by a primary care device in Buenos Aires. Such cut is intended to bring contributions to the thinking about the processes of implantation and improvement of the territoriality of mental health. Conclusion: Although the challenges are constant, the shift from hospitals to community services enables the creation of forms of care committed to recognizing territorial particularities, expanding access to health care.