The Performance of the Social Worker in Mental Health in Primary Care From the Perspective of the Interdisciplinary Team

Objective: This study aimed to reflect on the work of the social worker in Mental Health in Primary Care, and to investigate and discuss issues related to the concept of the health team in real qualitative research developed with twelve professionals from three Basic Health Units located in the city of Apucarana, Paraná. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with guiding questions, which were analyzed using content analysis to this activity. Theoretical Framework: Primary Health Care is considered a reorganization of the care model that was centered on illness and hospital treatment. It is the gateway to the SUS, with actions aimed at health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation. It is also an important space to reaffirm the assumptions of the Psychiatric Reform. Method: This is qualitative research developed with twelve professionals from three Basic Health Units located in the city of Apucarana, Paraná. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with guiding questions, which were analyzed using content analysis, which allowed the identification of three categories of analysis. Results and Discussion: This study revealed that health professionals are unaware of the role of social workers in mental health in Primary Care. Furthermore, they attribute mental health care almost exclusively to psychologists/psychiatrists, reaffirming the care centered on the hegemonic medical model. However, they can perceive the need for this professional to be part of the health team and how much he or she can contribute through his or her broad perspective and training, which provides critical reflection on work processes. Research Implications: The research highlights the need for social workers to work with health teams on the socio-educational axis for the initial process of deconstructing the concepts of mental health and madness that exist and consolidating the principles of psychiatric reform. Originality/Value: This study seeks to reiterate the need for Public Policies in the area of ​​mental health to be implemented and deployed so that this socio-occupational space is occupied by the professional Social Worker more greatly and that it integrates these multidisciplinary health teams.