PROFILE OF USERS OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE CENTER (CAPS) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF UNA-BA

Abstract

This article reports on the profile of users served by the Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) in the municipality of Una, in the state of Bahia, considering the context of Brazilian mental health policy and the organization of the Psychosocial Care Network in the territory. It starts from the understanding that mental health goes beyond the absence of disorders, involving social, cultural, and subjective aspects that influence people's way of life. The objective of this work was to characterize the sociodemographic and care profile of users served at the CAPS in Una, seeking to understand how the care offered in the service is structured. This is a descriptive study, based on a bibliographic survey and document analysis, using recent scientific publications on mental health and CAPS, as well as institutional data from the service. The results indicate that the CAPS in Una is configured as a strategic device in mental health care in the municipality, with interdisciplinary action, facilitated access, and strong articulation with primary care and other network facilities. It is also observed that the service primarily serves people experiencing severe and persistent mental distress, offering continuous monitoring, diverse therapeutic actions, and support to families. It is concluded that the CAPS (Psychosocial Care Center) contributes significantly to promoting care in freedom, strengthening humanized and territorially based practices, even in the face of the challenges faced by a small municipality.