CHARACTERIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN A PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF JARU (RO), BRAZIL

Abstract

Mental health represents one of the main challenges for health systems, especially in small and medium-sized municipalities, where the availability of specialized services is often limited. In this context, Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) play a fundamental role in organizing mental health care within the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), providing community-based, territorial, and multidisciplinary care to individuals experiencing psychological distress. This study aimed to characterize mental health care delivery and the profile of users assisted at the Psychosocial Care Center in the municipality of Jaru, Rondônia, Brazil, considering the volume of care provided, the services offered, the service structure, and the available human resources. This was an observational, descriptive, documentary, and retrospective study with a quantitative approach, based on the analysis of secondary data obtained from administrative records of the Municipal Health Department of Jaru, covering the period from 2017 to 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and organized into tables. A total of 88,372 visits were identified during the analyzed period, with a predominance of care provided by nursing professionals, followed by medical and psychological care. There was a higher frequency of female users (62%), predominantly aged between 20 and 35 years, with a higher prevalence of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use-related disorders. The service demonstrated a broad scope of care, including individual consultations, group activities, therapeutic workshops, home visits, active outreach, family follow-up, and intersectoral coordination with other public services. It was concluded that the CAPS in Jaru plays a central role in mental health care in the municipality, operating in accordance with the principles of RAPS and the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform. However, the concentration of demand in a single service may indicate limitations in service coverage and highlights the need to strengthen the psychosocial care network in the region, particularly regarding service integration, expansion of coverage, and comprehensive care.