FAMILY AND CARE IN FREEDOM IN MENTAL HEALTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article sought to understand, based on the scientific literature, the contributions and gaps regarding the role of the family in mental health care within the territorial context of Primary Health Care. This narrative literature review was conducted between September 2024 and June 2025 through searches in the SciELO, LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciSpace databases, using descriptors related to family, mental health, primary health care, and care in freedom. National and international scientific articles, books, and institutional documents published between 2001 and 2024 were included. The analysis of the literature revealed significant advances in the consolidation of care in freedom, highlighting psychosocial practices grounded in autonomy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and community-based living. Nevertheless, important challenges remain, particularly regarding the integration between Primary Health Care and the Psychosocial Care Network, the burden experienced by families, and the fragility of support networks. It is concluded that consolidating care in freedom requires continuous investment in professional training, intersectoral public policies, and the strengthening of Primary Health Care, recognizing the family as an essential partner and active participant in the mental health care process.