Access to Psychosocial Care Centers in Brazil: An Analysis of the Psychosocial Care Network

Abstract

Mental health is one of the main contemporary public health challenges, especially in countries with large territorial extensions and socioeconomic inequalities, such as Brazil. In the context of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform, initiated in the 1980s and consolidated by Law No. 10.216/2001, there was a progressive replacement of the hospital-centric model with a territorialized, community-based, and psychosocial care network. In this scenario, Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) are configured as strategic devices of the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), established by Ordinance No. 3.088/2011, being responsible for the care of people with severe and persistent mental suffering, including mental disorders and problems related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. CAPS work in an articulated manner with Primary Health Care and other points in the network, promoting comprehensive care, social reintegration, and reduction of psychiatric hospitalizations. The objective of this study is to analyze access to Psychosocial Care Centers in Brazil, within the context of the Psychosocial Care Network. This is an ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, conducted using secondary data extracted from DATASUS, through the SUS Outpatient Information System and the National Registry of Health Establishments (CNES). The analysis considered the services provided at CAPS in Brazil from 2021 to 2025, totaling 92.937.080 services nationwide. Given this context, it is relevant to analyze the evolution of CAPS in Brazil in order to assess population coverage and identify possible regional asymmetries within the Psychosocial Care Network. This analysis can support health planning and the strengthening of public policies focused on psychosocial care.