The aim of this paper is to reflect on some issues currently under discussion in the field of collective health, and which represent a great challenge for health managers and professionals of the Brazilian Unified Health System. This paper focuses not only on the profile changes that are needed of all health professionals, but rather on the transformation of these professionals into socially committed agents responsible for the renovation of the ethos of the Brazilian Health System and its clients. A more in-depth discussion of the psychologist’s place in such a context, his practice within public health care, and on the much-desired social commitment is carried out. The analytical tools that will be used are the results of two investigations that were conducted with psychologists that work in the basic health care network of the cities of Natal, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, and Teresina, in the state of Piauí.
social commitment; psychologist; collective health