This study aimed to investigate the narratives of the experiences of patients with psychiatric readmission regarding substitutive outpatient services for mental health. A qualitative approach was used with semistructured interviews applied to 22 patients with psychiatric readmission history. Data interpretation was based on the emerging paradigm of Psychosocial Care. Although the respondents recognized the quality of care provided by substitutive outpatient services for mental health, the participants reported limitations in these services, such as non-operating 24 hours, not to provide assistance during periods of crisis, long intervals between the returns to medical queries, the brevity of the consultation, lack of listening and limited attendance to control of the medication. The participants also suggested interventions that could prevent or replace hospitalization. Therefore, it was evident that the lack of answers from substitutive/alternative services leaves a gap in mental health care, which ends up being filled by forced hospitalization. The psychiatric readmission unveils the moment of transition between the medical-hospital centered model and the model of Psychosocial Care.
Psychiatric hospitalization; psychosocial care; mental health; alternative services