OBJECTIVE: To analyze the assistance, management and workers' education models of a network of psychosocial healthcare services (CAPS). METHODS: This is a qualitative evaluation research, supported by the Gadamerian hermeneutics, carried out in the city of Campinas, Southeastern Brazil, in 2006-2007. Data were collected through 20 focus groups in centers known as CAPS III, with different groups of stakeholders (workers, municipal managers, users, family members and local managers). After the transcription of each group's recorded material, narratives were constructed following Ricoeur's theoretical framework. At the second stage of the focus groups, these narratives were presented to the participants, who could contest, correct and validate them. The preliminary results were discussed in workshops, with the aim of developing a good practice guide in CAPS III. RESULTS: The study identified strong points and weaknesses concerning the care provided during the crisis, articulation with the primary care network, formulation of therapeutic projects, management and organization in reference teams, educational background and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: The network of psychosocial care centers in Campinas stands out due to its originality in the implementation of six CAPS III and to its efficacy in providing comprehensive assistance to users and family members in the moment of crisis and in rehabilitation. The organization in reference technician and/or team prevails, as well as the development of therapeutic projects. Night teams reduction is the most important problem and the main source of workers' stress. The professionals' education proved to be insufficient to deal with the challenges faced by these services.
Mental Health Services; Health Personnel; Health Management; Health Care Reform; Qualitative Research; Evaluation Research