ABSTRACT
Supported by the redemocratization movement and the Health Reform, the Psychiatric Reform constituted the basis for the model used in substitute services, like the Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS), a device for the promotion of mental health. Due to its objectives and functions, we saw the possibility of relating CAPS with Winnicott’s concept of potential space, an intermediate area between psychic and shared realities, where one can be creative, not just adapted. We tried to investigate whether the CAPS has characteristics of a potential space in the Winnicottian sense. The research adopted a qualitative approach and was characterized as a research in psychoanalysis, working with secondary data. 14 works were selected, including dissertations, theses, and scientific articles from the last ten years. In analyzing the data, we sought to detect the presence of conditions in the potential space, like the holding, handling, and presentation of objects, in activities or aspects of the functioning of the CAPS, such as reception, the Technical Reference device, environmental provision, and the institutional support. Finally, we concluded that, although there are factors that limit the potential of the service, the management of professionals and the ambience offer conditions for the CAPS to operate as a potential space.
KEYWORDS
Mental health services; Mental health; Winnicott