Saúde mental infantil : demandas e intervenções em um serviço público de psicologia infantil.

Abstract

This study emerged from concerns regarding the demands and needs of the Child Psychology Service of a Municipal Health Department in a city located in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A significant increase in the demand for child psychological care was observed, resulting in a waiting list in which many families experience long periods between referral and the beginning of individual clinical treatment. This study considered both the demands of families who seek psychotherapy on their own initiative, aiming to address specific symptoms, and those arising from referrals made by third parties, such as schools, where an actual clinical demand is not always present. Justification: This research is justified by its contribution to improving the effectiveness of the Child Psychology Service, enabling the identification and understanding of families' demands and needs. Method: The methodology adopted was participatory research, as this approach allows for understanding reality through the direct experiences of families, fostering changes in professional practices and service delivery. In health research, knowledge is constructed collaboratively with participants and grounded in the concrete reality of health services, taking into account their social, historical, and institutional contexts. Medical records from June 2021 to July 2022 were analyzed, semi-structured interviews were conducted with families on the waiting list, and a participatory parent group was established. Results: The analysis and discussion of the findings revealed themes primarily related to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. It was identified that many families experience difficulties in understanding what is expected at each developmental stage, which enabled preventive interventions to address these demands. Most families seek the service for guidance regarding child development and information on how to deal with specific behaviors or symptoms. Furthermore, it was observed that most referrals are made by physicians from Family Health Strategy (FHS) teams and that many of these cases do not require individual psychological treatment but rather family support, guidance, and counseling. Based on this experience, a technical intervention product was also developed: an informational booklet containing guidance and educational materials for families. Final Considerations: The findings highlighted the need to adapt practices and services, prioritizing spaces for listening, support, and guidance within Primary Health Care. The importance of recognizing and intervening early in children's psychological suffering is emphasized in order to prevent or minimize its long-term impacts. This intervention research was conducted within Research Line I: Research; Contemporary Clinical Practices; Public Policies; and Mental Health, of the Graduate Program in Psychology – Professional Master's Degree at UNISC. This research line aims to develop clinical research and technologies focused on interventions in contexts where public policies in the field of mental health are implemented, as well as the development of diagnoses, tools, and interventions addressing health and illness processes.