Search

This research aimed to know the reality of psychological assistance provided for children in Basic Health Units in Uberaba, state of Minas Gerais. The participants were 15 psychologists working on primary care. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. These qualitative data received treatment through Analysis of Content, complemented by analysis of enunciation. The results showed that the demands of children's mental health were attended by only seven among the 15 interviewed psychologists, and, when it happens, they manage it mostly individually. Also, it was possible to notice the difficulties in carrying out this assistance that were mostly related to the lack of resources, the fragility of management support and to professional training, as well as means to develop alternative ways to work under hard conditions. In conclusion, to create better collective and integrated actions, the psychologists must havea generalist performance, emphasizing the importance of to rethink the professional education in Psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]