The practice of matrix support and its effects on primary health care

Introduction: This work is part of the context of discussions on mental health in primary health care. It is an experience report of Matrix Support practice in a Family Health Unit located in a city of Grande Vitória, ES, Brazil. Objective: We sought to identify the effects that the matrix meetings had in the astringency territory of the Family Health Strategy teams followed up. Method: The matrix meetings were performed using the Circle approach. Results: The results show that the practice of the Matrix Support favored the expansion of care strategies for mental health in primary health care; co-responsibility in the care; qualified hearing; increased resolution in this level of attention; and a decrease of referrals without criteria. Conclusion: In this regard, the Support Matrix was a tool able to promote dialogue between mental health services and primary health care. Thus, the Singular Therapeutic Project became a great ally, providing the construction of decisions and shared tasks, allowing the involvement and accountability of all caring for the person with psychiatric suffering