Child and adolescent psychological care in a Basic Health Unit in the triple border: Characterization and analysis

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) plays an essential role in health promotion, being considered the gateway to other services in the Unified Health System. The present study aimed to characterize and analyze the demands related to child and adolescent psychotherapy services at a Mental Health outpatient clinic in a city of the triple border. For this, a documentary, descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative research was carried out. The study period comprised September 2022 to September 2023. 54 children and adolescents were assisted, predominantly female, aged between 10 and 12 years. Among girls and boys, the demand for anxiety stood out, with 43.3% and 29.2%, respectively. It is noteworthy that, at the time of data collection, 31.5% of the patients were still undergoing psychological follow-up and, among these, one patient was already in the 25th session, and the average session for this group was 14 sessions. Finally, the results of this study reinforce the need to strengthen and expand mental health actions in Primary Health Care, investing in professional training, community awareness, and the implementation of effective public policies that promote access, quality, and comprehensiveness of mental health care for children and adolescents.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.016-009