Formação profissional em uma atividade vivencial em saúde mental: Grupo Comunitário de Saúde Mental

Professional education in an experiential activity in mental health: Mental Health Community Group. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of students and professionals in process of education in an experiential activity in mental health, named Mental Health Community Group (MHCG), and the unfolding of its appropriation throughout professional education. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted, and open interviews were used as data collection instrument. Study participants were five students and 10 professionals studying in different healthcare areas. Analysis was conducted using the thematic content analysis technique. Two categories were created: The professional place in the MHCG, and The horizontality of relationships in the MHCG. The experiential proposal, in the MHCG model, presents contributions both from the technical point of view of education, and in relation to the human development of professionals. This study promotes reflection on the education provided in teaching services in the mental health area and this understanding can contribute to consolidate the psychosocial care model.