[Community therapy at psychosocial care centers: (dis)connecting relevant points]

The objective of this study is to describe the implementation of community therapy (CT) at a mental health service (MHS); to identify coping strategies and problems experienced by its users and their families; and to analyze CT's contributions to user's social inclusion. The technique of semi-structured interview and CT's assessment sheets were used in this predominantly qualitative study. Family conflicts, insomnia and abandonment were the major problems cited, and several coping strategies were mentioned, such as: family support, religious belief professional help, etc. It was proved that the user's participation on CT have contributed to their social inclusion, as they reported behavioral changes in their interpersonal relationships. This experience has been showing excellent results, for it works with an approach that comprehends neglected social aspects.