THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EXPANDED CLINIC AT THE REFERENCE UNIT FOR MENTAL HEALTH (URESAM): PRACTICES, CHALLENGES, AND PERSPECTIVES IN THE CONTEXT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN AMAPÁ

Abstract

This study analyzes the experience of expanded clinical care at the Mental Health Reference Unit (URESAM), linked to the Dr. Alberto Lima Clinical Hospital in the state of Amapá. The research describes the physical structure, patient profiles, and therapeutic practices developed, in addition to discussing persistent challenges and prospects for improvement. This is a descriptive and documentary study based on the analysis of the URESAM institutional report for the period from January to June 2024 and psychological care from 2023 to 2025. Quantitative data (sociodemographic profile, diagnoses, and hospitalizations) and qualitative data (physical structure, multidisciplinary team, clinical practices, and complementary projects) were used. The analysis was guided by the theoretical references of the expanded clinic and the guidelines of the national mental health policy, seeking to understand how the URESAM experience implements or faces difficulties in implementing the principles of this model. The results reveal that, despite advances in the provision of short-term hospitalizations, multidisciplinary practices, and integrative therapies, the unit still faces limitations related to the scarcity of human resources, lack of therapeutic residences, and weaknesses in the coordination of the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS). The study has a significant impact by highlighting regional specificities in the Amazon, contributing to the understanding of inequalities in access to mental health services and providing support for strengthening public policies in northern Brazil.