The approach is Primary Health Care psychiatrist's work. We used qualitative methodology and have conducted interviews and participative observation. Data analysis has been done by content analysis. In São Paulo, the inclusion of psychiatrists at the PHC is by the PHC Center, and the family health support center (NASF). There is a fragile articulation of the network and difficulties in establishing enhancing the psychiatrist role. The training does not include the work at the APS, particularly working with matrix-based strategy. Hegemonic policy has been focused on the NASF, which is insufficient to meet the needs of ongoing psychiatric care of most patients with mental disorders. Besides the need of training for working at the APS, it has been necessary to offer better working conditions for the professionals at this level of attention and to articulate resources of mental health for a better care of mental health and a better performance of the psychiatrist.
primary health care; psychiatry; work process; matrix support