This paper presents the experience of the Psychosocial Service of Integrated Attention in Health (SAPIS) in a consultation-liaison psychiatry program (called PROLIG). The SAPIS was implemented in June 2002 at the São Paulo Hospital (HSP) to promote a broad attention to general and specific hospital psychosocial needs and also to reorganize the inclusion of mental health professionals in ambulatories and wards. This paper aims at describing the role of psychologists as mental health liaison professionals attending specific demands at these units of HSP. Their task involves providing psychological assistance to the patient and his family, as well as being a mental health specialist to the multi-professional team. Nevertheless, some difficulties have been found to implement and maintain these proposals. Concluding, psychologists as mental health liaison professionals promote changes in the health care offered by this institution; however, a deeper reflection and engagement of this institution as well as an implementation of health care policies are demanded to enable structural changes for the construction of an integral and integrated effective practice.
Mental Health; Health Psychology; Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry