The aim of this paper is to evaluate the participation of Local Health Council in the discussion about the inclusion of mental health actions in the Family Health Strategy at a Family Health Unit in Porto Alegre-RS. A qualitative assessment study was developed, based on the theoretical-methodological principles of Fourth Generation Evaluation. To collect data, observation and individual interviews with 14 workers from the health center studied were used. The data were analyzed using the Constant Comparative Method. The local health council was evaluated as a facilitator in the inclusion process of mental health actions in primary health care. Thus, according to the educative nature of the evaluation process, the data were presented to members of the local council, as this deliberative entity can permit a broader discussion on the inclusion of mental health in primary care.
Social control, formal; Health evaluation; Mental health; Family health