Intersectoral Actions for Mental Health: An Integrative Review

Objective: The study's purpose has been to identify in scientific literature the intersectoral actions developed in the mental health field. Methods: It is an integrative review that was performed by searching in both LILACS and MEDLINE databases for publications between January 2005 and August 2015. There were found 1,027 publications, 28 of which met the inclusion criteria. We evidenced some intersectoral actions that were categorized as follows: interventions in school/educational institutions; educational activities; partnerships with NGOs; discussion forums; social benefits; inclusive actions at work; interventions in the community; home interaction; religious care institutions; and leisure. Results: Through data analysis, it was possible to observe the importance of intersectoral actions in social inclusion, and also the decentralization of care to other services, places and sectors. Nonetheless, it is still necessary to discuss this process, once it is not only to include other spaces, rather to stimulate and to develop the communication between health, social assistance, work, and education. Conclusion: 'Ihe challenge of consolidating intersectoriality lies on building an articulation between different sectors and shared responsibilities for mental health cases.