The matrix approach to mental health care: Experiences in Florianopolis, Brazil.

This article reports on the experience of a matrix approach to mental health in primary health care. Professionals who work in the Family Health Support Nuclei, Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família, pointed to challenges of this approach, especially regarding the difficulties of introducing pedagogic actions in the health field and problems related to work relationships. As the matrix approach and its practice are new aspects of the Brazilian Unified Health System, the academic knowledge must walk hand in hand with everyday professional practice to help improve the quality of the services offered in this context.