Health clinic · Health and the SUS
CAPS: mental health close to home
Care without a referral and without committing the person far from their family.
What it is
CAPS stands for Centro de Atenção Psicossocial, a public mental health center. It supports people going through intense mental distress or having problems with alcohol and other drugs.
How to use it
The door is open: just go to the nearest CAPS and ask for care. You don't need a referral, health insurance or proof of income.
Who treats you
The team includes a doctor, a psychologist, a nurse, an occupational therapist and a social worker. There are CAPS for adults, for children and teenagers, and for alcohol and drugs. Some are open 24 hours.
The numbers
In November 2024 there were 3,019 CAPS operating in the country.
The criticism
Critics say the CAPS cannot handle the most serious cases and call for more hospital beds. Supporters respond that treatment close to the family works better, and that there are still too few CAPS, especially in small and remote towns.