ORNELAS, José H.. Psicologia Comunitária : Contributos para o desenvolvimento de serviços de base comunitária para pessoas com doença mental. []. , 25, 1, pp.5-11. ISSN 0870-8231.

The article describes and provides critical reflection on how a community intervention inspired on the principles and values of community psychology as been implemented over the last 20 years, and how it has influenced the mental health system in Portugal. During this period a community based support system has been structured promoting supported housing and employment, enhancing the use of natural contexts, such as schools, regular companies e all sorts of social resources available for the general public. A contextualist and ecological approach for individual intervention has also been developed, focusing on the mobilization of natural resources, the expansion of social networks and supports, and the maintenance of people with an experience of mental illness active in community contexts. The contributions of the mutual help movements are recognized as crucial for the betterment and strengthening the social role played by those who have an experience of mental illness. This system has been inspired in the empowerment theory and the mission of recovery, operacionalised through community participation.

: Community Mental Health; people with mental illness; empowerment; recovery.

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