PSYCHOLOGY ON THE STREET: CONCERNS, STEREOTYPES AND CHALLENGES IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE WITH PEOPLE IN STREET CONDITIONS

Abstract

Working with the homeless population is considerably challenging before Psychology; therefore, addressing examples of good practices conducted in this scenario may make it possible to consider better ways to train psychologists who are attentive to such audiences. Thus, in this article, developed as part of a Specific Supervised Internship experience in Institutional Psychology, held in a Reception Center in the State of São Paulo, we aim to present some concerns that have become increasingly evident and frequent in our practice, according to the routine that was witnessed within the institution and with each listening promoted to each assisted/resident and employees. These concerns are aimed at what kind of actions and programs are developed to ensure, in practice, the well-being of this population, in view of the rights provided for by the Federal Constitution. Furthermore, what is the importance of offering mental health care to a population in a situation of social vulnerability within institutions? Beforehand, it is important to raise in this article that, in addition to the psychological suffering that accompanies them in each speech, there is every encounter promoted, stereotypes accompany them, which raises the question of how the psychologist is inserted within the institution and how he/she deals with these demands. Thus, we will seek to present the vision and function developed by the Psychology professional within these host institutions and, finally, the challenges of Psychology with the “social”, since these individuals are seen as isolated elements of society.