Assessment of the possibility of using leisure spaces for therapeutic activities in mental health

Abstract

This article deals with the relationship between public leisure spaces (LS) and mental health (MH). Mental disorders are more frequent in the urban environment. After the psychiatric reform, care for people in psychological distress began to take place in a network of care points in the territory. Professionals from Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) across the country use open spaces for therapeutic activities. These initiatives could be expanded if CAPS had adequate conditions in terms of availability, accessibility, and quality of EL. The objective of this work is to verify whether the leisure spaces near CAPS in Ribeirão Preto, SP are suitable for the proposed use. To this end, a framework of indicators and parameters relating to the quality of public space was developed. 21 ELs near seven CAPS were analyzed, with data obtained through documentary research and on-site surveys. Eight of the 21 EL analyzed were considered suitable for the development of therapeutic activities. The main inadequacies found are related to the lack of accessibility by public transport and the lack of adequate urban furniture. Qualifying the open space system can contribute to promoting mental health in cities.