The Professional Master's Program in Institutional Mental Health Practices (PPG-PISM) arose from the accumulated experiences of professors from the Psychology course at UNIP Ribeirão Preto, with a focus on psychosocial actions in institutions.
In 2015, the course's first research group was created, evolving in 2018 into the “Research Group on Mental Health in Institutional Contexts”, with a strong national and international presence, including in cooperation with Professor Marc Corbière from UQAM (Canada).
In addition to research, practical activities in health and social care were developed through internships and extension projects. Based on these experiences, ten professors formulated and submitted the PPG-PISM proposal in 2019, which was approved by CAPES in 2020 and implemented in 2022 due to the pandemic.
The PPG-PISM was UNIP's first stricto sensu professional program and the only one outside the capital, addressing the lack of postgraduate studies in Psychology in the region, in line with the university's institutional focus.
The program's geographical reach exceeded expectations, attracting candidates from various Brazilian cities and states, expanding its national reach.
In its first three years, the program graduated 22 masters and worked in various public and private institutions in Ribeirão Preto, other cities in the state of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Roraima, strengthening its mission to promote institutional mental health.
The PPG-PISM has established international partnerships with institutions such as the Autonomous University of Lisbon, Universidad de Chile and Rovuma University (Mozambique), promoting teaching exchanges, co-supervision and joint research.
Internationalization was consolidated with the expansion of the Stress and Work Research Network, which includes researchers from Canada, Chile and Mozambique.
The program's differential is its practical work in social and health institutions, with graduates who have already implemented relevant projects such as “Meu Projeto Vida” at SENAC-SP and “Arte que Habita” with funds from the Paulo Gustavo Law.
These projects exemplify the PPG's aim of training professionals with the skills to transform institutional mental health in a systemic and integrated way.
In terms of social inclusion, we would highlight actions with the Ribeirão Preto Social Assistance Department, with continuing training for civil servants, and the “Ideal Welcomes” project in partnership with a funeral home company, offering technical support and bereavement care.