Speech therapists practice in Coexistence and Cooperative Center (CECCO): trajectories and challenges of professional qualification

Speech therapists are increasingly integrating teams of Psychosocial Care Centers and the Co-operative Living Center (CECCO) and services that integrate the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS). The paradigms adopted by the Unified Health System (SUS) and the Psychosocial Care Policy challenge undergraduate courses in speech therapy to promote changes in the professional education of the area. Objective: to know the trajectories and singularities of speech therapists who work in CECCO in the city of São Paulo and to systematize from their reports reflections that may contribute to the formation of future speech therapists. Method: recorded and transcribed semi-directed interview with 8 speech therapists with experience or connection with CECCO. Content analysis was applied. Results: The working time in CECCO of the interviewees ranged from 1 year and 6 months to 17 years. Regarding further education, six interviewees reported post lato sensu, two stricto sensu and six continuing education. The main actions developed are integrative and complementary health workshops and practices. The main changes in their practices include the broader conception of health, interdisciplinary teamwork and the use of specific knowledge of speech therapy in the development of activities. They consider that during vocational training students should be aware of public psychosocial care policies, develop competence to use resources from culture, art, sport and health for health promotion, social inclusion, socialization of users and for work in health networks. Conclusion: The research shows the importance of undergraduate courses in providing students with knowledge about mental health politics and health promotion, as well as competencies and skills for interdisciplinary work and with group devices that through art, leisure and work enhance integral health care.