Abstract

Psychiatric reforms in Latin American countries are heterogeneous, although common ideals and objectives. The article analyzes the trajectory of mental health policies in Brazil and Argentina between 1990 and 2020. Under a historical-comparative design, explores political-institutional factors that may explain differences in policies established in these countries. The results point to the importance of the role developed by entrepreneurs of change, with social movements more cohesive in Brazil. The expansion of community rules and services took place especially in the political context of progressive governments, although this is not a sufficient factor to explain it. Federalism has not proved to be an obstacle to this. policies, but in Argentina, national legislative production has suffered more constraints than in the Brazilian case. Psychiatric reform is still a process in dispute in both countries.

Keywords:
Health Policy; Health Services Reform; Mental Health; Latin America