The Speech as the health field, mainly focused on communication, is closely related to mental health. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify the number of professionals inserted in Speech Psychosocial Attention Centers (CAPS) and characterize the activities in specialized mental health. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study exploratory, qualitative and quantitative. 48 CAPS, the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre / RS, were contacted by telephone to identify the presence of professional staff in health care. The activities were identified through a questionnaire answered by local administrators in the absence of speech. The study was approved by the CEP UFCSPA (Opinion 1436/11). CONCLUSION: There were identified the presence of speech in any of the CAPS surveyed. In three (25.6%) CAPS was informed that there are speech therapists working with mental health in Primary Care Network and interact with the specialized service for reference and cross-reference. Local managers have expressed knowledge about the important work of speech therapists, but unaware of specific actions. A manager said I did not realize the need for speech therapist in the mental health team. The activities of the speech therapist in this area understand the procedures of assessment, intervention, counseling and follow-up of individuals with communication disorders. The Speech is able to give voice to these individuals to improve their ways of expression. Finally inferred that speech therapy has a key role in maintaining health, and especially the quality of life.