The nurse practice model at the family health strategy is characterized by direct involvement in the patient's health-disease recovery process, deconstruction of social stigma involving mental health disorders, and the restoration of patient autonomy their social ties. This descriptive study follows a qualitative approach to document and analyse practices performed by mental health nurses at the family health strategy (FHS) in Rio das Ostras, Brazil. The study identifies practices implemented by Mental Health Nurses at FHS and the nurses’ own reflection and analysis on these mental health practices. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. All interviewed nurses had worked in the primary mental health care for at least one year at the FHS units in Rio das Ostras. Data was analysed, grouped, and coded according to two categories: 1) The nurses’ professional practices in mental health at the FHS, and 2) The nurses’ view on mental health practices at the FHS. Results show that the main activities in mental health at FHS involve working with the matricial team, continuing education, reception, home visits, referrals, therapeutic workshops and community therapy. Nurse perspectives on professional practices involve prevention, establishment of bonds with patient, and nurses’ training to deliver care to patients who are suffering. The bond with and care for the patient, family and community, is one of the FHS differentiators. In that vein, the study looks at the link between health care delivery, territory and population attended. The health care based on territoriality, allows increased patient and family confidence.