ABSTRACT Objective: To understand how the nursing staff perceives the care provided to people in situations of psychiatric urgencies and emergencies in the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU – Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência). Method: Descriptive and qualitative study conducted in the Northeast region of Brazil with 34 of the SAMU nursing workers. Data were obtained by semi-structured interviews and processed by the Thematic Analysis. Results: The analysis of interviews allowed the identification of three categories: mechanical practice, need for qualification and (de)humanization of care. The results showed that the care offered to users in psychiatric urgency or emergency situations is based on mechanistic and specific actions. Final considerations: Nursing workers perceive that the care for people in situations of psychiatric urgency and emergency in SAMU is mainly based on physical and chemical containment measures, performing a little resolute and dehumanized care and raising the need for professional qualification.