ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the applicability of the Phil Barker’s Tidal Model in mental health nursing care. Methods: an integrative literature review carried out by LILACS, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. Data were collected from December 2017 to March 2018. After selecting the studies, the sample totaled 24 articles. Results: the articles are in English (91.7%), were published in nursing journals (87.5%), are reflective and/or theoretical (50%) and have level of evidence VII (79.2%). The model brings contributions to nursing science, enabling person-centered care, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary work, nurses’ protagonism and the empowerment of subjects in mental suffering. Final considerations: the use of the Tidal Model enables changes in nurses practice working in the context of mental health. Its application by nurses who work in mental health services in Brazil is recommended.