Objective: to understand family members’ perceptions of nursing care for people with psychiatric symptoms. Methods: qualitative study, with 13 family members, in five clinical inpatient units linked to the clinical nursing service of a general hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: the challenges perceived by family members were turnover of professionals in the work schedules and difficulty in specialized management. The participants suggested training of the team, greater multi-professional integration, improved management and reduced turnover of professionals during care. Conclusion: family members verbalized difficulties and suggestions to support reflection on the care offered to people with psychiatric symptoms hospitalized in clinical units, in order to improve work practices and qualify care.