The family approach brought about by the psychiatric reform was an indispensable achievement, but many family members still find it difficult to adapt to this function, since it is a burden-bearing experience. Therefore, there is a need for support to family caregivers regarding health education to understand the disease and the situation experienced. Therefore, we sought to identify the burden suffered by the family caregiver of patients with mental disorders and to analyze the nursing professional's role in assisting the family caregiver and its relationship with the PTM entity. The methodology is an integrative literature review, with a theoretical and reflexive character, which summarizes the most current available studies on nursing care to family caregivers of patients with mental disorders. For the search of the works, the Virtual Health Library was used where the descriptors "mental health", "caregivers" and "psychiatric nursing" were searched. The presence of a person with mental disorders in the family implies repercussions both on emotional interactions, on the course of domestic activities and on the economic situation. It was found that families are not prepared during the hospitalization of their patients and, at discharge, perceived the future of the patient with pessimism, concern and uncertainty. The lack of guidance was presented as a daily reality that is difficult to deal with, especially regarding care. The role of nurses is paramount, as health professionals qualified to transmit the information necessary for decision-making to care. Although nursing is present in most services, it was absolutely certain that these professionals were unprepared to enhance the role of the family as an integral part of care. It is important to advance knowledge, participation, and development of activities and practices that empower health professionals for more qualified services. Nurses, as professionals who work most directly with patients and their families, should seek progress in the methodology of health services by including the family member in their care and attention, thus improving the quality of life of all involved.