Nurse-Led Mental Health Interventions for College Students: A Systematic Review
Prev Chronic Dis. 2025 May 1;22:E17. doi: 10.5888/pcd22.240200.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation or suicide are prevalent among college students and are a growing public health concern. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis. Nurses are a vital component of college health services and may be the first or only health care provider to evaluate college students experiencing a mental health condition. However, the literature has limited evidence on the nurse’s role and its impact on college mental health. Our systematic review examines nurse-led mental health interventions for college students.
METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search for nurse-led interventions in college mental health by using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and ERIC databases. A total of 2,814 articles were identified, and 2,290 were screened after removal of 524 duplicates. Thirty-five studies were reviewed for eligibility, and 16 were included in this review. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) Hierarchy of Evidence Guide and Appraisal Tools were used to rate the strength and quality of the evidence, and the selected articles were generally of good quality.
RESULTS: The 16 articles came from institutions in North America (n = 5), southeastern Europe (n = 3), and Asia (n = 8). The studies focused on samples with a pre-existing mental health diagnosis or on mental health symptoms and interventions aimed at addressing mental health concerns. The interventions were facilitated by nurses and included various approaches, including experimental, quality improvement, and educational strategies.
CONCLUSION: This review underscores the crucial role of nurses in addressing mental health issues among college students. Despite variability in approaches, nurse-led interventions offer promise in enhancing student well-being. Further studies are essential to gauge effectiveness and shape policies for supporting the nurse’s unique role in higher education. Integrating these findings into practice and policy will equip college health services to meet students’ evolving needs. Leveraging the expertise of nurses can enhance student mental well-being, leading to improved academic outcomes and overall quality of life.
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