Mental Health Interventions for University Students: A Scoping Review

Mental health among university students has become a priority concern due to the rising prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and academic stress. This study aimed to map the available evidence on mental health interventions for university students evaluated through randomized controlled trials. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR recommendations, searching PubMed up to August 5, 2026. A total of 2,013 studies were identified, of which 606 were assessed for eligibility and 244 were included, mostly published between 2024 and 2026 and mainly from China, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Digital interventions were the most frequent, followed by mindfulness, psychological therapy, educational programs, physical activity, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These findings show a wide diversity of intervention modalities, supporting a comprehensive approach to mental health in the university context.