Addressing Health Care Workers’ Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Interventions and Current Resources

This systematic review examined 118 evidence-based interventions designed to improve health care workers’ mental health. Most studies used strong research designs, and 76% reported significant improvements in stress, anxiety, burnout, emotional exhaustion, or depression. Interventions focused on coping skills, mindfulness, and resilience training were most consistently effective, especially when using structured approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. Organizational-level interventions were less common than individual-focused programs. For preparedness leaders, the key lesson is that proactive, targeted mental health programs—especially those building coping and resilience skills—can meaningfully strengthen workforce capacity and sustainability during prolonged emergencies.