Psychosocial interventions are structured activities, techniques, or strategies that target psychological, behavioral, interpersonal, social, or environmental factors to improve mental health, functioning, and well-being [1][2]. They may address cognitive and emotional processes, coping and stress management, interpersonal relationships, social participation, or access to social and community resources [1][3]. Psychosocial interventions encompass a broad range of approaches, including psychological therapies, psychoeducation, behavioral interventions, family interventions, social skills training, peer support, and community-based interventions. They may be delivered individually or in groups and through face-to-face, community-based, or digital formats, depending on the intervention and context. Psychosocial interventions can be used for treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and the promotion of psychological and social well-being [1][4]. Their outcomes may include reductions in psychological distress and symptoms as well as improvements in coping, social functioning, quality of life, and positive well-being. The concept therefore encompasses interventions that address psychological and social processes rather than relying primarily on pharmacological or other biological mechanisms. Psychosocial interventions address psychological, behavioral, interpersonal, and social factors to support mental health, functioning, and well-being.
- psychosocial interventions
- psychological interventions
- behavioral health
- social support
- mental health
- psychosocial well-being
References
- Sarah K. Schäfer; Lea M. Thomas; Saskia Lindner; Klaus Lieb; World Health Organization's low‐intensity psychosocial interventions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effects of Problem Management Plus andStep‐by‐Step. World Psychiatry 2023, 22, 449-462, 10.1002/wps.21129.
- Helen Killaspy; Carol Harvey; Catherine Brasier; Lisa Brophy; Priscilla Ennals; Justine Fletcher; Bridget Hamilton; Community‐based social interventions for people with severe mental illness: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of recent evidence. World Psychiatry 2022, 21, 96-123, 10.1002/wps.20940.
- Julia C. Hill; Crystal Noller; Paul Holtzheimer; Krista Disano; Ella Klinsky; Mona Pudasaini; Hannah Crowe‐Cumella; Karen L. Fortuna; Psychosocial Interventions Impact on Cardiometabolic, Neurobiological, Behavioral, and Immune Outcomes in People With a Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review. Health Sci. Rep. 2025, 8, e70954, 10.1002/hsr2.70954.
- David Johansson; Mikael Skillmark; Monika Allgurin; Effects of psychosocial interventions on wellbeing in individuals with severe mental illness: a systematic review. Front. Psychol. 2025, 16, 1574303, 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1574303.