Mental Health Interventions for Adolescent Mothers: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness and Accessibility

• Adolescent mothers face substantial barriers to accessing mental health services, including stigma, lack of awareness, confidentiality concerns, and limited family support. • Effective mental health interventions include peer/self-help groups, cognitive-behavioural therapy, group interpersonal therapy, school-based self-efficacy programs, trauma-informed care, and digital approaches (mHealth/telehealth). • Interventions incorporating human-centered design, social support, and culturally sensitive strategies show the greatest improvements in depressive symptoms, coping skills, and overall well-being. • Multifaceted approaches integrating healthcare, community-based programs, and digital tools are essential for sustainable, accessible, and contextually relevant support for adolescent Abstract Adolescent pregnancy is associated with heightened risks of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and stress, which can adversely affect parenting, mother-child interactions, and overall well-being. Despite the recognized burden, targeted mental health interventions for adolescent mothers remain limited. This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness and accessibility of mental health interventions for adolescent mothers aged 13-19 years. An updated literature search was conducted across PubMed, MedLine, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, covering publications up to December 2025, using keywords related to adolescent mothers, mental health interventions, psychosocial support, psychotherapy, and digital approaches. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 3034 articles were identified, and after title, abstract, and full-text screening, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute and Center for Evidence-Based Medicine tools, and data were extracted on study design, population, intervention type, and outcomes. Findings indicate that adolescent mothers face significant barriers in accessing mental health services, including stigma, limited awareness, confidentiality concerns, and inadequate parental or social support. Effective interventions frequently integrate peer support, self-help groups, school-based self-efficacy programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy, group interpersonal therapy, trauma-informed care, and digital interventions such as mHealth, often incorporating human-centered design and culturally sensitive approaches. Evidence suggests these strategies improve mental health outcomes, reduce depressive symptoms, and enhance coping skills, particularly when social support and community engagement are emphasized. Key risk factors for poor mental health include abusive relationships, economic instability, adverse childhood experiences, and lack of family support. Overall, the review highlights the importance of multifaceted, culturally responsive, and accessible mental health promotion interventions tailored to adolescent mothers’ unique developmental and social contexts. Future programs should integrate the healthcare system with community-based initiatives, digital tools, and stigma-reduction strategies to enhance engagement, sustainability, and overall mental well-being. This review provides guidance for healthcare providers, policymakers, and program developers to design effective, context-specific mental health interventions that address both clinical and social determinants of health among adolescent mothers. PROSPERO CRD420251026057 Not applicable