Since the reform and opening up 40 years ago, mental health education in Chinese colleges
and universities has experienced four stages: recovery and reconstruction, exploration and development,
comprehensive popularization and gradual improvement. This paper statistics the practical application of
mental health education theory in colleges and universities in different periods; Then, on this basis, the
paper analyzes the rise and development of specific theories in different periods, it summarizes the overall
development trend of mental health education in colleges and universities in China, and makes a research
prospect. The summary, reflection and prospect of the development of mental health education in
Chinese colleges and universities can provide scientific basis for the better development of mental health
education in the future.