Therapeutic Communication in Mental Health Nursing: A Comprehensive Review of Nurse–Patient Interaction, Emotional Support, Crisis Management, and Building Trust Among Patients with Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Therapeutic communication is a purposeful, professional interaction that helps people feel heard, understand their care, express distress and participate in recovery. In mental health nursing, communication is not an optional interpersonal extra; it is part of assessment, relationship-building, emotional support, risk formulation and day-to-day care. This narrative review examines the principles and practical use of nurse–patient communication across psychiatric settings, including listening and empathy, non-verbal behaviour, trust and boundaries, culturally responsive practice, trauma-informed care, shared decision-making and crisis de-escalation. It draws on peer-reviewed literature, foundational nursing theory and guidance from recognized health organizations. Across the literature, a calm and respectful approach, honest engagement, continuity and collaborative planning are consistently emphasised. Communication can support understanding and engagement, but it cannot replace clinical assessment, appropriate treatment or action when immediate risk is present. The research on specific interventions to improve therapeutic alliance remains limited and methodologically uneven, so communication training should be reinforced through supervision, reflection and service-level support. The review concludes that therapeutic communication is most effective when it is genuine, individualised, rights-based and integrated with safe, evidence-informed care.