The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China, Macau, Hong Kong, and other regions has led to significant psychological stress among patients, health professionals, and the general public. This psychological pressure can manifest as anxiety, fear, depression, and insomnia. The National Health Commission of China has emphasized the importance of emergency psychological crisis intervention, and various mental health associations have established expert teams to develop guidelines and provide online mental health services. Mental health professionals are also stationed in designated isolation hospitals to offer on-site services. Experts have reached a consensus on the admission of patients with severe mental illness during the outbreak. However, the rapid transmission of COVID-19 poses a serious challenge to mental health services, particularly in terms of resource allocation and access for vulnerable populations. Online mental health services have been widely adopted, but there are limitations in national management and coordination, and some individuals, such as older adults, may have limited access. Additionally, frontline health professionals may be overburdened, and some patients and health professionals may suffer from persistent psychiatric symptoms even after the outbreak. Despite these challenges, Chinese researchers have published relevant findings in international journals, which could benefit local professionals and policymakers.The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China, Macau, Hong Kong, and other regions has led to significant psychological stress among patients, health professionals, and the general public. This psychological pressure can manifest as anxiety, fear, depression, and insomnia. The National Health Commission of China has emphasized the importance of emergency psychological crisis intervention, and various mental health associations have established expert teams to develop guidelines and provide online mental health services. Mental health professionals are also stationed in designated isolation hospitals to offer on-site services. Experts have reached a consensus on the admission of patients with severe mental illness during the outbreak. However, the rapid transmission of COVID-19 poses a serious challenge to mental health services, particularly in terms of resource allocation and access for vulnerable populations. Online mental health services have been widely adopted, but there are limitations in national management and coordination, and some individuals, such as older adults, may have limited access. Additionally, frontline health professionals may be overburdened, and some patients and health professionals may suffer from persistent psychiatric symptoms even after the outbreak. Despite these challenges, Chinese researchers have published relevant findings in international journals, which could benefit local professionals and policymakers.