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Background: Socially recognized psychotherapy methods are increasingly being expanded in many areas, especially clinical ones, to include artistic therapies and interventions. In addition to music, dance, and art therapy, theater therapy is an independent form of intervention that is used in practice for a wide range of psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions. This scoping review examines the use and effectiveness of theater therapy for depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).

Methods: Between July and August 2025, a systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, PubPsyc Scopus, and HfWU Dramatherapy Literature Database using the search terms (“drama therapy” OR “theater therapy”) AND (“depression” OR “anxiety” OR “PTSD”) AND (‘effectiveness’ OR “outcomes”). Articles were included if they reported results of empirical studies with a quantitative study design.

Results: After a multi-stage screening process, nine from 1162 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies covered different target groups and settings, including digital formats. Overall, results show that theater therapy is associated with a reduction in psychological symptoms in various contexts. In adolescents, improvisational theater programs in particular significantly reduced social anxiety. In adults, drama therapy techniques repeatedly proved effective against depressive symptoms, even in a digital setting. In addition, interventions in crisis contexts showed positive effects on PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that theater therapy is a promising approach to treating mental disorders. At the same time, the evidence base is still limited, which is why further methodologically high-quality studies are needed.