Behavioral health and violence prevention in the United States: A systematic review of evidence-based community intervention strategies

Behavioral health challenges and violence remain significant and interconnected public health concerns in the United States, affecting individuals and communities across diverse socioeconomic contexts. This study conducts a systematic review to synthesize evidence on community-based intervention strategies that address both behavioral health and violence prevention. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across major academic databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. A total of 179 records were identified, of which 24 studies met predefined inclusion criteria after screening and eligibility assessment. Data were extracted and analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach to identify key intervention types, implementation strategies, and outcomes. The findings indicate that community-based mental health interventions, multi-component violence prevention programs, and integrated public health approaches are effective in reducing risk factors and improving behavioral and social outcomes. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of interagency collaboration, culturally responsive practices, and data-driven policy frameworks in enhancing intervention effectiveness. Despite promising evidence, challenges such as funding constraints, implementation variability, and limited standardization persist. This review contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of evidence-based, community-centered strategies and proposes an integrated framework for advancing behavioral health and violence prevention efforts in the United States.