Considering the importance, complexity, and the scope of mental health programs in Iran, it is certainly impossible to provide a comprehensive overview of these programs in one article. However, a brief review of these programs can help to illustrate the accomplishments of the programs and to identify the mental health needs of the country and the challenges to be met. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of the history of mental health movement in Iran and attempt has been made to review the changes, progresses, achievements, needs, and the current challenges. Reviewing the history of the mental health in Iran indicates that over the past 50 years, significant progress has been made in the field of mental health. The most important accomplishment in this regard has been the integration of mental health into primary health care. The success of this program has resulted in the acceptance of this program as a model proram for the other countries in the region. In addition, significant progress has been made in other areas as well, including, child and adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, drug abuse treatment, and provision of mental health services in natural disasters. However, in spite of these achievements, there remain many problems and deficits which require serious and continuous efforts, cooperation of general public and the mental health professionals, public and non-governmental organizations. In addition, considering the complexity and the scope of the issue of mental health, improvement in the administrative structure of the mental health system and supporting research projects aimed at evaluating the mental health programs are necessary.