Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Participatory photography has been reported to have therapeutic benefits for participants, such as a sense of empowerment and increased self‐knowledge. No known review has examined the potential of participatory photography as a therapeutic intervention in people with mental health problems. What the paper adds to existing knowledge? Participatory photography can have many therapeutic benefits for people with mental health problems. It can be used to work through problematic issues, can promote a sense of empowerment and strengthen therapeutic relationships. The most significant potential drawback of the process is the ethical issues that may arise with taking photographs of identifiable people. What are the implications for practice? Participatory photography can be a helpful therapeutic intervention for some adults with mental health problems, though not all. Further research is required for the effectiveness of this intervention before it can be considered as evidence‐based. Abstract IntroductionParticipatory photography (PP) has been reported to have therapeutic benefits for its participants, such as empowerment and critical reflection. No known review has examined this potential exclusively in people with mental health problems. AimTo identify what therapeutic benefits and limitation adults with mental health problems have experienced through PP. MethodSix academic databases were systematically searched. Eleven articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were of medium to high quality. Themes were extracted using thematic analysis. ResultsSeven themes were identified: empowerment, mental processing, enhanced therapeutic relationships, peer support, creative expression, sense of achievement and enjoyment, and limitations. DiscussionThe limited evidence base prevents firm conclusions. PP projects higher in personal relevance and intensity were linked with the greater therapeutic benefits. Most identified themes are supported by the wider literature on PP. The limitations indicate that PP is not suitable for all and requires adaptation for individuals and the potential seriousness of ethical issues. Implications for practiceParticipatory photography can be a helpful therapeutic intervention for some adults with mental health problems, though not all. Further research is required to develop the limited evidence base, particularly quantitative research that would enable comparisons to be made with other interventions.