We provide a narrative review of the extensive evidence that supports the efficacy and effectiveness of psychological treatments, across the life span, for common mental health disorders. To this end, relying primarily on meta-analytic studies, we examine the effects of psychological treatments for depression, bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Based upon data from hundreds of studies and thousands of participants, there is substantial evidence for both the efficacy and effectiveness of specific forms of psychological intervention for these disorders. Moreover, for most disorders, the clinical impact of specific forms of psychological treatment has been found to be at least equal to that of medication. Accordingly, the research evidence strongly supports the use of a number of specific psychological treatments, most of which are cognitive-behavioural treatments, as first-line interventions for these commonly occurring mental disorders among youth, adults, and older adults.