The transition from the intensive care unit (ICU) to home is a critical period for survivors of severe illness, often marked by significant psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aims to systematically identify and categorize the psychological challenges faced by ICU survivor’s post-discharge. A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework, analyzing studies published between 2010 and 2025 from nine databases following PRISMA-ScR checklist. Inclusion criteria focused on adult ICU survivors who sought psychological support within six months post-discharge. Fourteen studies were included, revealing significant challenges in organizational, familial, and patient-specific domains. Key findings indicated limited access to mental health services, altered family dynamics, and persistent feelings of isolation among survivors. The review highlights the need for integrated mental health support and standardized follow-up protocols to address psychological concerns effectively. Existing interventions show promise but require further refinement to enhance their effectiveness. Addressing the psychological challenges faced by ICU survivors is crucial for facilitating their reintegration into daily life. Healthcare systems must adopt comprehensive strategies to improve mental health outcomes and support long-term recovery. What is already known about this topic:ICU survivors often experience persistent psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can last months or years after discharge.The transition from ICU to home is a vulnerable period marked by emotional distress, social isolation, and challenges in reintegration into daily life.Current post-ICU care strategies and interventions, including follow-up clinics and psychological support, show mixed results, with no definitive approach established as universally effective. ICU survivors often experience persistent psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can last months or years after discharge. The transition from ICU to home is a vulnerable period marked by emotional distress, social isolation, and challenges in reintegration into daily life. Current post-ICU care strategies and interventions, including follow-up clinics and psychological support, show mixed results, with no definitive approach established as universally effective. What this topic adds:A comprehensive synthesis of recent evidence highlights significant organizational, family, and patient-specific challenges that hinder effective psychological recovery post-ICU.The review identifies key gaps in access to mental health services, inconsistent follow-up protocols, and the importance of tailored, multidisciplinary interventions to improve long-term psychological outcomes.It emphasizes the need for integrated, standardized approaches—including family education, peer support, and early psychological interventions—to enhance recovery and quality of life for ICU survivors. A comprehensive synthesis of recent evidence highlights significant organizational, family, and patient-specific challenges that hinder effective psychological recovery post-ICU. The review identifies key gaps in access to mental health services, inconsistent follow-up protocols, and the importance of tailored, multidisciplinary interventions to improve long-term psychological outcomes. It emphasizes the need for integrated, standardized approaches—including family education, peer support, and early psychological interventions—to enhance recovery and quality of life for ICU survivors.