Against the backdrop of high-quality development in higher education and the fundamental task of “cultivating morality and nurturing talents”, the comprehensive development of college students represents the core objective of talent cultivation in universities. There exists an inherent logic of mutual empowerment between mental health education and student development. Based on the connection between these two elements, this paper analyzes the current dilemmas in college student development, and proposes practical approaches from three dimensions: updating concepts, improving systems, and establishing collaboration. The aim is to strengthen the supporting role of mental health education, promote the coordinated development of students’ physical and mental well-being, and provide practical references for relevant work in higher education institutions.