Abstract
BACKGROUND: Knowledge acquisition and knowledge update through research remains an important factor to ensure quality and cost-effective care, which is the hallmark of professionalism and evidence-based care. Knowledge is vital in nursing due to the centrality of nursing to health care. More importantly is mental health because mental health is primary to general health, just as nursing is the heartbeat of health care. This makes the issue of mental health care, a necessary service that cannot be overemphasised. The World Health Organisation declares mental health as the essential form of health that needs to be acquired without which all others form of health may not be achieved. Further to this, the global emphasis on care and recovery of lost mental health is on the increase. This, therefore, makes evidence-based mental health care, a necessity and not a choice. 
 
 AIM: To discuss evidence-based nursing, the benefits, challenges and opportunities.
 
 METHODOLOGY: This article adopts the traditional review method to assess the concept of discussion on mental health care, evidence-based practice and professionalism. 
 
 FINDINGS: The term evidence-based care Is gaining recognition in a variety of professions and organisations. The use of evidence in nursing care is influenced by policies, knowledge of time management, availability of human resources, practice autonomy and attitude of professionals. However, the use of evidence-based practice is not debatable. 
 
 CONCLUSION: The use of scientific evidence for validating nursing care is germane. This article exposed the barriers to evidence-based mental health nursing and the way forward. 
Highlights
Evidence-based practice is the pillar of professionalism
Knowledge acquisition and knowledge update through research remains an important factor to ensure quality and cost-effective care, which is the hallmark of professionalism and evidence-based care
More importantly is mental health because mental health is primary to general health, just as nursing is the heartbeat of health care
Summary
Evidence-based practice and research utilisation has achieved a gold standard for effective care and best patients’ outcome (Dang & Dearholt, 2017). This entails using scientific evidence to support all the actions of a professional (Moore, 2017). Professionalism requires continual knowledge update through research utilisation (Doğançay‐Aktuna, & Hardman, 2018). Knowledge acquisition and knowledge update through research remains an important factor to ensure quality and cost-effective care, which is the hallmark of professionalism and evidence-based care. More importantly is mental health because mental health is primary to general health, just as nursing is the heartbeat of health care. This, makes evidence-based mental health care, a necessity and not a choice
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