Objective To improve mental health and quality of life of nurses in intensive care units. Methods A total of 119 ICU nurses with mental disorders received grading psychological interventions based on employee assistance program (EAP). The effect was evaluated after 3 months of intervention. Results After the intervention, the total score of the Symptom Checklist-90 was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and 71 nurses (59.66%) recovered. The subscale scores of general health, role limitations due to personal or emotional problems, energy/fatigue, social functioning and emotional well-being of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were significantly enhanced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion The delivery of psychological interventions based on EAP can effectively improve mental health and quality of life of ICU nurses.