Objectives: To identify existing evaluation models of risk factors and protective factors related to mental health; provide an overview of assessment and monitoring models of mental health contemplating the negative and positive aspects. Method: literature review, held in databases: Medline, Lilacs and Pubmed, using the descriptors: Mental Health, Psychometrics, Risk factors and Psychological adaptation, in order to answer the following question << What instruments are there published on the assessment of mental health, in terms of risk factors and protective factors? >> Results: One hundred and nineteen (119) potential studies were selected. Sixty (63) instruments were extracted that met the inclusion criteria, leaving Twenty six (26) instruments available online for free access. Conclusion: The objectives of this extensive survey in making descriptive and evaluation of the characteristics of the assessment instruments were achieved, since many validated studies can be found in the bibliography of guides and descriptions of the instruments mentioned in this article. It is noted that it was not always possible to obtain the original instrument available, which composes a limitation to the study. Thus, caution is recommended when comparing the individual characteristics of the instruments and it is recommended that a specific instrument is designed to assess the mental health of various human groups.