Background: The Chinese government has issued policies to promote the mental health and overall development of middle school students. However, mental health challenges among students remain significant, drawing widespread attention. Objectives: This research assesses the effectiveness of mental health policies for middle school students in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China, in addressing stakeholders' needs and implementing them efficiently. Methodology: This qualitative study used a goal-free evaluation framework to gather data from 65 participants, including students, teachers, parents, community workers, psychiatrists, social workers, and psychological counsellors, through interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 software. Findings: The study found that while policies have improved students’ mental health and social adaptability, challenges persist, including unequal resource distribution, low parental awareness, insufficient policy promotion, and difficulty tracking students' psychological states. Key influences on mental health include academic pressure, peer relationships, and family environment. A supportive setting built on trust, understanding, and recognition is essential for students’ well-being. Conclusion: The mental health of middle school students is dynamic and requires integrated efforts from schools, families, and society. Strengthening policy coordination and accessibility is critical to fostering sustainable school support systems. Unique Contribution: This study advances the discourse on middle school student mental health in Kunming by shifting the focus from individual or school-based interventions to systemic coordination and proposing a new policy recommendation for collaborative mental health services. Key Recommendations: To establish an integrated mental health support system for middle school students to enhance coordination among government agencies, schools, families, and professionals, which will also facilitate early detection, streamlined referrals, and resource sharing.