The present study aims to explore the characteristics of acupoint selection by acupuncture for clinically treating depression.Methods:All relevant literature on acupuncture for clinically treating depression was retrieved from China national knowledge infrastructure(CNKI)，China science periodical database(CSPD)，Chinese citation database(CCD)，Chinese biomedical literature database(CBM)，PubMed，Cochrane Library，and Embase from their establishment to December 31，2020.The literature that met the inclusion criteria was included in the Excel database and analyzed by SPSS Statistics 20 software.Results:The frequency of acupoint selection by acupuncture for clinically treating depression from low to high was Baihui，Taichong，and Yintang.The meridian of acupoints is mainly concentrated in the governor vessel，the foot greater yang bladder channel，and the foot reverting yin liver channel.The most commonly used specific acupoints are five transport points，source points，and crossing points in turn.The frequency of syndromes from high to low is liver stagnation syndrome，syndrome of deficiency of both heart and spleen，and liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome.The prescription involves multiple acupoint compatibility，and the compatibility method emphasizes far and near acupoints.Simple filiform needle acupuncture is the most important method，followed by simple electroacupuncture.Conclusion:The acupoint selection by acupuncture for treating depression focuses on Baihui，Taichong，and Yintang，and multiple acupoint compatibility involving far and near acupoints is the main method.Acupuncture in the governor vessel，back transport point of the bladder channel，and source point of the liver channel is recommended，which can provide a basis for the clinical treatment of depression.