Economic Value of Counseling Services as Perceived by University Students in Japan:A Contingent Valuation Survey

Hajime Sueki

Abstract

Mental health issues in the student population seem to be increasing and have resulted in an increase in the number of counselors. Such increase in student counseling services is observed even in Japan and is an important research topic. However, no study has examined the economic value of these services in the Japanese context. This study aimed to evaluate perceptions of the economic value of student counseling services among university students in Japan. A study using the contingent valuation method was conducted in which 462 university students were included. Data on sex, age, grade, annual household income, and experience of using student counseling services were compiled. The main outcome was based on willingness to pay (WTP) for availing student counseling services. Study participants indicated a median WTP of JPY 2,796 (USD 27.96) per year. Although lifetime experience of using student counseling services had a positive effect on their WTP, factors such as, sex, age, annual household income, and present use of student counseling services had no effect. Previous experience of receiving counseling influences students’ perception of its economic value.This study clarified university students’ perception of the monetary value of student counseling services, and these findings provide information useful to policy makers.