Choice preferences for mental health services among young adults in China: A discrete choice experiment

Despite experiencing a range of mental health problems, young adults in China are reluctant to seek professional help. Aligning resource allocation with young adults’ preferences is crucial to address the low utilization rate of mental health services. However, limited academic research exists on eliciting young adults’ preferred characteristics of mental health services in China. This article examines preferences for initial mental health care among young adults experiencing mild psychiatric symptoms using discrete choice experiments. Young adults aged 18 to 24 living in Beijing (N = 2,000) and Shenzhen (N = 2,000) were recruited using quota sampling and weighted according to the 2020 China Population Census. Mixed-logit models with interactions between attributes and demographic variables were estimated. Findings indicate a general preference for non-private services that offer cost-effective alternative treatments. However, preferences for mental health care varied significantly according to city of residence, types of insurance, and self-reported psychological distress status. Notably, Shenzhen respondents, uninsured and underinsured individuals, and those with moderate psychological distress exhibited a stronger preference for private-sector services over public facilities. These findings suggest that fine-tuned services tailored to the preferences of young adults from diverse backgrounds can encourage the potential utilization of mental health care services. It is essential to offer cost-effective, accessible mental healthcare services and to promote family support for young adults experiencing psychological distress.