The Effect of Counseling on Depression Among Young Adults in a Public Support Program

Purpose This study examined the effects of individual counseling on depression levels among young adults participating in a public youth support program in South Korea. Method The sample included 11,831 young adults participating in the Youth Activity Support Program. Of these, 528 youths received both the youth allowance and counseling, while 11,303 youths received youth allowance only. Difference-in-Differences analysis was employed to examine the effects of individual counseling. Results While individual counseling was not associated with a reduction in overall depression levels among the full sample, it was associated with a significant decrease in somatic symptoms. Among participants with severe depressive symptoms, counseling was associated with improvements in overall depressive symptoms, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal functioning. Discussion These findings suggest the importance of targeting mental health services to at-risk groups of young adults. Integrating accessible counseling services into youth programs may help address unmet needs in this population.