Misperceived effectiveness and the demand for psychotherapy

Christopher Roth, Peter Schwardmann and Egon Tripodi

Journal of Public Economics, 2024, vol. 240, issue C

Abstract: While psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating depression, take-up remains low. In a sample of 1843 depressed individuals, we document that effectiveness concerns are top of mind when respondents consider the value of therapy. We then show that the average respondent underestimates the effectiveness of therapy. An information treatment correcting this misperception increases participants’ incentivized willingness to pay for a $320 therapy from $166 to $176. Our evidence suggests that while information can influence therapy demand by altering beliefs and shifting attention, it may not significantly increase demand unless substantial subsidies are provided.

Keywords: Mental health; Depression; Psychotherapy; Beliefs; Effectiveness; Information policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Working Paper: Misperceived Effectiveness and the Demand for Psychotherapy (2024)
Working Paper: Misperceived Effectiveness and the Demand for Psychotherapy (2024)
Working Paper: Misperceived Effectiveness and the Demand for Psychotherapy (2024)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:240:y:2024:i:c:s0047272724001907

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105254

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