The key stakeholders’ opinions regarding university counseling centers: An experience from Iran

BACKGROUND: Student counseling centers are responsible for physical, mental and social health of university students. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the key stakeholders’ opinions on different aspects of the activities performed in these centers. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus group discussion. Key stakeholders including university students and key informants from nine randomly selected medical universities participated in the study. After data saturation, thematic analysis was conducted. Themes were drawn out through constant comparative method. RESULTS: Based on 243 extracted codes and through comparative analysis, four categories were determined, namely students’ need for students counseling centers, successes and limitations of student counseling centers, student counseling services priorities, and suggestions for service promotion. CONCLUSIONS: According to stakeholders’ opinions, youth participation in needs assessment and priority setting processes in real-based situations leads to better performance of counseling services. Empowering the counselors is another point required for better outcomes. In addition, strategic planning and monitoring, along with evaluation of programs, could promote the provided services.