Actively Recruiting
Chinese Internet-delivered Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder in Hong Kong: A Randomised Controlled Noninferiority Trial Comparing Therapist and Coach Guidance
Led by Chinese University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-02-18
110
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a widespread mental health condition causing intense fear and distress in social situations. This research evaluates a Chinese-language internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program for SAD in Hong Kong. The study compares a standard therapist-guided format with a new, more cost-efficient self-help version guided by trained coaches. The goal is to see if the self-help version is not worse than the therapist-guided one and both are better than no treatment. This is a randomized controlled noninferiority trial sponsored by the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The study involves translating an existing English iCBT protocol into Chinese and enrolling about 110 adults with SAD. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: therapist-guided iCBT, coach-guided self-help iCBT, or a waitlist control. The treatments last for 14 weeks, with content delivered online through modules including educational texts, videos, homework, and behavioral experiments. Communication with therapists or coaches occurs via secure messaging and scheduled calls. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires like the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) at the end of treatment and at 3- and 9-month follow-ups to measure social anxiety symptoms. Other assessments include depression, general anxiety, social participation, and social satisfaction scales. The study also evaluates social performance through behavioral tasks. This trial monitors effectiveness, adherence, and safety over approximately 14 weeks of treatment plus follow-up periods to understand the benefits of internet-delivered therapies for SAD.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
CvC-SAD (Clinician vs Coach)Self-help Versions in a RCT
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Meets DSM-5 criteria for generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Considers SAD their main problem
- Age 18 years or older (no upper limit)
- No current psychotropic medication, or stable dose for at least two months without improvement
- Willing to remain on stable medication dose during trial
- Agrees not to start other treatments during the trial
- Chinese resident of Hong Kong
- Proficient in written traditional Chinese and spoken Cantonese
- Has internet access at home
You will not qualify if you...
- Current or past psychosis, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder
- Active suicidality
- Moderate or severe Alcohol Use Disorder or Substance Use Disorder
- Previous CBT for SAD (at least 5 sessions including exposure), including internet-CBT
- Another current emotional problem is the main concern requiring priority treatment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - Approximately 14 weeks
Participants receive internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for Social Anxiety Disorder guided by either a trained therapist or a coach. The treatment includes a series of online modules with educational materials, homework assignments, and regular communication via messaging or calls.
Regular online sessions and communications throughout treatment
Duration - Up to 9 months post-treatment
Participants are followed up to assess treatment outcomes and maintain progress after completing the treatment.
3 follow-up assessments at 1 week, 3 months, and 9 months post-treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Patrick Leung, Prof.
C
Candace Ng
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here