Internet-based CBT for anxiety and depression in Singapore

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability of internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) for anxiety and/or depression in primary care and community settings in Singapore. Sixty-nine? participants will be recruited and randomized to receive either iCBT or usual care, with assessments conducted online and through local service providers. The study combines quantitative outcomes on symptom change with qualitative insights from service providers to understand implementation and user experience. The iCBT program is developed by MOHT and delivered via a mobile application, including interactive modules, exercises, and therapist support, tested before broader rollout. Evaluations will be performed by researchers at the National University of Singapore, with collaboration from MOHT, AIC, and COMIT providers.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

1. Quantitative Study - Patients

   Inclusion Criteria:
   * Age ≥21 years
   * Tier 2 - 3 depression and/or anxiety based on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores

     * PHQ-9 score of 5 to 19
     * GAD-7 score of 5 to 14
   * Able to provide informed consent

   Exclusion Criteria:
   * Unable to read or understand English (Primary 6 level)
   * Unable to use the internet (e.g. due to lack of internet access or insufficient digital literacy)
   * Does not possess a mobile device or is not able to access the iCBT application
   * Actively experiencing psychosis
   * Suspected with personality disorder
   * Primary concern is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
   * Tier 4 patients with severe depression or anxiety

     * PHQ-9 score of 20 and above
     * GAD-7 score of 15 and above
   * Any suicidal risk or ideation

     * PHQ-9 Question 9 score of more than 2
2. Qualitative Study - Service Providers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Are currently or previously have been involved in the delivery, supervision, or implementation of the iCBT programme
* Have had direct experience supporting patients enrolled in the study
* Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have no direct involvement in the iCBT programme; or
* Have had insufficient exposure to the programme, defined as managing fewer than one referred case or less than one month of involvement at the time of recruitment.
* Conflict of interest or Supervisory Hierarchy Concerns - Individuals whose participation may create perceived coercion or introduce bias
* Inability to provide informed consent

Where it's running

• [Viriya] Mental Wellness Hub
  Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
• [Allkin] Integrated Service Centre @ Sengkang 193
  Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
• [Fei Yue] Family Service Centre (Choa Chu Kang)
  Singapore, Singapore Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gerald C.H. Koh, MBBS, FCFP, PhD — Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore
• Study coordinator: Alvin K.Y. Neo, MBBS (Honours), MRCP (UK)
• Email: alvin.neo@moht.com.sg
• Phone: 6597569541

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.