Internet-based therapy for social anxiety

Evidence-based Internet Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety

Not applicable Interventional Université de Sherbrooke · NCT06403995

This study is testing a new online therapy program for social anxiety to see if it helps people in Canada feel better about their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment252 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversité de Sherbrooke Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Greenfield Park, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06403995 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to adapt and evaluate an internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) program specifically for social anxiety disorder (SAD) within the Canadian context. The study will involve translating the existing Shyness Program into both French and English and assessing its effectiveness in improving SAD symptoms among participants. It will utilize a quasi-experimental design to reflect real-world pathways for accessing the therapy, including both recommended and self-referrals. Focus groups will be conducted to ensure the program is culturally relevant and accessible to diverse Canadian populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who speak and write in French or English and have access to the internet.

Not a fit: Patients with severe depression or other significant psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide accessible and effective treatment options for individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety, indicating a promising approach for this adaptation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥18 years; and
* Speak and write in French or English; and
* Have access to the internet and a digital device; and
* Screen for social anxiety using the 17-item Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) questionnaire (\> 20).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-report severe symptoms of depressions (PHQ-9 score ≥ 23); or
* Thoughts they would be better off dead or hurting themselves on the 9th item of PHQ-9 in the past two weeks or thoughts or wishes to kill themselves on the 9th item of the Beck Depression Inventory-II; or
* A diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or problems related to active substance use or dependence; or
* Current use of benzodiazepines.

Where this trial is running

Greenfield Park, Quebec and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Social AnxietyAnxietySocial anxietyInternet Cognitive behavioural therapyCommunity-based primary health careQuasi-experimental designCanada
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.