Young, Kim-Wan DanielKim-Wan DanielYoungCarlbring, PerPerCarlbringProf. NG Yat-nam, PetrusPetrusProf. NG Yat-namTam, Hau Lin CherryHau Lin CherryTamYeung, Wai-keung JerfWai-keung JerfYeung2025-05-302025-05-302025Research on Social Work Practice, 2025.1049-73151552-7581http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/10983Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for people with mental health problems. Methods: Participants (n = 57) recruited from collaborating mental health and counseling centers in Hong Kong and Shenzhen were randomly assigned to a control group receiving standardized educational information about COVID-19 or an intervention group receiving the guided iCBT with eight online self-study modules and weekly telephone counseling by a social worker and a counselor in addition to the standardized educational information. Results: A dropout rate of 27.58% was recorded in the intervention group. The results of the 2 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measures analysis of variance with modified intention-to-treat analysis showed that the intervention group had a significantly greater reduction in perceived stress compared to the control group. Conclusion: The study results support the effectiveness of guided iCBT in reducing perceived stress.enPeer Reviewed Journal Article10.1177/10497315251342971