AnxietyNCT07597967
The Effectiveness of a One-stop Electronic Clinic for Psychological Service (eClinic) in Hong Kong
An observational study of Anxiety and Depression / Major Depressive Disorder, run by New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
With an increasing need for effective and accessible mental health services, telepsychology can be one promising solution to narrowing the gap between demand and supply. Our one-stop electronic clinic of psychological service (eClinic) aims to deliver evidence-based treatments to individuals with moderate to severe… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Anxiety, Depression / Major Depressive Disorder, Common Mental Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Internet-based Unified Protocol (UP) Intervention
- How many people
- 420 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 28 Dec 2022to 31 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 15 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Study population: Individuals aged between 15 and 35 years that are able to speak, read, and write Chinese, and present with moderate to severe depression or anxiety at the time of intake.
Who may be able to join
- Screened eligible for and enrolled in the eClinic service
- Age between 15 and 35 years
- Speak, read, and write Chinese
- Present with moderate to severe depression (i.e., Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) total score ≥ 10) or anxiety (i.e., Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) total score ≥ 8)
Who cannot join
- Present with a history of psychosis in the recent 2 years
- Present with severe risk for self-harm/suicide (i.e., indicated as being at higher risk on the P4 suicidality screener during the service-related screening procedure prior to enrollment in the eClinic service)
- Present with active homicidal ideations (i.e., assessed during the service-related screening procedure prior to enrollment in the eClinic service)
- Demonstrate sub-average intelligence (e.g., based on a history of intellectual disability)
- Concurrently receive other psychological services
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Hong Kong1 site
New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
About this study
With an increasing need for effective and accessible mental health services, telepsychology can be one promising solution to narrowing the gap between demand and supply. Our one-stop electronic clinic of psychological service (eClinic) aims to deliver evidence-based treatments to individuals with moderate to severe emotional disorders of various kinds in Hong Kong. This study examines the cost-effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a hybrid model of telepsychology, in which contact with therapists focuses on facilitating service users' self-learning based on our online interactive modules. Results will shed light on the benefits of telepsychology to promoting access to mental health services in Hong Kong.
- Being tested
- Internet-based Unified Protocol (UP) Intervention
- Medical subject headings
- Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Depressive Disorder, Major
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Internet-based Unified Protocol (UP) InterventionOther
An Electronic Clinic for Psychological Services (eClinic) was developed in Hong Kong to provide evidence-based internet intervention for local Chinese youths/young adults, particularly those with moderate-to-severe emotional problems, e.g., depression and anxiety, via an easily accessible and private, stigma-free online platform. It offered maximum flexibility in terms of time and location for participants to attend the services. The first internet intervention offered from the eClinic was adapted from the UP, a transdiagnostic intervention for emotional problems. Its internet version operated in a hybrid format, comprising essentially scripted modules for self-learning, plus weekly video conferencing sessions with therapists.
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 measures the presence of depressive symptoms in the recent two weeks. The scale measures the nine diagnostic criteria of major depressive disorder on a scale from 0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV). Total score on the PHQ-9 ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating higher distress.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
The GAD-7 assesses Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms in the recent two weeks. It consists of 7 items, each rated on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day. Total score on the GAD-7 ranges from 0 to 21. A higher GAD-7 score indicates more severe impairment related to GAD symptoms.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Secondary outcomes (13)
Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ)
The 15-item BEAQ assesses several domains of experiential avoidance. Items are rated on a 6-point Likert scale of 1 = strong disagree to 6 = strong agree. Total score of the BEAQ ranges from 15 to 90, with a higher score representing greater experiential avoidance.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16)
The DERS-16 assesses level of difficulties with emotion regulation. Each of the 16 items is rated on a 5-point Likert scale of 1 = almost never to 5 = almost always, with a total score ranges from 16 to 80.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest)
The CD-Quest is a self-report measure that contains 15 bi-dimensional items that measure the frequency and intensity of 15 cognitive distortions. For each type of cognitive distortions, participants indicate if it has occurred or not; for any occurrence, individuals rate the frequency and intensity of the cognitive distortion on a 3x3 grid. Therefore, score on each item ranges from 0 = no (it did not occur) to 5 = occurs almost all the time and with an intensity of more than 70%. Total score of the CD-Quest ranges from 0 to 75, with a higher score representing a higher frequency and intensity of cognitive distortions.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI)
The CFI is a self-report measure of cognitive flexibility. 20 items of the CFI are rated on a 7-point Likert scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Total score of the CFI ranges from 20 to 140, with higher scores indicating greater cognitive flexibility.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Gratitude Questionnaire-5 (GQ-5)
The GQ-5 is a self-reported instrument that assesses gratitude. Five items of the GQ-5 are rated on a 7-point Likert scale from 1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree. Total score of the GQ-5 ranges from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating higher level of gratitude.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)
The PSWQ is a 16-item self-report instrument designed to measure the construct of worry. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale that ranges from 1 = not at all typical of me to 5 = very typical of me. Five items are reversely scored to obtain a total score ranges from 16 to 80.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS)
The LSAS assesses fear and avoidance related to social anxiety disorder. The 24-item scale is divided into two broad domains of situations, with 11 items on social anxiety and 13 items on performance fear. Each of the 24 items is rated on a 4-point Likert scale of 0 = none to 3 = severe for anxiety items or usually for avoidance items. The total score of LSAS ranges from 0 to 144.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)
The OCI-R is an 18-item self-report scale for measuring the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale of 0 = not at all to 4 = extremely. The OCI-R total score ranges from 0 to 72, with higher scores indicating a greater likelihood of OCD.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (PCL-5)
The PCL-5 is a self-report measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, based on its diagnostic criteria in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Each of the 20 items is rated on a 5-point Likert scale of 0 = not at all to 4 = extremely. The PCL-5 total score ranges from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater PTSD severity.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
The ISI evaluates the nature, severity, and impact of insomnia. It consists of 7 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 = no problem to 4 = very severe problem, with a total score ranging from 0 to 28. Higher scores on the ISI indicate more severe insomnia.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI)
The SHAI is an 18-item self-report measure that assesses an individual's concern about possibly having health illnesses of different kinds, and the catastrophic thinking about having the illnesses. Total score of the SHAI ranges from 0 to 54, where higher scores indicate greater health anxiety.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS)
The WSAS is a 5-item scale that measures self-report severity of impairment across five domains of functioning. Each item is rated on a 9-point Likert scale of 0 = not at all to 8 = very severely. Total score of the WSAS ranges from 0 to 40, where higher scores indicate greater functional impairment.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
The RSE has 10 items that assess self-esteem, each rated on a 4-point Likert scale of 1 = strongly agree to 4 = strongly disagree. Total score of the RSE ranges from 0 to 30, with lower scores suggesting lower self-esteem.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 May 2026
- Study start28 Dec 2022
- Primary completion31 Oct 2025
- Study completion31 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 420 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07597967
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2022.106
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 8 May 2026
- Last updated
- 20 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effectiveness of a One-stop Electronic Clinic for Psychological Service (eClinic) in Hong Kong
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07597967
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2022.106
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 420 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation AssociationUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
- Study start
- 28 Dec 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
With an increasing need for effective and accessible mental health services, telepsychology can be one promising solution to narrowing the gap between demand and supply. Our one-stop electronic clinic of psychological service (eClinic) aims to deliver evidence-based treatments to individuals with moderate to severe emotional disorders of various kinds in Hong Kong. This study examines the cost-effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a hybrid model of telepsychology, in which contact with therapists focuses on facilitating service users' self-learning based on our online interactive modules. Results will shed light on the benefits of telepsychology to promoting access to mental health services in Hong Kong.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
- Study population
- Individuals aged between 15 and 35 years that are able to speak, read, and write Chinese, and present with moderate to severe depression or anxiety at the time of intake.
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Screened eligible for and enrolled in the eClinic service
- Age between 15 and 35 years
- Speak, read, and write Chinese
- Present with moderate to severe depression (i.e., Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) total score ≥ 10) or anxiety (i.e., Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) total score ≥ 8)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Present with a history of psychosis in the recent 2 years
- Present with severe risk for self-harm/suicide (i.e., indicated as being at higher risk on the P4 suicidality screener during the service-related screening procedure prior to enrollment in the eClinic service)
- Present with active homicidal ideations (i.e., assessed during the service-related screening procedure prior to enrollment in the eClinic service)
- Demonstrate sub-average intelligence (e.g., based on a history of intellectual disability)
- Concurrently receive other psychological services
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Internet-based Unified Protocol (UP) InterventionAn Electronic Clinic for Psychological Services (eClinic) was developed in Hong Kong to provide evidence-based internet intervention for local Chinese youths/young adults, particularly those with moderate-to-severe emotional problems, e.g., depression and anxiety, via an easily accessible and private, stigma-free online platform. It offered maximum flexibility in terms of time and location for participants to attend the services. The first internet intervention offered from the eClinic was adapted from the UP, a transdiagnostic intervention for emotional problems. Its internet version operated in a hybrid format, comprising essentially scripted modules for self-learning, plus weekly video conferencing sessions with therapists. | Other | – |
Primary outcome
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
The PHQ-9 measures the presence of depressive symptoms in the recent two weeks. The scale measures the nine diagnostic criteria of major depressive disorder on a scale from 0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV). Total score on the PHQ-9 ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating higher distress.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
The GAD-7 assesses Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms in the recent two weeks. It consists of 7 items, each rated on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day. Total score on the GAD-7 ranges from 0 to 21. A higher GAD-7 score indicates more severe impairment related to GAD symptoms.
13 secondary outcomes
Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Gratitude Questionnaire-5 (GQ-5)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (PCL-5)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 3- and 12-month follow-up
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Anxiety and Depression / Major Depressive Disorder, run by New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association at 1 site in Hong Kong.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Hong Kong. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (time frame: Baseline (week 0), post-intensive (week 5; after completion of core modules), posttreatment (week 14; completion of the intervention), and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 May 2026.