A randomized controlled trial of an app-based cognitive behavioral therapy for international students

This study evaluated the effectiveness and usability of an app-based CBT program for international students in South Korea. Mind Booster Green, originally developed for Korean college students, was translated and modified for international students. In a randomized controlled trial, 43 eligible participants were assigned to either the intervention group ( n = 23) or waitlist control group ( n = 20), with online assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to complete the CBT sessions independently over 30 days, with adherence monitoring and technical support but no therapeutic guidance, while the waitlist control group maintained their usual routines without access to the intervention. Of the randomized participants, 19 of 23 (82.61%) in the intervention group and all 20 (100%) in the waitlist control group completed assessments at all three time points. Depressive symptoms were specified as the primary outcome, and college life adaptation, negative automatic thoughts, and positive automatic thoughts were examined as secondary outcomes. Generalized estimating equations indicated significant Group × Time interactions for depressive symptoms and negative automatic thoughts, with greater reductions in the intervention group. No significant interactions were found for college life adaptation or positive automatic thoughts. These findings suggest that app-based CBT may provide a feasible approach to delivering evidence-based treatment for depressive symptoms among international students in South Korea.