Abstract
Mental health promotion among university students has become an important public health priority
in Thailand. University students are at increased risk of mental health problems, while access to
psychological services remains limited due to resource and workforce constraints. Low-Intensity
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (LiCBT) has been recognized as a promising population-based approach
for promoting mental well-being and increasing access to mental health support. This study aimed
to examine both the effectiveness and implementation of LiCBT within the university mental health
promotion system in Thailand.
An Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Study design was employed. The project was conducted in
collaboration with participating universities through the development of Change Agents, training of
LiCBT Helpers, and delivery of a Hybrid Classroom-Based LiCBT Program for university students.
Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to evaluate both effectiveness outcomes and
implementation outcomes.
The findings demonstrated that LiCBT could be successfully implemented within Thai university
settings. The program was acceptable to university administrators, facilitators, and students, feasible
under existing resource constraints, and capable of being integrated into student development and
health promotion systems. Effectiveness outcomes indicated improvements in psychological wellbeing, emotional management skills, and cognitive coping skills among participating students.
Implementation findings highlighted key facilitators of successful implementation, including
leadership support, internal implementation teams, workforce development, and contextual
adaptation of the intervention.
The study generated practical knowledge for the development of a University Mental Health
Promotion Model, a Change Agent and LiCBT Helper Development Model, and a Low-Intensity
Mental Health Care Model suitable for higher education settings in Thailand. The findings provide
important implications for university mental health policy, service development, and the
advancement of preventive mental health systems at the national level.
