Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in adverse psychological outcomes for many people in the general public globally. Aim: This paper discusses the development and initial feasibility testing of a novel manualised online group cognitive behavioural therapy intervention targeting the maintenance factors of COVID-19-related anxiety and depression. The paper is in two sections describing: (i) the development of the intervention and (ii) a pilot study examined initial acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. Methods: Section 1 used the Six Steps in Quality Intervention Development methodology to systematically develop the intervention. Section 2 used a mixed-method design to assess feasibility and acceptability. The quantitative assessment examined uptake, completion, and pre–post intervention changes in psychological distress (N=8). A thematic analysis of qualitative interviews measured subjective acceptability. Results: A theoretically coherent, novel intervention that did not replicate existing treatment designs was developed. Low levels of engagement in online data-gathering did not allow for an assessment of effectiveness. However, there was a high level of participant retention, and qualitative data highlighted a high level of treatment appropriateness, positive post-intervention change and acceptability for those who took part. Conclusion: This initial feasibility study indicated that the intervention was feasible and acceptable and warranted further investigation.

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2020 saw the world affected by an unprecedented pandemic. Alongside the healthrisks, the COVID-19 pandemic has created mental health difficulties for a largenumber of people. Many people are feeling anxious or depressed, in ways that they might never have before.This eight module Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook is designed to support those who are struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression because of the COVID-19 crisis. This workbook has been created to provide psycho-education and self-help techniques to manage COVID-19 related distress.The workbook includes a variety of cognitive and behavioural strategies including;mindfulness exercises, gradual exposure to feared situations, physical coping skills, reducing unhelpful behaviours that contribute to anxiety (e.g. avoidance), reducing worry, maintaining identity and testing out beliefs about COVID-19.It is recommended that this workbook can be completed by anyone who is over the age of eighteen. The Coping During COVID-19 Workbook doesn’t replace formal psychological or medical support but may be an additional resource.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in adverse psychological outcomes world-wide. This paper discusses the development of a manualised online group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intervention in a secondary care setting targeting the maintenance factors of COVID-19 related distress. Method: This paper details (i) the development of the intervention using the six steps in quality intervention development (6SQuID; Wight, Wimbush, Jepson & Doi, 2016) methodology (ii) a mixed-method feasibility study exploring a manualised online group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intervention targeting the maintenance factors of COVID-19 related distress.Results: Using the 6SQuID methodology, a theoretical coherent, novel intervention, which did not replicate existing treatment designs, was developed. In relation to feasibility, engagement with this remote group program was poor. There were low levels of engagement in online data-gathering, making it difficult to ascertain indicators of effectiveness. In relation to acceptability, retention rates of participants were high. Participants described a high level of treatment appropriateness and positive post-intervention change.Conclusion: A theoretically coherent manualised treatment was developed. It did not meet initial assessments of feasibility, though it did meet qualitative and quantitative measures of acceptability.