STARS is a guided, digital chatbot (conversational agent) intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy to support young people in managing their distress. The intervention consists of 10 brief lessons, each taking approximately 20 minutes to complete. During the lessons offered by the chatbot users learn several self-help strategies, including psychoeducation, emotion regulation, behavioral activation,
problem management, thought challenging, and relapse prevention. A ‘toolbox’ provides support files such as stress management audios and short video clips, and information on other sources of MHPSS. In addition to the chatbot, users are offered five weekly calls of approximately 15 minutes by a trained non-specialist
