Objective To explore the effects of a perceived control intervention program for patients with first-episode ischemic stroke. Methods A perceived control intervention program for patients with first- episode ischemic stroke was developed based on literature review, qualitative interviews, the Two-Process Theory of Perceived Control, and the Theory of Cognitive Adaptation.A total of 78 hospitalized patients were randomly assigned by ward using a lottery method to either a control group or an intervention group, with 39 in each group.The control group received routine health education, while the intervention group additionally received a 7-session perceived control intervention program.The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Stroke Self-management Behavior Questionnaire, and the Stroke Symptom Experience Scale were used to evaluate the effects before and immediately after the intervention. Results Thirty-seven patients in each group completed the study.After the intervention, the scores for the internal health locus of control and the powerful others health locus of control were significantly higher, where the score for the chance health locus of control was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (all P＜0.05).The self-management behavior score was significantly higher, whereas the symptom burden score was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (both P＜0.05). Conclusion The implementation of the perceived control intervention program can improve the level of perceived control, enhance self-management behaviors, and reduce symptom burden in patients with first-episode ischemic stroke.