Clinical trials · Boston, MA
Depression clinical trials in Boston
We’re tracking 107 recruiting depression studies with a site in or near Boston — including Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Boston
- NCT07762066Recruiting
Peer support to reduce loneliness and depression in older gay and bisexual men with HIV
This study tests whether meeting with a trained peer supporter can help reduce loneliness and depression in older gay and bisexual men living with HIV. You will be paired with someone who has similar experiences, and together you'll work on building connections and improving your mood.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 50 years+ - NCT07250061Recruiting
Self-help PTSD program for women veterans
This study tests a self-guided program to help women veterans with PTSD. You would work through coping skills on your own, with support from a group of other women veterans.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07076407RecruitingPhase 3
Testing a new antidepressant pill for depression
This study tests an experimental oral pill called azetukalner against a placebo to see if it safely reduces symptoms of major depressive disorder. It is for adults who are currently in a depressive episode lasting 6 weeks to 2 years and have not already tried multiple antidepressants that failed.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - NCT06748222RecruitingPhase 3
Online mindfulness program for breast cancer survivors
This trial tests a 6-week online mindfulness program to help breast cancer survivors manage mild to moderate depression. You may qualify if you finished active treatment within the last 5 years and can use a digital device.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–50 - NCT06633016RecruitingPhase 2
ABX-002 for major depression (add-on treatment)
This trial tests a new medication called ABX-002 as an add-on to your current antidepressant. It's for people with moderate to severe depression who haven't gotten enough help from their current antidepressant alone.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT06968390Recruiting
Faster TMS for depression during pregnancy or after childbirth
This trial tests a faster form of TMS (brain stimulation) for people with depression who are pregnant (14-34 weeks) or within one year of giving birth. It aims to see if the treatment is safe and well-tolerated.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–55 - NCT07230990Recruiting
Brain Stimulation Study for Depression
This study uses a special type of brain stimulation (rTMS, which uses magnetic pulses) to treat depression. It focuses on part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex and aims to understand how stimulating it helps improve mood.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05806112Enrolling by invitation
Improve staff well-being programs for residential care workers
This trial tests whether specific programs can reduce burnout and improve resiliency (coping strength) among staff who work in behavioral health group homes. It may help workers feel better and handle stressful work days.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT03276793Recruiting
Brain connectivity study in people with depression
This study looks at brain “connectivity” (how different brain areas talk to each other) in people with depression. You may be able to join if you are already getting once-daily TMS to a specific brain area at Brigham and Women’s or Massachusetts General, and you can safely complete MRI scans.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06966401RecruitingPhase 3
Long-term safety study of a new depression treatment
This study tests a new oral medication (NBI-1065845) added to your current antidepressant to see if it's safe and tolerable over a long period for people with depression that hasn't fully responded to treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05567640Recruiting
Smart digital mental health support
This study tests a digital mental health program that uses smart technology to personalize your experience and keep you engaged. If you join, you may get a more tailored approach to improving your mental well-being.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05962879Recruiting
Program for teens with early psychosis-like experiences
This trial tests a new mental health program for teenagers who are having at least one psychosis-like experience and may be at risk for serious mental illness. It may help by offering structured support for both teens and their parents.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 14–19 - NCT06559306RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for depression with insomnia symptoms
This trial tests if adding seltorexant to your current antidepressant can improve depression and sleep problems. It is for people with major depressive disorder who still have symptoms, especially insomnia, despite trying at least one antidepressant.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - NCT05897021Recruiting
Writing exercises to ease stress for sexual minority veterans
This study tests whether guided “expressive writing” helps reduce distress linked to sexuality-based stress. It targets veterans who have meaningful anxiety or depression symptoms and ongoing stress related to their sexual identity.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06812247Recruiting
Therapy dog visits for hospitalized trauma patients
This study looks at whether visits from therapy dogs can help people who are in the hospital after a traumatic injury feel better. You must be able to talk to the research team and not be afraid of dogs.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07412756RecruitingPhase 3
Brenipatide for major depressive disorder
This trial tests a new medication, Brenipatide, to see if it helps people with major depression who are already on a stable treatment. You would need to inject the study drug yourself and complete questionnaires.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT03887715RecruitingTeam says not enrolling
VNS device for long-term depression that hasn’t improved
This trial studies whether a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device can reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Participants either receive the VNS treatment or a no-stimulation control, to compare safety and effectiveness.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06911112RecruitingPhase 3
A new pill for depression when current treatment isn't working well enough
This trial tests an investigational medication (NBI-1065845) added to your current antidepressant to see if it can improve depressive symptoms. It is for people with moderate to severe depression who have not fully responded to their current antidepressant.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06922110Enrolling by invitationPhase 3
Long-term study of azetukalner for depression
This study is for people who already completed a previous trial of azetukalner for major depressive disorder. It tests the long-term safety and effects of continuing the medication.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07211217Recruiting
Time-restricted eating for bipolar depression
This study tests if eating only during a specific daily window can help with weight loss and mood in people with bipolar disorder who are currently depressed and overweight.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05393622Recruiting
Brain stimulation trial for severe, treatment-resistant depression
This study tests an implanted form of brain stimulation for people with severe depression that has not improved with multiple medication trials. If you qualify, you would have brain scans and surgery planning, then follow a treatment-and-safety plan for several months.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 21–80 - NCT05674357Recruiting
Training therapists to help people with cancer distress
This trial trains therapists in evidence-based treatments to reduce distress related to cancer and cancer care. You may be able to join if you’re being treated or followed at MGH Cancer Center and your distress level is high.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05624931Recruiting
Helping pregnant women stay on PrEP after starting it
This study tries to reduce the psychological barriers that make it hard for pregnant or postpartum women to keep taking PrEP. It may help by offering support tailored to stress, trauma symptoms, or depression—especially soon after PrEP is started.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 15 years+ - NCT06605105Enrolling by invitationPhase 3
Long-term extension trial of CYB003 for depression
This long-term study is for people who already completed an earlier trial of the experimental drug CYB003 for major depression and who stayed on their regular antidepressant. It looks at the safety and effects of taking CYB003 again over many months.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–85
Hear when a new Depression trial opens near Boston, MA
We’ll email you when one opens near Boston, MA — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Depression trials in other cities
Where these studies are running near Boston
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 7 studies
- Adams Clinical · 5 studies
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · 2 studies
- Boston Clinical Trials · 2 studies
- Brigham and Women's Hospital · 2 studies
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Vitalix Clinical · 2 studies
- ActivMed Practices and Research
What taking part in a depression study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Looking wider? See all recruiting depression studies in Massachusetts.
Common questions
- Are there depression clinical trials near Boston?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 107 recruiting depression studies with a site near Boston, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a depression study near Boston?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in Boston to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site near Boston, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a depression trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New depression studies open near Boston regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.