Clinical trials · Boston, MA
Depression clinical trials in Boston
We’re tracking 111 recruiting depression studies with a site in or near Boston — including Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Boston
- NCT07220486Recruiting
Depression support program for nursing home residents and their helpers
This study tests a program for nursing facility residents who have symptoms of depression and their care partners. It aims to provide emotional and practical support during a short stay.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06034821Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
ECT vs. ketamine for suicidal depression in adults
This trial compares two treatments—ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, which uses electrical stimulation) and ketamine (a medicine given as a shot)—to see which works better for quickly reducing suicidal depression. It is for adults who are in a severe depressive episode with active suicidal thoughts.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–90 - 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+ - NCT06654414Recruiting
Smoking cessation support for transgender and gender-diverse adults
This study tests a skills-based program to help transgender and gender-diverse adults quit smoking or vaping. The program focuses on managing stress related to identity and health, and may be more supportive than standard quit programs.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07775300RecruitingPhase 3
Study of an injectable drug for major depressive disorder
This study tests an investigational drug called brenipatide for major depressive disorder. It is given as a self-injection and is being compared to a placebo to see if it helps improve depression symptoms in people who are already on standard treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07475845Recruiting
Yoga and therapy for teen depression
This study tests whether adding weekly yoga classes to a standard group therapy program helps teens feel better faster. It is for teenagers aged 12–18 who have mild to moderate depression and are safe to be physically active.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 12–18 - NCT06793397RecruitingPhase 3
Study of an experimental psychedelic-like drug for depression (CYB003)
This study tests an investigational medication (CYB003) for people with major depression whose current antidepressant isn't working well enough. It looks at whether this treatment can help improve depression symptoms.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–85 - NCT05921201Recruiting
RRE program to prevent depression in Chinese American teens
This trial tests an education and skills program (Relax, Reflect, and Empower, or RRE) designed to help prevent depression in Chinese American teens. It may help by teaching coping strategies before symptoms become more serious.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 14–18 - 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+ - 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 - 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 - NCT07065240RecruitingPhase 2
Study of SPT-300 for major depression with or without anxiety
This trial tests an experimental oral medication, SPT-300, for people with major depressive disorder, even if they also have mild anxiety. The goal is to see if it helps improve mood safely.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT04400266RecruitingPhase 4
Buspirone and melatonin for depression after a brain injury
This trial studies whether the medicines buspirone and melatonin can reduce depression symptoms in people who had a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least 3 months ago. It may help if you have ongoing depression after TBI and can safely take study medications and attend regular visits, including MRI scans.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–64 - NCT07699445RecruitingPhase 4
Lumateperone for weight and mood in bipolar depression
This study tests if lumateperone, a medication for bipolar depression, can also help with weight and aging in people with obesity. You may qualify if you have bipolar I depression and a body mass index (BMI) over 30.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT07143357Recruiting
Recovering together: support for cardiac arrest survivors and caregivers
This study tests a mind-body program to help cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers cope with emotional distress after the event. It combines in-person and video sessions to improve well-being together.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT07227454RecruitingPhase 3
Esketamine for teens with severe depression and suicidal thoughts
This trial tests if esketamine (a nasal spray) can quickly reduce symptoms of major depression and suicidal thoughts in teenagers who need urgent hospital care.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 12–17 - 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 - 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+ - NCT07610473RecruitingPhase 2
Testing DT-101 as an add-on for depression
This trial tests if a new medication, DT-101, can help when added to your current depression treatment. It's for adults with recurrent depression who may need extra support.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - 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+ - NCT06786624RecruitingPhase 3
Testing a new drug for depression that hasn't fully responded to treatment
This trial tests a new medication called NBI-1065845 added to your current antidepressant for people with depression that hasn't fully responded to treatment. It aims to see if this combination can better improve your symptoms.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07217561Recruiting
Doula support program to improve mental health before and after birth
This trial tests whether extra training and resources for doulas can help pregnant people and new parents feel better emotionally. Doulas who join will learn new ways to support clients, and participants will get care from a trained doula.
Boston, MassachusettsAges Any age - NCT06830044RecruitingPhase 3
Adding an experimental drug for major depression
This trial tests if adding a new medicine called milsaperidone can help people with major depression who haven't gotten enough relief from their current antidepressant. It aims to see if the combination works better than the antidepressant alone.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65
Hear when a new Depression trial opens near Boston, MA
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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 · 3 studies
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · 3 studies
- Adams Clinical Boston · 2 studies
- Activmed Practices & Research, Llc - Methuen
- Adams Clinical Watertown
- Addison Gilbert Hospital
- Beverly Hospital
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 111 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.