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 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Boston
- NCT06599099Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for depression that hasn't responded to other treatments
This trial tests if deep brain stimulation (a surgical implant that sends gentle electrical pulses to a specific area of the brain) can help people with bipolar I disorder who are currently in a severe depressive episode and have not found relief from multiple treatments.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22–64 - NCT07143357Recruiting
Mind-body recovery program for cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers
This trial tests a mind-body program to help cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers recover together after a cardiac arrest. It combines in-person and video sessions to reduce emotional distress and improve wellbeing.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06878859Recruiting
Online program for depression and cannabis use
This study tests a digital (online) program designed to help people who struggle with both depression and cannabis use. If you're feeling down and also using cannabis more than you'd like, this program might help you manage both.
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+ - NCT06775379RecruitingPhase 3
Azetukalner vs. placebo for major depression
This trial tests an investigational medication called Azetukalner against a placebo to see if it helps reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder. You may qualify if you are currently in a depressive episode that started in adulthood and have not tried or failed only a few antidepressants.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - NCT06576076Recruiting
Cannabis, emotions, and risk study for teens
This study explores how daily cannabis use affects emotions and risk behaviors in teenagers. You'll answer quick surveys on your phone and wear a Fitbit for up to 3 months.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 12–18 - 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+ - 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 - NCT07091032Recruiting
Building connections for better health
This study tests if helping people address obesity, cancer screenings, or mental health struggles can improve their overall health. You may qualify if you have obesity, are behind on colon or cervical cancer screening, or have depression or anxiety.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT05570812RecruitingPhase 2
Pregnenolone to improve depressed mood in people with HIV
This Phase 2 trial tests a brain-acting steroid called pregnenolone to help reduce depressed mood. It studies whether it can improve mood in adults with HIV who are already on HIV treatment and still have depression symptoms.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–85 - NCT07573176RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for Depression in Adults and Older Adults
This study tests a new medication called seltorexant as a standalone treatment for major depression. The trial is for adults and older adults who have depression that hasn't improved with other antidepressants or who haven't tried them yet.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - NCT07655232Recruiting
Behavioral program for depression in nursing homes
This study tests a behavioral program designed to help skilled nursing facility residents with depression. The program aims to improve mood and quality of life.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07563868Recruiting
Coaching to help ketamine therapy for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether adding coaching sessions can help people who are already getting ketamine or esketamine treatment for depression that hasn't responded to other medications. You'd receive weekly coaching calls designed to support your recovery while you continue your regular ketamine clinic visits.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05573074Recruiting
Light treatment trial for brain blood flow in depression
This study tests whether shining near-infrared light through the head can change brain blood flow and reduce depression symptoms. If you have major depression, you may be offered a non-drug, device-based approach to see how well it helps.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT07082998Recruiting
Heated yoga vs. sauna for depression
This study compares heated yoga with sauna sessions to see which helps reduce depression. You'll also use a mindfulness app. Both treatments are meant to boost mood and well-being.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT06976697Recruiting
Home-based tDCS for major depression
This trial tests a home-use device that sends a small electrical current to the brain to treat major depression. It may be a good option if you are already on antidepressant medication and have a smartphone.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22–70 - NCT07592689RecruitingPhase 3
DT120 Treatment for Major Depression
This study tests whether a new medication called DT120 can help people with moderate-to-severe depression feel better. You'd take the medication for several weeks while doctors track your mood and symptoms.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - NCT06547489RecruitingPhase 2
Testing zelquistinel for major depression
This study tests whether zelquistinel, an investigational drug, can reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder (a type of clinical depression). It is for people who are currently experiencing a moderate to severe depressive episode and are not taking other antidepressants.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–64 - NCT07032363Recruiting
Depression and HIV treatment support study
This study tests a program that helps people with HIV manage depression and stick to their treatment. It's for adults in Cape Town, South Africa, who have a detectable HIV viral load or may have one, and who show signs of depression.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06557005Recruiting
Helping new mothers with chronic conditions get primary care
This study helps new mothers with chronic health conditions transition smoothly from pregnancy care to regular primary care. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, severe obesity, depression, or anxiety, you may be able to join a program that coordinates your care after childbirth.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07048574Recruiting
Mood and behavior in children with cystic fibrosis
This study looks at mood and behavior in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) under 12. By following children over time, researchers hope to better understand and help with depression, anxiety, and behavior challenges that may come up.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 1.5 years–11 years - NCT06247839RecruitingPhase 3
Psilocybin for depression: changing self-focus
This trial tests whether a single dose of psilocybin can help people with treatment-resistant depression by changing how they focus on themselves. It aims to understand how psilocybin affects brain activity and self-related thinking.
Charlestown, MassachusettsAges 18–55 - NCT06597695RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Ketamine group therapy for Spanish-speaking adults with depression
This trial tests whether ketamine-assisted group therapy can help Spanish-speaking Latinx adults with major depression. You would receive ketamine in a supportive group setting, with the goal of improving your mood and quality of life.
Chelsea, MassachusettsAges 18–64 - NCT07398469Recruiting
Long-term study of zuranolone for postpartum depression symptoms
This study checks how people with postpartum depression feel over time after starting zuranolone. It uses simple questionnaires to track changes in symptoms.
Cambridge, MassachusettsAges 18 years+
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 · 14 studies
- Adams Clinical · 2 studies
- Boston Clinical Trials · 2 studies
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
- Biogen
- Brown University
- Curavit Clinical Research (virtual study site)
- Harvard Medical School
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.