Clinical trials · Boston, MA
Depression clinical trials in Boston
We’re tracking 107 recruiting depression studies with a site in or near Boston — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Boston
- NCT06094088Recruiting
Yoga and heat study for mood improvement
This study tests whether practicing yoga in a heated room can improve mood in adults with moderate depression. You would attend yoga classes and complete surveys about your mood.
Cambridge, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT06792175Enrolling by invitation
Using speech to detect mental health conditions
This study uses a computer program to listen to your speech and see if it can help detect mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. It may help find new ways to diagnose conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and others earlier.
Brookline, MassachusettsAges 13–60 - NCT06524830RecruitingPhase 2
Testing VLS-01 film for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests an experimental film placed inside the cheek (VLS-01) against a placebo to see if it helps people whose depression hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. If you have tried at least two antidepressants without success, this study may be an option for you.
Watertown, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT07300969RecruitingPhase 2
Testing DT-101 for adults with depression
This trial tests a new medicine called DT-101 to see if it helps people with depression. It is for adults who have had more than one depressive episode in their life.
Watertown, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07284667RecruitingPhase 2
A new medicine for depression that hasn't improved with other treatments
This trial tests a new medicine called ACP-211 in adults with major depression who have not gotten enough relief from at least two previous antidepressants. The goal is to see if it can help when other treatments have not worked well.
Watertown, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05457465RecruitingPhase 2
Cannabidiol study for anxiety and depression in bipolar disorder
This Phase 2 study tests whether cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. It may help if your mood symptoms are persistent and you’re already on stable bipolar medications.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05232032RecruitingPhase 2
Brain scan and medication study for avoiding versus approaching
This Phase 2 study looks at how a medication affects brain activity and real-life mood or anxiety behaviors. It includes people with major depression or several anxiety disorders and also healthy volunteers, using questionnaires, a smartphone, and brain imaging.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–45 - NCT05837104RecruitingPhase 2
Magnesium and vitamin B6 for early bipolar depression
This Phase 2 trial tests whether magnesium plus vitamin B6 can reduce depressive symptoms in people who are newly diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. It also checks for safety over a short, 4-week treatment period.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–50 - NCT04788524Recruiting
Brain and stress study in depressed teens with control feelings
This study uses brain scans and short real-life mood/stress check-ins to understand how stress and perceived control work in teens with depression. It may help researchers better pinpoint brain patterns linked to depression and how teens experience control during stressful moments.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 14–18 - NCT05630963Recruiting
Study sleep-like brain signaling in major depression
This trial looks at how a specific brain receptor related to pain signals (nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor) may be involved in depression. It may help researchers understand depression better by comparing people with current versus past (remitted) major depression.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–45 - NCT07560878RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Brain Stimulation and Medication Study for Depression
This early-stage study tests a type of magnetic brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation combined with study medications to help treat moderate to severe depression. Researchers want to understand how this combination affects brain communication and may help reduce depressive symptoms.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06816329Recruiting
Stress and depression risk study for teenage girls
This study looks at how stress affects teenage girls who may be at higher risk for depression due to a parent's history. It involves MRI scans and daily surveys on a cell phone.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 13–15 - NCT06876129RecruitingPhase 1
Adding D-serine to TMS for depression
This trial tests whether adding a medication called D-serine to a brain stimulation treatment (TMS) helps improve depression. It’s for adults with major depression who are already getting TMS therapy.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–80 - NCT04713722Recruiting
Study of early stress and depression using brain imaging
This study looks at how early life stress may be linked to depression, using brain scans. You’ll be asked about your history and asked to do brain imaging to help researchers understand these brain and mood changes.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 20–32 - NCT07195721Recruiting
How special contact lenses affect mental health
This study looks at whether PROSE or scleral lenses can improve mental health in people with certain eye surface conditions. It may be a good fit if you have a dry eye or related disease and are considering these lenses.
Needham, MassachusettsAges Any age - NCT07413705Recruiting
Devices for depression and sexual health in menopause
This study tests two devices (BTL-699-2 and HPM-6000UF) to see if they can improve depression symptoms and sexual function in women going through menopause or perimenopause. It may help with mood and intimacy during this life stage.
Wellesley, MassachusettsAges 40 years+ - NCT07036757Recruiting
Healthy meal kits for better health
This study provides free healthy meal kits to adults with overweight and health concerns to see if they can improve blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight. It is for people 40 and older with low income who live in the Greater Lowell area.
Lowell, MassachusettsAges 40 years+ - NCT07621237RecruitingPhase 2
TNX-102 SL for Major Depressive Disorder
This study tests whether a new medication called TNX-102 SL can reduce depression symptoms better than a placebo (inactive pill). You'll take the medication daily and have regular check-ins to see how you're doing.
Methuen, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05850689RecruitingPhase 3
Lumateperone add-on for major depression that didn’t improve
This study tests whether adding lumateperone to an antidepressant helps adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who haven’t improved enough after trying at least two different antidepressants. It may help reduce depressive symptoms more than antidepressants alone.
Methuen, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT06790641Recruiting
Supporting mental health during and after pregnancy
This study aims to improve mental health care for people during and after pregnancy. It involves interviews or focus groups with healthcare providers, peer mentors, and patients to understand how to make support services more helpful and accessible.
Shrewsbury, MassachusettsAges 18–70 - NCT07047820Recruiting
Studying zuranolone for postpartum depression after pregnancy
This study looks at how the medicine zuranolone (taken for postpartum depression) works in real life for people who got a prescription within a year after their pregnancy ended. Researchers want to see if symptoms improve and how participants feel while taking it.
Woonsocket, Rhode IslandAges 18 years+ - NCT06898593Recruiting
Including patient goals in collaborative care
This trial looks at ways to better include your personal goals and concerns in your care if you're already in the Collaborative Care Model at Dartmouth Health. It aims to make your treatment more focused on what matters to you.
Nashua, New HampshireAges 18–100 - NCT07553637RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-207 for Adults With Hard-to-Treat Depression
This study tests whether a new medication called ALTO-207 can help people with depression that hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. You may qualify if you've tried multiple antidepressants without enough relief and are willing to add this experimental treatment to your current medication.
Worcester, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07359157Recruiting
Support program for WRCH patients with legal history
This study offers a group program at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) aimed at helping people who have been involved with the legal system. It is designed for current patients at WRCH who are at least 18 years old and comfortable speaking English.
Worcester, 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.
- McLean Hospital · 9 studies
- ActivMed Practices and Research · 2 studies
- Adams Clinical · 2 studies
- Aesthetic + Mind MD
- BostonSight
- Breathe Yoga Studio
- CVS Health
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Nashua Family Practice
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.