Clinical trials · California
Depression clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 132 recruiting depression studies with a site in California — including Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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.
Glendale, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT06080646Recruiting
Depression and Reward Processing Brain Study
This study uses brain scans (MRI) to understand how people with depression process rewards, aiming to identify different depression subtypes. You may join if you have depression or if you are a healthy volunteer.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT07512284RecruitingPhase 2
Mindfulness and Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
This study combines mindfulness practice with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive brain stimulation technique—to help people with depression that hasn't improved with antidepressant medications. The goal is to see if adding mindfulness to TMS improves how well the treatment works.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07577947Recruiting
Digital tracking to help treat pregnancy and postpartum depression
This study tests whether wearing an Apple Watch and using a smartphone app can help doctors better understand and treat depression during pregnancy and after birth. You'll receive depression treatment through the study while the app and watch track your daily patterns.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06675240Recruiting
Meditative neurofeedback for depression
This trial tests whether a technique that combines meditation with real-time brain activity feedback can help treat depression. It may help if you have moderate depression and are not currently struggling with substance abuse, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or suicidal behavior.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT02434393Recruiting
Studying brain changes in late-life depression and memory decline
This study looks at how thinking and memory change in people with depression later in life, using brain imaging and related assessments. Your past participation and whether your treatments are stable enough around the time of the brain scan may determine whether you can join.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 65 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.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06580041Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Precision treatment for major depression
This trial tests a personalized approach to treating major depressive disorder using assessments and brain imaging to match you with the best therapy. It aims to improve outcomes by tailoring care to your specific needs.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07161700Enrolling by invitationPhase 2
Long-term safety study of SPT-300 for major depression
This study is for people who finished the earlier BUOY-1 study of SPT-300 and want to continue treatment. It tests the long-term safety and tolerability of SPT-300 for major depressive disorder, with or without anxious distress.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–66 - 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.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06678880Recruiting
Sleep and light for mood during menopause
This study tests a program that combines better sleep habits with timed bright light exposure to help improve mood in women going through menopause. It may help reduce the sad or hopeless feelings that often come with this transition.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 45–75 - NCT06091527Recruiting
Yoga as a treatment for major depression
This trial tests whether practicing yoga alone (without medication or therapy) can help treat major depression. You would attend yoga sessions and learn how it affects your mood.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07490782Recruiting
Nutrition study for college students with depression
This trial tests whether changes in diet can help improve mild to moderate depression in college students. If you are currently getting treatment or are open to it, you may be able to join.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06735885Recruiting
Brain training with feedback app for depression
This trial tests whether a smartphone app combined with brain scanning (fMRI) can help people with depression. You will get real-time feedback on your brain activity to learn how to improve your mood.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06753123Recruiting
Wellness program for hospital workers with depression
This study tests a program to help hospital workers with depression feel better and be more active. It includes support via text messages and aims to improve both your mood and your ability to work.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07188623Recruiting
Virtual reality therapy for older adults with depression
This study tests if a virtual reality program can help older adults with depression become more active and feel better. You would use a VR headset at home to practice activities that improve your mood.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT04041479RecruitingPhase 3
Brain-scan guided rTMS for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests whether using brain-related “biomarkers” from your scans to guide rTMS can improve depression that hasn’t responded to at least one antidepressant. It may help by targeting brain circuits linked to depression more precisely.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 22–65 - NCT05194098Recruiting
EEG and brain stimulation study for depression reward symptoms
This study uses non-invasive brain stimulation (like TMS) and EEG brain recordings to measure how the brain’s “reward” system works in people with major depression. It may help researchers understand which stimulation approaches best affect depression-related reward processing.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06938841Recruiting
Maintenance rTMS for depression
This study tests whether ongoing rTMS treatments can help people who already improved after an initial round of rTMS for depression. It aims to keep the benefits going and prevent relapse.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT07172516RecruitingPhase 3
Study of azetukalner vs placebo for bipolar depression
This trial tests whether the study drug azetukalner can help reduce depression symptoms in people with bipolar I or II disorder who are currently having a depressive episode. You would be randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo (inactive pill) to see which works better.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - NCT07217223Recruiting
Home-based brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with depression that hasn't improved with medication. It can be done at home using a special headset and an internet connection.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT06002100Enrolling by invitation
Predicting depression treatment response with brain imaging
This study uses a special headband (TD-fNIRS) that measures brain activity to see if it can predict how well different depression treatments work. You would be starting a new treatment for depression (like ketamine, SPRAVATO, TMS, or antidepressants) and wear the headband before and during treatment.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–75
Depression trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- Stanford University · 4 studies
- ATP Clinical Research · 3 studies
- Inland Psychiatric Medical Group · 3 studies
- NRC Research Institute · 3 studies
- Behavioral Research Specialists, LLC · 2 studies
- Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute · 2 studies
- Seaport Investigator Site · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
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.
Depression trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there depression clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 132 recruiting depression studies with a site in California, 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 in California?
- 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 California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, 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 in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.