Clinical trials · California
Depression clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 126 recruiting depression studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT07716098RecruitingPhase 3
Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests esketamine nasal spray versus a placebo in adults with depression that has not improved after trying at least two other antidepressants. It aims to see if the spray can help when standard pills have not worked.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 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.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - 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.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - NCT07573150Recruiting
Pupil Measurements to Predict Breathing Problems After Surgery in Children
This study tests whether measuring how a child's pupils (the dark circles in the eyes) respond to light can predict which children might have breathing problems after receiving pain medication during tonsil surgery. The goal is to help doctors catch and prevent serious breathing issues before they happen.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 3–17 - 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.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT07484217RecruitingPhase 3
Testing solriamfetol for depression with daytime sleepiness
This study tests if the drug solriamfetol can help people with major depression who also feel very tired during the day. It aims to improve both mood and daytime sleepiness.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06223880RecruitingPhase 4
AXS-05 vs Bupropion to prevent depression relapse
This study tests whether a new drug called AXS-05 can prevent depression from coming back, compared to an older drug called bupropion. If you have major depression and are at risk of relapse, this trial may help you stay well.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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.
Moorpark, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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.
Oceanside, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT07281352RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Psilocybin therapy for depression
This study tests if psilocybin (a psychedelic) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with major depression. You would receive the psilocybin in a supervised setting and have talk therapy before and after.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–60 - NCT07279311Enrolling by invitation
Virtual reality for depression during high-risk pregnancy
This study tests if virtual reality (VR) exercises can help reduce depression symptoms in pregnant people who must stay in the hospital for at least 3 weeks due to complications. If you are feeling down and are able to use VR, this treatment might offer a new way to feel better.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07276997RecruitingPhase 2
Study of Icalcaprant for major depressive disorder
This trial tests an oral medication called icalcaprant for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). It aims to see if the drug can reduce depression symptoms and what side effects may occur.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07242105Recruiting
Improving brain activity in depression
This study tests if a type of brain stimulation (TMS) can improve brain function in people with depression. It also includes a small group of epilepsy patients who are already having brain monitoring. The goal is to find new ways to treat depression by targeting specific brain areas.
Iowa City, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07226661RecruitingPhase 2
Study of an investigational drug for depression
This trial tests an investigational medication for adults with major depressive disorder who are currently taking an antidepressant but still have symptoms. It aims to see if adding this new drug can improve mood better than a placebo.
Garden Grove, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT07196501RecruitingPhase 3
Study of a new add-on treatment for depression maintenance
This trial tests a new medication (NBI-1065845) added to your current antidepressant to see if it helps maintain improvement in depression. It is for people whose depression hasn't fully responded to their current oral antidepressant.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07127913Recruiting
Closed-loop brain stimulation for hard-to-treat bipolar depression
This trial tests a closed-loop deep brain stimulation system for people with bipolar II disorder whose depression has not responded to standard treatments. The device sends targeted electrical pulses to the brain based on real-time activity, aiming to reduce depression symptoms.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT07115329RecruitingPhase 2
Testing Zelquistinel for major depression
This study tests a new oral medication called Zelquistinel (taken as a tablet) against a placebo for treating major depressive disorder. Researchers want to see if it can reduce depression symptoms, especially when other antidepressants haven't been tried or haven't worked.
Montclair, CaliforniaAges 18–64 - NCT07025720Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression and suicide risk in young people
This study tests a new type of brain stimulation called TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for young people ages 15-25 who are having serious depression and suicidal thoughts. The goal is to see if this treatment can help reduce risk and improve mood.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 15–25 - NCT07022405RecruitingPhase 2
Medication study for depression with brain scans
This study tests whether a targeted medication can improve mood and brain function in adults with major depression. If you qualify, you'll receive a study drug and have fMRI brain scans to see how your brain responds.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06963021RecruitingPhase 3
Study of NBI-1065845 for depression that hasn't fully responded to treatment
This trial tests an investigational drug called NBI-1065845 added to your current antidepressant. It is for people with moderate to severe depression or persistent depressive disorder who have not improved enough with oral antidepressants alone.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 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.
Oceanside, CaliforniaAges 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.
Glendale, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06906939RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Brain stimulation and tai chi for knee arthritis and depression
This pilot study tests if combining brain stimulation (rTMS) with Tai Chi can help knee arthritis pain and improve depression. It compares these two treatments to see which works better for people with both pain and low mood.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 50–95
Depression trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 4 studies
- Anderson Clinical Research · 2 studies
- ATP Clinical Research · 2 studies
- Clinical Research Site · 2 studies
- Draig Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Stanford University · 2 studies
- Sunwise Clinical Research · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 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 126 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.