Clinical trials · California
Depression clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 132 recruiting depression studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT04004169Recruiting
Closed-loop deep brain stimulation for long-lasting depression
This study tests a special kind of brain stimulation that can adjust to your brain signals while treating major depression that has not improved with standard treatments. It may help people with severe, long-term treatment-resistant depression, but it requires brain surgery and frequent visits.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT04061148Recruiting
Near-infrared testing to assess depression
This study uses a near-infrared light test to measure things related to depression. It includes people without depression and people diagnosed with major depressive disorder receiving care at UCSF/SFVAMC, to see how well the test fits with depression status.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04581902Recruiting
Study blood and brain markers in moderate to severe depression
This study looks at changes in depression “markers” to understand what treatments help and why. You’ll have non-invasive brain stimulation and scans before and after treatment, over about 8 weeks.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05377177Recruiting
Brain stimulation type test for suicidal thoughts in depression
This study tests whether stimulating the brain on both sides at once versus one side can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with treatment-resistant depression. It also looks at brain “inhibition” signals to help predict who benefits.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05426967Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression after mild traumatic brain injury
This trial studies a noninvasive brain treatment (rTMS) to reduce depression symptoms in people with past mild traumatic brain injury from military service. It may help by changing brain activity, while also requiring stable mental health care and regular follow-up.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–55 - NCT05598034Recruiting
Brain stimulation with tDCS for moderate depression
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation called tDCS can improve depression symptoms. It also uses MRI scans, aiming to understand how brain changes may relate to symptom improvement.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 20–55 - NCT05682677Recruiting
Brain stimulation plus cognitive training for depression after mild head injury
This study tests whether a combination of brain stimulation and cognitive training can reduce depression symptoms in people who have ongoing mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It may help by targeting both mood and thinking/processing skills affected after mTBI.
La Jolla, 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.
Oceanside, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06345859RecruitingPhase 2
Brain and emotion study for young adults with or without depression history
This study looks at how the brain regulates mood and body signals in young adults ages 18-27. It includes people who have had depression in the past but are now well, as well as healthy volunteers with no psychiatric history.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–27 - NCT06376734RecruitingPhase 2
TMS for depression, anxiety, OCD, or schizophrenia
This study tests whether a brain stimulation technique called TMS can help people with depression, anxiety, OCD, or schizophrenia. It aims to find better ways to target the treatment for each person's specific needs.
Sunnyvale, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06408246RecruitingPhase 2
Cognitive training and medication for depression
This study tests whether a combination of cognitive training (brain exercises) and a medication (guanfacine or sertraline) can improve thinking skills in people with depression. It involves MRI scans and computer tasks to understand how your brain responds.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–60 - NCT06423430Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression (TRANSCEND)
This trial tests a new brain stimulation treatment (deep brain stimulation, or DBS) for people with hard-to-treat depression. It aims to see if targeting a specific brain area can help when other treatments have failed.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT06455293RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin therapy for depression in Parkinson's disease
This study tests whether psilocybin, a substance found in certain mushrooms, can help improve depression in people with Parkinson's disease. If you have Parkinson's and are feeling depressed, this treatment may offer a new option.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 40–80 - 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.
Los Alamitos, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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.
Encino, CaliforniaAges 18–64 - NCT06559306RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for depression with insomnia symptoms
This trial tests if adding seltorexant to your current antidepressant can improve depression and sleep problems. It is for people with major depressive disorder who still have symptoms, especially insomnia, despite trying at least one antidepressant.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - NCT06633016RecruitingPhase 2
ABX-002 for major depression (add-on treatment)
This trial tests a new medication called ABX-002 as an add-on to your current antidepressant. It's for people with moderate to severe depression who haven't gotten enough help from their current antidepressant alone.
Rancho Cucamonga, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06372964RecruitingPhase 3
Lumateperone for pediatric bipolar depression
This study tests a new medication called lumateperone for treating depression in children and teens with bipolar disorder. It aims to see if this drug can help improve mood and daily functioning.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 10–17 - 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 - 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.
Upland, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06824415Recruiting
Sleep TMS for depression
This trial tests whether a type of brain stimulation called TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), given during sleep, can improve depression. It's for adults who have not gotten enough relief from antidepressant medication.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06898788RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Probiotics for depression in teens and young adults
This study tests whether a probiotic supplement can help improve depression in young people who are already taking an SSRI antidepressant. If you join, you will take a probiotic or placebo for several weeks and have your mood and brain activity checked.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 15–24 - 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
Depression trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- University of California, Davis Medical Center · 3 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 3 studies
- Behavioral Research Specialists, LLC · 2 studies
- Research Site · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 2 studies
- University of Southern California · 2 studies
- Acacia Clinics
- Advanced Research Center (ARC), Inc.
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.