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
- 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 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.
Oceanside, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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 - 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 - NCT07217860Enrolling by invitationPhase 3
Long-term safety study of azetukalner for bipolar depression
This study is looking at the long-term safety of azetukalner for people with bipolar I or II depression who have already completed a previous trial of this drug. It is an open-label study, meaning everyone will receive the active medication.
Culver City, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT06512324Enrolling by invitation
TMS with remote viewing for depression and anxiety
This trial tests whether adding 'remote viewing' (a technique where a person tries to perceive a distant target) to standard TMS brain stimulation can improve depression and anxiety symptoms. It is for people already getting TMS and who can attend weekly visits.
Encinitas, CaliforniaAges 12 years+ - NCT04509102Enrolling by invitationEarly Phase 1
Test added stimulant medicine with rTMS for depression
This early study tests whether adding a stimulant medicine to repetitive TMS (a non-drug brain stimulation) can improve depression. It is aimed at people whose depression has not improved after at least two antidepressant tries.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06898879Recruiting
Working together to improve mental health care for veterans
This study is for veterans getting mental health support through VA programs. It tests a way to improve teamwork between veterans and their care teams to make the care better.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06526078Recruiting
Combining brain training with ketamine for depression
This study tests if adding computer-based cognitive training to ketamine treatment can improve mood in people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. It aims to see if the combination works better than ketamine alone.
Oakland, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06273137Recruiting
Positive affect treatment for teens with early adversity
This trial tests a treatment designed to improve positive emotions in adolescents who have experienced stressful early life events. It may help your teen build resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 12–16 - NCT06034821Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
ECT vs. ketamine for suicidal depression in adults
This trial compares two treatments—ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, which uses electrical stimulation) and ketamine (a medicine given as a shot)—to see which works better for quickly reducing suicidal depression. It is for adults who are in a severe depressive episode with active suicidal thoughts.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–90 - NCT07220460RecruitingPhase 2
Study of an oral drug for bipolar depression
This trial tests an experimental pill (ABB-932) for people with bipolar I or II disorder who are currently in a depressive episode. The goal is to see if the drug is safe and helps improve mood.
Colton, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07397858Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression in young people
This study tests if a type of brain stimulation called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help treat depression in people aged 15 to 25. It involves a quick, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to the head, and researchers want to see how it affects thinking and mood.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 15–25 - NCT07420205RecruitingPhase 2
Sleep health study for U.S. Marines
This study looks at the sleep health of active-duty U.S. Marines. If you join, researchers will check your sleep patterns and may offer ways to improve your rest.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06985784Recruiting
Virtual reality for head and neck cancer patients and caregivers
This study tests whether using virtual reality can help reduce depression, anxiety, and pain in people with head and neck cancer and their caregivers. You and your caregiver may be able to use VR headsets together as part of your treatment.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06639477Recruiting
Mood and sleep improvement study for older adults
This study tests whether adding a sleep treatment to regular depression medication can improve both mood and sleep in adults aged 55 and older. It may help if you have ongoing depression, sleep problems, and are already taking antidepressant medication.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 55 years+ - NCT06139861Recruiting
Better Sleep Study
This study tests a program to help you sleep better. It is for people who are generally healthy and do not have serious medical or mental health conditions.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 12–18 - NCT07219875RecruitingPhase 2
Training the Brain to Enjoy Life Through Virtual Reality
This study tests whether a virtual reality (VR) program can help people with depression feel more motivated and enjoy activities again. You'll use a VR headset to practice responding to rewarding experiences, which may boost positive moods.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07223736Recruiting
AI education for new mothers after birth
This study tests an AI-based education tool for first-time mothers to help with recovery and reduce loneliness after childbirth. You participate from home using your smartphone for 2-6 weeks after delivery.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06748222RecruitingPhase 3
Online mindfulness program for breast cancer survivors
This trial tests a 6-week online mindfulness program to help breast cancer survivors manage mild to moderate depression. You may qualify if you finished active treatment within the last 5 years and can use a digital device.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18–50
Depression trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- Sunwise Clinical Research · 3 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 3 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 3 studies
- Advanced Research Center (ARC), Inc. · 2 studies
- Collaborative Neuroscience Research, LLC / CenExel CNS - Garden Grove · 2 studies
- Excell Research Inc · 2 studies
- Inland Psychiatric Medical Group · 2 studies
- Kaiser Permanente-Oakland · 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.