Clinical trials · California
Depression clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 127 recruiting depression studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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 - NCT04556890Recruiting
Brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain
This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment, called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to see if it can help people who have both major depression that hasn't improved with medication and chronic pain from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. It aims to reduce both depression and pain symptoms.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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 - 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+ - NCT03887715Recruiting
VNS device for long-term depression that hasn’t improved
This trial studies whether a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device can reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Participants either receive the VNS treatment or a no-stimulation control, to compare safety and effectiveness.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT03388606Recruiting
Studying adolescent depression and how to treat it
This study looks closely at how depression shows up in teens and tests approaches to treatment. It may help teens and families better understand depression and get access to structured care as part of research.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 11–25 - NCT07792837Recruiting
Online intuitive eating program for pregnant women with obesity
This study tests an online program that helps pregnant women with obesity learn to eat intuitively, which means listening to their body's hunger and fullness signals instead of dieting. The goal is to support their well-being during pregnancy.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07717723Recruiting
Support for caregivers of heart disease patients
This study tests a program to help caregivers of people with heart disease manage stress and challenges. It aims to support your mental health while caring for a loved one.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05176392Recruiting
Stimulation treatment plus therapy for post-injury headaches
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation treatment combined with therapy can reduce long-lasting headaches after a mild brain injury. You might be a good candidate if your headaches started after the injury and have continued for months.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07528014Recruiting
Tracking Depression Treatment Outcomes Over Time
This study follows adults receiving depression treatment (esketamine, TMS, or SAINT) to understand how these therapies work and their effects over time. Researchers will assess mood, functioning, and other factors to help improve future treatment.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - 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 - NCT07364799Recruiting
Sound therapy for stress in detained teens
This trial tests a multi-sensory therapy called SoundHeal for teens in juvenile detention. It uses sound and vibration to help with stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use.
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaAges 12–18 - NCT07369180Enrolling by invitation
TMS for treatment-resistant depression in adults
This study tests a new type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for adults whose depression hasn't gotten better with medication. It compares the real treatment to a sham (inactive) version to see how well it works.
Campbell, CaliforniaAges 22–85 - NCT07346638Recruiting
Trauma therapy for women with suicidal thoughts
This trial tests a group therapy program called BEAR for women who have experienced trauma and are currently having suicidal thoughts. The program aims to help reduce distress and improve coping.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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+ - NCT07219875RecruitingPhase 2
Virtual reality training for depression
This study tests a virtual reality program that may help people with depression feel more rewarded by positive experiences. It uses exercises designed to improve how your brain responds to rewards, which could help reduce depressive symptoms.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07186816Recruiting
Peer support for Spanish-speaking adults with anxiety or depression
This trial tests whether peer support from someone who has been through similar struggles can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It's for Spanish-speaking adults who have internet access and are not currently in talk therapy.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–100 - NCT07105111RecruitingPhase 4
Valbenazine for tardive dyskinesia after other treatment
This study tests if valbenazine helps adults with tardive dyskinesia whose symptoms continue even after taking or stopping another similar medication. Tardive dyskinesia involves uncontrollable movements from long-term use of certain mental health drugs.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07048574Recruiting
Mood and behavior in children with cystic fibrosis
This study looks at mood and behavior in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) under 12. By following children over time, researchers hope to better understand and help with depression, anxiety, and behavior challenges that may come up.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 1.5 years–11 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+ - 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.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06874790Recruiting
Web-based mental health app study for Latina women
This study tests a web-based app to help Latina women in Los Angeles or Orange County who are feeling anxious or depressed. If you are not currently in therapy or on medication, you may be able to join from home using your smartphone or computer.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Depression trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- San Diego State University · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- Access Multi Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc
- ATP Clinical Research, Inc.
- Children's Hospital of Orange County
- City of Hope
- CMB Clinical Trials
- Kaizen Brain Center
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 127 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.