Clinical trials · Massachusetts
Depression clinical trials in Massachusetts
We’re tracking 100 recruiting depression studies with a site in Massachusetts — including Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Massachusetts
- NCT07076407RecruitingPhase 3
Testing a new antidepressant pill for depression
This study tests an experimental oral pill called azetukalner against a placebo to see if it safely reduces symptoms of major depressive disorder. It is for adults who are currently in a depressive episode lasting 6 weeks to 2 years and have not already tried multiple antidepressants that failed.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - NCT06922110Enrolling by invitationPhase 3
Long-term study of azetukalner for depression
This study is for people who already completed a previous trial of azetukalner for major depressive disorder. It tests the long-term safety and effects of continuing the medication.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05567640Recruiting
Smart digital mental health support
This study tests a digital mental health program that uses smart technology to personalize your experience and keep you engaged. If you join, you may get a more tailored approach to improving your mental well-being.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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.
Springfield, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05850689RecruitingPhase 3
Lumateperone add-on for major depression that didn’t improve
This study tests whether adding lumateperone to an antidepressant helps adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who haven’t improved enough after trying at least two different antidepressants. It may help reduce depressive symptoms more than antidepressants alone.
Methuen, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT07563868Recruiting
Coaching to help ketamine therapy for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether adding coaching sessions can help people who are already getting ketamine or esketamine treatment for depression that hasn't responded to other medications. You'd receive weekly coaching calls designed to support your recovery while you continue your regular ketamine clinic visits.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06247839RecruitingPhase 3
Psilocybin for depression: changing self-focus
This trial tests whether a single dose of psilocybin can help people with treatment-resistant depression by changing how they focus on themselves. It aims to understand how psilocybin affects brain activity and self-related thinking.
Charlestown, MassachusettsAges 18–55 - NCT04400266RecruitingPhase 4
Buspirone and melatonin for depression after a brain injury
This trial studies whether the medicines buspirone and melatonin can reduce depression symptoms in people who had a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least 3 months ago. It may help if you have ongoing depression after TBI and can safely take study medications and attend regular visits, including MRI scans.
Charlestown, MassachusettsAges 18–64 - NCT04713722Recruiting
Study of early stress and depression using brain imaging
This study looks at how early life stress may be linked to depression, using brain scans. You’ll be asked about your history and asked to do brain imaging to help researchers understand these brain and mood changes.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 20–32 - NCT04788524Recruiting
Brain and stress study in depressed teens with control feelings
This study uses brain scans and short real-life mood/stress check-ins to understand how stress and perceived control work in teens with depression. It may help researchers better pinpoint brain patterns linked to depression and how teens experience control during stressful moments.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 14–18 - NCT05450432RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine maintenance to help prevent suicidal thoughts
This Phase 4 study tests whether ongoing treatment with ketamine or esketamine can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with major depression who are at high risk. Because the study focuses on long-term maintenance, you’d receive treatment over time while being closely monitored for safety and mental health changes.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–70 - NCT05523817Recruiting
Brain scan targeting to improve specific depression symptoms
This study uses brain-signal targeting (likely with MRI) to see whether it can improve certain symptoms of depression. You may be able to join if you’re 18–65 and currently have a depressive episode, and if you can safely complete the scan.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05573074Recruiting
Light treatment trial for brain blood flow in depression
This study tests whether shining near-infrared light through the head can change brain blood flow and reduce depression symptoms. If you have major depression, you may be offered a non-drug, device-based approach to see how well it helps.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05617495Recruiting
Mindfulness training with brain scans for depression
This study tests a mindfulness-based program combined with “brain scan feedback” (fMRI neurofeedback) to see if it can help teenagers and young adults with major depression. It may help by teaching skills and tracking brain activity changes during treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 13–18 - NCT05630963Recruiting
Study sleep-like brain signaling in major depression
This trial looks at how a specific brain receptor related to pain signals (nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor) may be involved in depression. It may help researchers understand depression better by comparing people with current versus past (remitted) major depression.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–45 - NCT06136546RecruitingPhase 2
Infliximab for depression with cognitive problems
This trial tests if a medicine called infliximab, given through an IV, can help improve thinking and memory problems in people with moderate to severe depression who also have high inflammation levels. It aims to see if lowering inflammation can ease both mood and cognitive symptoms.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 25–50 - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22–70 - 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.
Springfield, MassachusettsAges 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74
Depression trials by city in Massachusetts
Where these studies are running in Massachusetts
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 6 studies
- Adams Clinical · 5 studies
- Boston Clinical Trials · 3 studies
- McLean Hospital · 3 studies
- ActivMed Practices and Research · 2 studies
- Elixia Health · 2 studies
- Vitalix Clinical · 2 studies
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
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 Massachusetts?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 100 recruiting depression studies with a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
- 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 Massachusetts to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts 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.