Clinical trials · Massachusetts
Depression clinical trials in Massachusetts
We’re tracking 100 recruiting depression studies with a site in Massachusetts — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Massachusetts
- NCT06599099Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for depression that hasn't responded to other treatments
This trial tests if deep brain stimulation (a surgical implant that sends gentle electrical pulses to a specific area of the brain) can help people with bipolar I disorder who are currently in a severe depressive episode and have not found relief from multiple treatments.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22–64 - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - 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.
Watertown, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06790641Recruiting
Supporting mental health during and after pregnancy
This study aims to improve mental health care for people during and after pregnancy. It involves interviews or focus groups with healthcare providers, peer mentors, and patients to understand how to make support services more helpful and accessible.
Shrewsbury, MassachusettsAges 18–70 - NCT06816329Recruiting
Stress and depression risk study for teenage girls
This study looks at how stress affects teenage girls who may be at higher risk for depression due to a parent's history. It involves MRI scans and daily surveys on a cell phone.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 13–15 - NCT06976697Recruiting
Home-based tDCS for major depression
This trial tests a home-use device that sends a small electrical current to the brain to treat major depression. It may be a good option if you are already on antidepressant medication and have a smartphone.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22–70 - NCT07032363Recruiting
Depression and HIV treatment support study
This study tests a program that helps people with HIV manage depression and stick to their treatment. It's for adults in Cape Town, South Africa, who have a detectable HIV viral load or may have one, and who show signs of depression.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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.
Worcester, MassachusettsAges 18–64 - NCT07118722Recruiting
Quiet focus: mindfulness for pain and depression
This study compares two programs—mindfulness-based therapy and a general health program—to see which better helps older Black adults manage long-term pain and mild depression. It aims to find new ways to improve well-being.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 50–120 - NCT07210255Recruiting
SAINT TMS for postpartum depression
This trial tests a special type of TMS (brain stimulation) called SAINT for severe depression that started around childbirth. It may help new mothers who are still within a year postpartum and have not found relief from other treatments.
Worcester, MassachusettsAges 18–45 - NCT07230990Recruiting
Brain Stimulation Study for Depression
This study uses a special type of brain stimulation (rTMS, which uses magnetic pulses) to treat depression. It focuses on part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex and aims to understand how stimulating it helps improve mood.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 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.
Watertown, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07398469Recruiting
Long-term study of zuranolone for postpartum depression symptoms
This study checks how people with postpartum depression feel over time after starting zuranolone. It uses simple questionnaires to track changes in symptoms.
Cambridge, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07413705Recruiting
Devices for depression and sexual health in menopause
This study tests two devices (BTL-699-2 and HPM-6000UF) to see if they can improve depression symptoms and sexual function in women going through menopause or perimenopause. It may help with mood and intimacy during this life stage.
Wellesley, MassachusettsAges 40 years+ - 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.
Worcester, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07560878RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Brain Stimulation and Medication Study for Depression
This early-stage study tests a type of magnetic brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation combined with study medications to help treat moderate to severe depression. Researchers want to understand how this combination affects brain communication and may help reduce depressive symptoms.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06792175Enrolling by invitation
Using speech to detect mental health conditions
This study uses a computer program to listen to your speech and see if it can help detect mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. It may help find new ways to diagnose conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and others earlier.
Brookline, MassachusettsAges 13–60 - NCT07762066Recruiting
Peer support to reduce loneliness and depression in older gay and bisexual men with HIV
This study tests whether meeting with a trained peer supporter can help reduce loneliness and depression in older gay and bisexual men living with HIV. You will be paired with someone who has similar experiences, and together you'll work on building connections and improving your mood.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 50 years+ - NCT07359157Recruiting
Support program for WRCH patients with legal history
This study offers a group program at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) aimed at helping people who have been involved with the legal system. It is designed for current patients at WRCH who are at least 18 years old and comfortable speaking English.
Worcester, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 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.
Springfield, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT07217561Recruiting
Doula support program to improve mental health before and after birth
This trial tests whether extra training and resources for doulas can help pregnant people and new parents feel better emotionally. Doulas who join will learn new ways to support clients, and participants will get care from a trained doula.
Boston, MassachusettsAges Any age - NCT06576076Recruiting
Cannabis, emotions, and risk study for teens
This study explores how daily cannabis use affects emotions and risk behaviors in teenagers. You'll answer quick surveys on your phone and wear a Fitbit for up to 3 months.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 12–18 - NCT07220486Recruiting
Depression support program for nursing home residents and their helpers
This study tests a program for nursing facility residents who have symptoms of depression and their care partners. It aims to provide emotional and practical support during a short stay.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+
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
- McLean Hospital · 3 studies
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · 2 studies
- Aesthetic + Mind MD
- Autobahn Site #137
- Autobahn Site #138
- Biogen
- Curavit Clinical Research (virtual study site)
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.