Clinical trials · Pennsylvania
Depression clinical trials in Pennsylvania
We’re tracking 62 recruiting depression studies with a site in Pennsylvania — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Pennsylvania
- NCT06805851Recruiting
Depression, antidepressants, and body temperature in exercise
This study looks at how depression and certain antidepressants affect how your body controls temperature during exercise. You'll do some exercise tests while researchers check your body temperature and heart rate.
University Park, PennsylvaniaAges 18–40 - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–74 - 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.
Allentown, PennsylvaniaAges 18–64 - 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.
Moosic, PennsylvaniaAges 18–65 - NCT06496646Recruiting
Depression and Antidepressant Adherence in Primary Care
This study tests whether a special electronic pill bottle that reminds you to take your antidepressant helps people stay on their medication. It is for adults with major depression who are starting a new antidepressant prescribed by their primary care doctor.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 21–64 - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 22–70 - NCT06400121RecruitingPhase 2
Apimostinel plus brain training for depression
This study tests if a new drug called apimostinel, combined with computer-based brain training exercises, can improve depression symptoms. It may help people with major depression who also have negative thoughts about themselves.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–60 - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–65 - NCT05703256Recruiting
Brain training with feedback to help depression
This trial tests a type of brain training called amygdala neurofeedback to reduce depression symptoms. It may help by teaching your brain patterns to become less “stuck” in depression-related activity.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–55 - 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.
Moosic, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07707037Recruiting
Helping parents cope after a child's cardiac arrest
This study tests if providing clearer information to parents after their child's cardiac arrest can reduce fear and anxiety. It is for parents of children under 17.5 years old who are expected to leave the hospital soon.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges birth–17 years - NCT07436351Recruiting
ACT With CF Self-Help Toolkit
This trial tests an online self-help program based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for adults with cystic fibrosis who are feeling depressed or anxious. It aims to help you manage these feelings and improve your well-being.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07389473Recruiting
Studying eye movements in long-term psychiatric medication use (Gaize device)
This trial uses a special device (Gaize) to track how your eyes move while you take psychiatric medication. It aims to see how long-term medication affects eye patterns, which could help doctors better understand treatment responses.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–65 - NCT07346014Recruiting
Sleep therapy for college students at risk of suicide
This study tests if improving sleep can help college students who are already getting mental health treatment for suicidal thoughts. You will try light therapy or sleep schedule changes to see if it reduces suicide risk.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–25 - NCT07240792Recruiting
CBT for rural high school students with stress or mood issues
This study provides free cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions led by college students to help rural high school students manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. It aims to see if this type of talk therapy can improve emotional well-being.
Hershey, PennsylvaniaAges 13–18 - NCT07217197Enrolling by invitation
A monitor to detect breathing problems after surgery
This trial tests a new respiratory monitoring system to see if it can detect and predict opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) — when pain medicines slow your breathing too much — in patients recovering from surgery. The monitor uses a face mask, nasal cannula, and small sensors to track breathing continuously, so that doctors can step in early if there is a problem.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07102147Recruiting
Telehealth Therapy for Lung Cancer Patients at Penn Medicine
This trial offers therapy sessions (via phone or video) for people with lung cancer who are dealing with depression, anxiety, or other emotional concerns. It's part of Penn Medicine's collaborative care program and aims to make mental health support easier to access while you are being treated for lung cancer.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07055906Recruiting
Video coaching to help Latino families talk about race
This study tests a video-based coaching program to help Latino parents and their 10–14-year-old children talk about race and ethnic background. Families will be recorded having a conversation, then get feedback to strengthen their communication.
Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaAges 10–14 - NCT07020572Recruiting
Teen mood support program (iMATTER) in primary care
This study tests a group program to help teenagers with mild to moderate depression symptoms feel better. It takes place in primary care and uses a phone, computer, or tablet for activities.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 13–17 - NCT06835985Enrolling by invitation
Social media help for teens bullied online
This study tests a social media program to help teens who have been bullied online and feel depressed. It aims to see if the program can reduce their sadness and help them cope better.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 12–18 - NCT06829953Recruiting
App-based study for teens with depression
This study is testing whether a smartphone app can help teens who feel depressed and have lost interest in things. It's looking for youth aged 12–18 with moderate to severe depression who are willing to use the app.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 12–18 - NCT06817993Recruiting
How social media affects the teen brain
This study looks at how social media affects the brains of teens with depression. You would complete smartphone surveys and have one brain scan (MRI) to help researchers understand these connections.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 13–17 - NCT06788249RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression brain study
This trial tests whether a single dose of ketamine can quickly improve depression by studying brain chemical changes using MRI. It's for people with treatment-resistant depression who haven't used ketamine before.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 25–65 - NCT05922878RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-300 study for moderate to severe depression
This trial tests ALTO-300 as an add-on treatment for people with moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD). It aims to see whether ALTO-300 helps improve depression symptoms when you’re already on a stable antidepressant.
Allentown, PennsylvaniaAges 18–70
Depression trials by city in Pennsylvania
Where these studies are running in Pennsylvania
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · 4 studies
- University of Pennsylvania · 4 studies
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital · 2 studies
- University of Pittsburgh · 2 studies
- Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
- Gaize
- Lehigh Center for Clinical Research
- Parents and Children Together (PACT) Lab Space
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 Pennsylvania?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 62 recruiting depression studies with a site in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 Pennsylvania to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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.