Clinical trials · Washington, D.C., DC
Depression clinical trials in Washington, D.C.
We’re tracking 54 recruiting depression studies with a site in or near Washington, D.C. — including Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Washington, D.C.
- NCT06623981Recruiting
Treating maternal depression in an urban asthma clinic
This study tests whether treating depression in Black mothers of children with asthma can improve both the mother's mood and the child's asthma. It offers support for mothers who are feeling down and may help their child's asthma get better.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges Any age - NCT05671419Recruiting
Mindful self-compassion training for anxiety and depression
This study tests whether a structured “mindful self-compassion” program can reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders or depression. It’s meant to help by improving how you relate to yourself during difficult thoughts and feelings.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 18–75 - 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.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 18–50 - NCT07227454RecruitingPhase 3
Esketamine for teens with severe depression and suicidal thoughts
This trial tests if esketamine (a nasal spray) can quickly reduce symptoms of major depression and suicidal thoughts in teenagers who need urgent hospital care.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 12–17 - NCT07028216Recruiting
Mindful Self-Compassion for Anxiety and Depression
This study tests whether a program called Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) can help people with anxiety or depression who tend to be hard on themselves. You will be assigned to learn MSC either in a group class or online.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 18–65 - NCT03065335RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine plus brain imaging to study response in depression
This early-stage study tests how ketamine given once and then repeatedly may change brain signals and related biomarkers in people with major depression. If you’re eligible, the team will use brain imaging and assessments to see who responds and why.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–65 - NCT06994988Recruiting
Smart band-aid study for chronic pain in women
This trial tests a special band-aid that measures chronic pain. Women with chronic pain or healthy women may join to help researchers learn how this device works.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18 years+ - NCT02543983RecruitingPhase 2
Brain scan and ketamine study for suicidal thoughts
This trial studies how ketamine affects the brain in people dealing with suicidal thoughts or an active suicide crisis. It uses questionnaires, consent testing, and brain imaging to look for biological changes that may relate to symptom improvement.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT00024635Recruiting
Understanding Mood and Anxiety Disorders Study
This research study evaluates people with mood disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, or people without these conditions to better understand how these conditions develop and affect the brain. Researchers will ask questions and may do other assessments to learn more.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 3–99 - NCT05669703Recruiting
Tracking mood and activity patterns in bipolar disorder families
This study watches how a person’s mood and movement change over time, and how those patterns relate to bipolar disorder. It may help researchers better understand the condition in families and potentially improve future care.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 8–70 - NCT04582916RecruitingPhase 1
PET scan study of inflammation in major depression
This Phase 1 study uses a PET brain scan to look at inflammation-related activity (cyclooxygenase) in people with major depressive disorder (MDD). It may help researchers better understand how depression is connected to inflammation in the brain.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT05703685RecruitingPhase 1
Imaging brain inflammation target in depression with PET
This Phase 1 study uses a PET brain scan tracer to see how a specific brain target (PDE4B) is involved in major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s mainly testing whether the imaging approach works and what it shows in people with depression who meet specific safety and medication rules.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT05663034Recruiting
Compare CBT-I vs MBTI for sleep and trauma symptoms after TBI
This study compares two types of talk-based therapy to help veterans with long-lasting insomnia after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and also looks at related post-trauma stress symptoms. It may help you improve sleep and reduce how much these symptoms affect daily life.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18 years+ - NCT04877977Recruiting
Long-Term Follow-Up for People With Mood Disorders
This study follows people with mood disorders over a long time to better understand how symptoms and functioning change. You may be able to join if you already agreed to take part in an earlier mood/anxiety study and you meet basic participation needs.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–99 - NCT06462196Recruiting
Study of Depression, Bipolar Disorder & Suicide Risk
This study looks at how depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide risk naturally change over time. It aims to better understand these conditions so doctors can improve treatments.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–120 - 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.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 11–25 - NCT07149428Enrolling by invitation
Deep study of smell loss causes using brain scans
This study uses brain imaging and electrical recordings to understand the brain's role in smell loss from any cause—like COVID, sinus problems, or chemotherapy. You may be eligible if you have any degree of smell loss lasting under a year.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–99 - NCT06511908RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a new ketamine-like drug for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests a new experimental drug (2R,6R)-HNK, a chemical related to ketamine, given by IV infusion to see if it can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. The goal is to find a new option for people who have not found relief from standard antidepressants.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT00018057RecruitingPhase 2
Brain study of pediatric anxiety disorders
This study looks at how the brain works in children and adults with anxiety disorders. It uses brain scans (fMRI) and other safe tests to understand anxiety better.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 8–65 - NCT03973268RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine study to understand treatment response in hard-to-treat depression
This early-stage study tests ketamine and looks at what brain changes may explain why it helps people with major depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatments. You may be asked to stay in the hospital and complete detailed interviews, mood rating scales, and brain imaging.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT06831968Recruiting
Blood test to predict postpartum depression risk
This study tests a new blood test to predict who might get postpartum depression (sadness or mood changes after giving birth). If you are early in your pregnancy (less than 30 weeks), you may be able to join and help find out if the test works.
Falls Church, VirginiaAges 18 years+ - NCT06605105Enrolling by invitationPhase 3
Long-term extension trial of CYB003 for depression
This long-term study is for people who already completed an earlier trial of the experimental drug CYB003 for major depression and who stayed on their regular antidepressant. It looks at the safety and effects of taking CYB003 again over many months.
Rockville, MarylandAges 18–85 - 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.
Rockville, MarylandAges 18–65 - 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.
Rockville, MarylandAges 18–64
Hear when a new Depression trial opens near Washington, D.C., DC
We’ll email you when one opens near Washington, D.C., DC — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Depression trials in other cities
Where these studies are running near Washington, D.C.
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depression studies listed above.
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center · 13 studies
- Sunstone Therapies · 3 studies
- Children's National Medical Center · 2 studies
- Georgetown University Medical Center · 2 studies
- Inova Fairfax Medical Campus · 2 studies
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · 2 studies
- Central Maryland Radiation Oncology
- Continental Clinical Solutions
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.
Common questions
- Are there depression clinical trials near Washington, D.C.?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 54 recruiting depression studies with a site near Washington, D.C., 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 near Washington, D.C.?
- 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 Washington, D.C. to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site near Washington, D.C., 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 near Washington, D.C. regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.