Clinical trials · California
Depressive Disorder clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 73 recruiting depressive disorder studies with a site in California — including Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06911112RecruitingPhase 3
A new pill for depression when current treatment isn't working well enough
This trial tests an investigational medication (NBI-1065845) added to your current antidepressant to see if it can improve depressive symptoms. It is for people with moderate to severe depression who have not fully responded to their current antidepressant.
Glendale, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - NCT04870255Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression in borderline personality disorder
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called rTMS to see if it can help improve mood in people who have both depression and borderline personality disorder. It may offer a new treatment option for those who haven't tried TMS before.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - 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+ - NCT06823024Enrolling by invitation
Using speech patterns to predict treatment response in depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
This study tests if a computer algorithm can analyze your speech to predict how well you will respond to treatments like TMS or Spravato. It aims to create a simple tool that helps doctors choose the right treatment for you.
Sunnyvale, CaliforniaAges 18–68 - NCT06512324Enrolling by invitation
TMS with remote viewing for depression and anxiety
This trial tests whether adding 'remote viewing' (a technique where a person tries to perceive a distant target) to standard TMS brain stimulation can improve depression and anxiety symptoms. It is for people already getting TMS and who can attend weekly visits.
Encinitas, CaliforniaAges 12 years+ - 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 - 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.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07490782Recruiting
Nutrition study for college students with depression
This trial tests whether changes in diet can help improve mild to moderate depression in college students. If you are currently getting treatment or are open to it, you may be able to join.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07188623Recruiting
Virtual reality therapy for older adults with depression
This study tests if a virtual reality program can help older adults with depression become more active and feel better. You would use a VR headset at home to practice activities that improve your mood.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT06938841Recruiting
Maintenance rTMS for depression
This study tests whether ongoing rTMS treatments can help people who already improved after an initial round of rTMS for depression. It aims to keep the benefits going and prevent relapse.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT04041479RecruitingPhase 3
Brain-scan guided rTMS for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests whether using brain-related “biomarkers” from your scans to guide rTMS can improve depression that hasn’t responded to at least one antidepressant. It may help by targeting brain circuits linked to depression more precisely.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 22–65 - NCT07127913Recruiting
Closed-loop brain stimulation for hard-to-treat bipolar depression
This trial tests a closed-loop deep brain stimulation system for people with bipolar II disorder whose depression has not responded to standard treatments. The device sends targeted electrical pulses to the brain based on real-time activity, aiming to reduce depression symptoms.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT07876908Recruiting
Magnetic brain therapy for older adults with hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests a new intensive magnetic brain treatment (SAINT) for older adults whose depression has not improved with standard treatments. It aims to see if this treatment can also help with memory concerns, which are common in this group.
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT07716098RecruitingPhase 3
Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests esketamine nasal spray versus a placebo in adults with depression that has not improved after trying at least two other antidepressants. It aims to see if the spray can help when standard pills have not worked.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06572683Enrolling by invitation
Novel TMS for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests a new type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with severe depression that hasn't improved with multiple medications or therapy. It uses a different frequency pattern to target brain circuits.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–75 - NCT06002100Enrolling by invitation
Predicting depression treatment response with brain imaging
This study uses a special headband (TD-fNIRS) that measures brain activity to see if it can predict how well different depression treatments work. You would be starting a new treatment for depression (like ketamine, SPRAVATO, TMS, or antidepressants) and wear the headband before and during treatment.
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT04777357RecruitingPhase 3
Cariprazine for bipolar depression in ages 10 to 17
This Phase 3 study tests whether cariprazine can improve depression symptoms in children and teens with bipolar I disorder, and also tracks side effects. It may help if your depressive episode is ongoing and you meet specific mood and screening score requirements.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 10–17 - NCT07610473RecruitingPhase 2
Testing DT-101 as an add-on for depression
This trial tests if a new medication, DT-101, can help when added to your current depression treatment. It's for adults with recurrent depression who may need extra support.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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.
Oceanside, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT07242105Recruiting
Improving brain activity in depression
This study tests if a type of brain stimulation (TMS) can improve brain function in people with depression. It also includes a small group of epilepsy patients who are already having brain monitoring. The goal is to find new ways to treat depression by targeting specific brain areas.
Iowa City, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07022405RecruitingPhase 2
Medication study for depression with brain scans
This study tests whether a targeted medication can improve mood and brain function in adults with major depression. If you qualify, you'll receive a study drug and have fMRI brain scans to see how your brain responds.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–65
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting depressive disorder studies listed above.
- Stanford University · 4 studies
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 3 studies
- Acacia Clinics · 2 studies
- Anderson Clinical Research · 2 studies
- Draig Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Accellacare - Long Beach /ID# 279482
- Advanced Research Center /ID# 227073
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research
What taking part in a depressive disorder 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.
Depressive Disorder trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there depressive disorder clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 73 recruiting depressive disorder 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 depressive disorder 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 depressive disorder 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 depressive disorder 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.