Clinical trials · Boston, MA
Major Depression clinical trials in Boston
We’re tracking 48 recruiting major depression studies with a site in or near Boston — including Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Boston
- NCT05800925Recruiting
Triage survey to check who can join psychiatry research
This study uses a short questionnaire to figure out who is eligible to join future psychiatry research. It may help people get routed into studies that match their situation and safety needs.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - NCT07412756RecruitingPhase 3
Brenipatide for major depressive disorder
This trial tests a new medication, Brenipatide, to see if it helps people with major depression who are already on a stable treatment. You would need to inject the study drug yourself and complete questionnaires.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT07082998Recruiting
Heated yoga vs. sauna for depression
This study compares heated yoga with sauna sessions to see which helps reduce depression. You'll also use a mindfulness app. Both treatments are meant to boost mood and well-being.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT07592689RecruitingPhase 3
DT120 Treatment for Major Depression
This study tests whether a new medication called DT120 can help people with moderate-to-severe depression feel better. You'd take the medication for several weeks while doctors track your mood and symptoms.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07065240RecruitingPhase 2
Study of SPT-300 for major depression with or without anxiety
This trial tests an experimental oral medication, SPT-300, for people with major depressive disorder, even if they also have mild anxiety. The goal is to see if it helps improve mood safely.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT07161700Enrolling by invitationPhase 2
Long-term safety study of SPT-300 for major depression
This study is for people who finished the earlier BUOY-1 study of SPT-300 and want to continue treatment. It tests the long-term safety and tolerability of SPT-300 for major depressive disorder, with or without anxious distress.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–66 - 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 - NCT04296604Recruiting
tDCS brain stimulation to improve thinking and mood
This study tests whether a non-surgical brain stimulation called tDCS can improve “executive function,” which means skills like planning, focus, and decision-making. It is designed for people with several mental health and substance-use conditions, and it may help you if those skills are affected by your diagnosis.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT05366270Recruiting
Testing how mild heat affects depression symptoms and brain signals
This study tests whether controlled whole-body heat can change immune-related brain and body signals in people with major depressive disorder. It may help researchers understand why heat affects mood and who might benefit, while closely monitoring safety.
Boston, 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 - NCT06775379RecruitingPhase 3
Azetukalner vs. placebo for major depression
This trial tests an investigational medication called Azetukalner against a placebo to see if it helps reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder. You may qualify if you are currently in a depressive episode that started in adulthood and have not tried or failed only a few antidepressants.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–74 - NCT06878859Recruiting
Online program for depression and cannabis use
This study tests a digital (online) program designed to help people who struggle with both depression and cannabis use. If you're feeling down and also using cannabis more than you'd like, this program might help you manage both.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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+
Hear when a new Major Depression trial opens near Boston, MA
We’ll email you when one opens near Boston, MA — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Major Depression trials in other cities
Where these studies are running near Boston
Institutions with a site for the recruiting major depression studies listed above.
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 7 studies
- Adams Clinical · 5 studies
- Boston Clinical Trials · 4 studies
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Seaport Investigator Site · 2 studies
- Vitalix Clinical · 2 studies
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Brigham and Women's Hospital
What taking part in a major 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 major depression clinical trials near Boston?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 48 recruiting major depression studies with a site near Boston, 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 major depression study near Boston?
- 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 Boston to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site near Boston, 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 major 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 major depression studies open near Boston regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.