Clinical trials · California
Major Depression clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 64 recruiting major depression studies with a site in California — including Phase 1/Phase 2, 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 - NCT02434393Recruiting
Studying brain changes in late-life depression and memory decline
This study looks at how thinking and memory change in people with depression later in life, using brain imaging and related assessments. Your past participation and whether your treatments are stable enough around the time of the brain scan may determine whether you can join.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 65 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT07281352RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Psilocybin therapy for depression
This study tests if psilocybin (a psychedelic) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with major depression. You would receive the psilocybin in a supervised setting and have talk therapy before and after.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–60 - 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 - NCT06824415Recruiting
Sleep TMS for depression
This trial tests whether a type of brain stimulation called TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), given during sleep, can improve depression. It's for adults who have not gotten enough relief from antidepressant medication.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06345859RecruitingPhase 2
Brain and emotion study for young adults with or without depression history
This study looks at how the brain regulates mood and body signals in young adults ages 18-27. It includes people who have had depression in the past but are now well, as well as healthy volunteers with no psychiatric history.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–27 - NCT04061148Recruiting
Near-infrared testing to assess depression
This study uses a near-infrared light test to measure things related to depression. It includes people without depression and people diagnosed with major depressive disorder receiving care at UCSF/SFVAMC, to see how well the test fits with depression status.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07217223Recruiting
Home-based brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with depression that hasn't improved with medication. It can be done at home using a special headset and an internet connection.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - 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.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05598034Recruiting
Brain stimulation with tDCS for moderate depression
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation called tDCS can improve depression symptoms. It also uses MRI scans, aiming to understand how brain changes may relate to symptom improvement.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 20–55 - 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 - NCT07025720Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression and suicide risk in young people
This study tests a new type of brain stimulation called TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for young people ages 15-25 who are having serious depression and suicidal thoughts. The goal is to see if this treatment can help reduce risk and improve mood.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 15–25 - NCT06091527Recruiting
Yoga as a treatment for major depression
This trial tests whether practicing yoga alone (without medication or therapy) can help treat major depression. You would attend yoga sessions and learn how it affects your mood.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Major Depression trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting major depression studies listed above.
- Stanford University · 5 studies
- Draig Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 2 studies
- Acacia Research Center
- Anderson Clinical Research
- Autobahn Site #106
- Autobahn Site #113
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.
Major Depression trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there major depression clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 64 recruiting major depression 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 major depression 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 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 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.