Clinical trials · California
Major Depressive Disorder clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 66 recruiting major 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
- NCT07775300RecruitingPhase 3
Study of an injectable drug for major depressive disorder
This study tests an investigational drug called brenipatide for major depressive disorder. It is given as a self-injection and is being compared to a placebo to see if it helps improve depression symptoms in people who are already on standard treatment.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT07621237RecruitingPhase 2
TNX-102 SL for Major Depressive Disorder
This study tests whether a new medication called TNX-102 SL can reduce depression symptoms better than a placebo (inactive pill). You'll take the medication daily and have regular check-ins to see how you're doing.
Buena Park, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - NCT07573176RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for Depression in Adults and Older Adults
This study tests a new medication called seltorexant as a standalone treatment for major depression. The trial is for adults and older adults who have depression that hasn't improved with other antidepressants or who haven't tried them yet.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - NCT07512284RecruitingPhase 2
Mindfulness and Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
This study combines mindfulness practice with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive brain stimulation technique—to help people with depression that hasn't improved with antidepressant medications. The goal is to see if adding mindfulness to TMS improves how well the treatment works.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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+ - 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 - 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.
Moorpark, 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 - NCT07284667RecruitingPhase 2
A new medicine for depression that hasn't improved with other treatments
This trial tests a new medicine called ACP-211 in adults with major depression who have not gotten enough relief from at least two previous antidepressants. The goal is to see if it can help when other treatments have not worked well.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07276997RecruitingPhase 2
Study of Icalcaprant for major depressive disorder
This trial tests an oral medication called icalcaprant for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). It aims to see if the drug can reduce depression symptoms and what side effects may occur.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT07226661RecruitingPhase 2
Study of an investigational drug for depression
This trial tests an investigational medication for adults with major depressive disorder who are currently taking an antidepressant but still have symptoms. It aims to see if adding this new drug can improve mood better than a placebo.
Garden Grove, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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 - NCT07196501RecruitingPhase 3
Study of a new add-on treatment for depression maintenance
This trial tests a new medication (NBI-1065845) added to your current antidepressant to see if it helps maintain improvement in depression. It is for people whose depression hasn't fully responded to their current oral antidepressant.
Oceanside, 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+ - 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.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–66 - 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 - 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.
Montclair, CaliforniaAges 18–64 - 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+ - 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.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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 - 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
Major Depressive Disorder trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting major depressive disorder studies listed above.
- ATP Clinical Research · 3 studies
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- Behavioral Research Specialists, LLC · 2 studies
- Draig Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute · 2 studies
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Seaport Investigator Site · 2 studies
- Sunwise Clinical Research · 2 studies
What taking part in a major 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.
Major Depressive Disorder trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there major depressive disorder clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 66 recruiting major 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 major 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 major 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 major 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.