Clinical trials · California
Major Depressive Disorder clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 70 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
- NCT06080646Recruiting
Depression and Reward Processing Brain Study
This study uses brain scans (MRI) to understand how people with depression process rewards, aiming to identify different depression subtypes. You may join if you have depression or if you are a healthy volunteer.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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.
Oceanside, 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 - 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.
Sunnyvale, CaliforniaAges 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.
Encino, CaliforniaAges 18–64 - 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 - NCT06564818RecruitingPhase 3
A study of an experimental psychedelic for depression
This trial tests an experimental psychedelic-like drug, CYB003, to see if it can help people with depression who haven't gotten enough relief from their current antidepressant. You would receive the study drug during a supervised session, with psychological support.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - 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.
Rancho Cucamonga, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06675240Recruiting
Meditative neurofeedback for depression
This trial tests whether a technique that combines meditation with real-time brain activity feedback can help treat depression. It may help if you have moderate depression and are not currently struggling with substance abuse, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or suicidal behavior.
La Jolla, 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.
Upland, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06793397RecruitingPhase 3
Study of an experimental psychedelic-like drug for depression (CYB003)
This study tests an investigational medication (CYB003) for people with major depression whose current antidepressant isn't working well enough. It looks at whether this treatment can help improve depression symptoms.
Glendale, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT06830044RecruitingPhase 3
Adding an experimental drug for major depression
This trial tests if adding a new medicine called milsaperidone can help people with major depression who haven't gotten enough relief from their current antidepressant. It aims to see if the combination works better than the antidepressant alone.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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+ - 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 - NCT06963021RecruitingPhase 3
Study of NBI-1065845 for depression that hasn't fully responded to treatment
This trial tests an investigational drug called NBI-1065845 added to your current antidepressant. It is for people with moderate to severe depression or persistent depressive disorder who have not improved enough with oral antidepressants alone.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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.
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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 - NCT07172516RecruitingPhase 3
Study of azetukalner vs placebo for bipolar depression
This trial tests whether the study drug azetukalner can help reduce depression symptoms in people with bipolar I or II disorder who are currently having a depressive episode. You would be randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo (inactive pill) to see which works better.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18–74 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
Long Beach, 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.
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 4 studies
- Clinical Site · 3 studies
- Excell Research Inc · 3 studies
- Inland Psychiatric Medical Group · 3 studies
- Sunwise Clinical Research · 3 studies
- Adverum Clinical Site 215 · 2 studies
- Anderson Clinical Research · 2 studies
- ATP 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 70 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.