Clinical trials · California
Major Depressive Disorder clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 72 recruiting major depressive disorder studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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 - 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 - 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.
Orange, 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 - NCT06580041Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Precision treatment for major depression
This trial tests a personalized approach to treating major depressive disorder using assessments and brain imaging to match you with the best therapy. It aims to improve outcomes by tailoring care to your specific needs.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - 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.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT04509102Enrolling by invitationEarly Phase 1
Test added stimulant medicine with rTMS for depression
This early study tests whether adding a stimulant medicine to repetitive TMS (a non-drug brain stimulation) can improve depression. It is aimed at people whose depression has not improved after at least two antidepressant tries.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07484217RecruitingPhase 3
Testing solriamfetol for depression with daytime sleepiness
This study tests if the drug solriamfetol can help people with major depression who also feel very tired during the day. It aims to improve both mood and daytime sleepiness.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06656416RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-100 for bipolar depression
This trial tests an investigational drug called ALTO-100 in people with bipolar I or II who are currently experiencing depression. It looks at whether this new medicine can help improve depression symptoms when taken alongside your usual mood stabilizer or antipsychotic medication.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT07294924Recruiting
Predicting depression treatment response with brain imaging
This study uses a special brain-imaging headband to see if it can predict how well people with depression respond to a treatment called accelerated rTMS (a type of brain stimulation). It compares results with people who do not have depression.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT06605105Enrolling by invitationPhase 3
Long-term extension trial of CYB003 for depression
This long-term study is for people who already completed an earlier trial of the experimental drug CYB003 for major depression and who stayed on their regular antidepressant. It looks at the safety and effects of taking CYB003 again over many months.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT05645575Recruiting
Inpatient TMS for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests an in-hospital brain stimulation treatment (TMS) for people with moderate to severe depression who did not improve after multiple antidepressant treatments. It may help your mood by targeting brain circuits involved in depression, and you would follow an intensive accelerated schedule.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05922878RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-300 study for moderate to severe depression
This trial tests ALTO-300 as an add-on treatment for people with moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD). It aims to see whether ALTO-300 helps improve depression symptoms when you’re already on a stable antidepressant.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05996900Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for adults with epilepsy
This study uses advanced brain monitoring and noninvasive magnetic stimulation to understand how repetitive brain stimulation works in people with epilepsy who are already scheduled for hospital monitoring. It may help develop better treatments for seizures.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07369180Enrolling by invitation
TMS for treatment-resistant depression in adults
This study tests a new type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for adults whose depression hasn't gotten better with medication. It compares the real treatment to a sham (inactive) version to see how well it works.
Campbell, CaliforniaAges 22–85 - NCT04040062Enrolling by invitation
Tested deep brain–stimulating treatment for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests a specialized type of magnetic brain stimulation (spectral TMS) to treat severe major depression when standard treatments haven’t worked. You may be eligible if you’ve tried several antidepressants and other add-on treatments but still have symptoms.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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 - 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 - 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.
Redlands, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06269146RecruitingPhase 2
Pramipexole to improve social connections
This study tests if a medication called pramipexole can help people with anxiety or depression who also find it difficult to connect socially. It looks at whether the drug can improve your motivation for social interactions and help you feel more connected.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–50 - NCT07223736Recruiting
AI education for new mothers after birth
This study tests an AI-based education tool for first-time mothers to help with recovery and reduce loneliness after childbirth. You participate from home using your smartphone for 2-6 weeks after delivery.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06175104Recruiting
HeartGPS: Support for parents after a prenatal heart diagnosis
This study tests a counseling program for parents whose unborn baby has a serious heart condition called single ventricle. The program aims to help parents manage stress and support their baby's development before and after birth.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
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.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 5 studies
- Acacia Clinics · 3 studies
- Inland Psychiatric Medical Group · 3 studies
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- Sunwise Clinical Research · 2 studies
- Synergy Clinical Research Center - San Diego · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- 6069
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 72 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.