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 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT04581902Recruiting
Study blood and brain markers in moderate to severe depression
This study looks at changes in depression “markers” to understand what treatments help and why. You’ll have non-invasive brain stimulation and scans before and after treatment, over about 8 weeks.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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+ - 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 - NCT04004169Recruiting
Closed-loop deep brain stimulation for long-lasting depression
This study tests a special kind of brain stimulation that can adjust to your brain signals while treating major depression that has not improved with standard treatments. It may help people with severe, long-term treatment-resistant depression, but it requires brain surgery and frequent visits.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - 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
Study of ALTO-100 for bipolar depression
This study tests an investigational drug called ALTO-100 for people with bipolar disorder who are currently experiencing depression. It aims to see if ALTO-100 can help improve depressive symptoms when added to your current mood stabilizer or antipsychotic medication.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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 - 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 - 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.
Glendale, 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT07876908Recruiting
Magnetic brain therapy for older adults with hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests a new intensive magnetic brain treatment (SAINT) for older adults whose depression has not improved with standard treatments. It aims to see if this treatment can also help with memory concerns, which are common in this group.
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - 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.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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.
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- 6069
- Anderson Clinical Research
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research
- Behavioral Research Specialists, LLC
- BrainHealth Solutions Inc.
- CalNeuro Research Group
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.