Clinical trials · California
Mental Disorder clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 17 recruiting mental disorder studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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 - NCT06387290RecruitingPhase 3
Mindfulness and pain management for chronic pain on opioids
This study tests whether adding mindfulness training to standard pain management visits can help people with chronic pain who are taking long-term opioids. It aims to improve pain relief and reduce opioid-related risks.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07364799Recruiting
Sound therapy for stress in detained teens
This trial tests a multi-sensory therapy called SoundHeal for teens in juvenile detention. It uses sound and vibration to help with stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use.
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaAges 12–18 - NCT07010614Recruiting
Brain stimulation for memory in schizophrenia
This trial uses brain stimulation to target memory areas in people with schizophrenia or related conditions. It aims to see if this can help improve symptoms.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05427123Recruiting
Study for kids and teens with bipolar or cyclothymic disorder
This trial is testing treatments for children and teens (ages 9–19) who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or cyclothymic disorder. It also requires regular participation from a caregiver so the team can track symptoms and response over time.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 9–19 - NCT06865937Recruiting
A mobile app to help with social recovery in serious mental illness
This study tests a mobile app that provides support for social recovery in people with serious mental illness. It may help you feel less isolated and more connected.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05537376Recruiting
Peer-led suicide prevention support for veterans with serious mental illness
This study tests a suicide-prevention program delivered by trained peer specialists (other people with similar lived experience) to help veterans who are currently having suicidal thoughts. It aims to add ongoing support and improve safety and recovery for veterans with serious mental health conditions.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06586164Recruiting
Rehabilitation research for veterans with serious mental illness
This study is testing a new rehabilitation program for veterans with serious mental illness, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. If you join, you will help researchers see if this program improves daily functioning and quality of life.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–83 - NCT05701111Recruiting
School-based treatment for teens with trauma symptoms
This study tests a school-based approach to help teens who have experienced trauma and now have post-trauma symptoms. It also collects emotional and physical (biologic) information to understand how treatment may help.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 11–17 - 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+ - NCT06768749Recruiting
Melatonin lotion for better sleep and mood
This trial tests whether using a scented melatonin lotion before bed can improve sleep and reduce anxiety or depression symptoms. It may be a good fit if you have mild sleep problems and some mood symptoms but are not currently taking medication for them.
Redlands, CaliforniaAges 18–21 - NCT06486688Recruiting
Virtual program to help teens with substance use risk
This trial tests a virtual program integrated into pediatric check-ups to help teens at risk for alcohol or drug problems. It aims to identify teens who may need extra support and connect them with helpful resources.
Pleasanton, CaliforniaAges 12–17 - NCT06651086Recruiting
Executive functioning help for children in therapy
This study tests a new way to help children with executive functioning challenges (like planning and staying organized) in therapy. It's for kids ages 6-12, with or without autism, who are getting therapy at publicly funded clinics.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 6–99 - NCT04356274Enrolling by invitation
Improving access to addiction and mental health care at VA clinics
This study tests an approach to help VA clinics reach more Veterans with proven treatments for addiction and mental health conditions. It focuses on clinic-level processes (not individual medications) to increase how widely evidence-based care is delivered.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT01327690RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Group therapy for mental health in veterans and families
This early-stage study looks at mental health outcomes for active-duty service members, veterans, and their family members after participating in group therapy sessions. If you can follow instructions and complete consent forms, this trial may help researchers understand how group therapy affects well-being in these communities.
Santa Rosa, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT03380078Enrolling by invitation
Training programs to better support kids with autism
This study tests an organized training plan meant to help mental health programs and schools support children with autism. It involves leaders, therapists/providers, and parents who complete brief surveys and assessments to see what improves care and services.
Westwood, Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT01403402Recruiting
Study of congenital muscle disease patients and their families
This trial collects health information from patients with certain inherited (genetic) muscle diseases and from their families. It may help researchers better understand the disease and improve care by learning what symptoms and treatments patients experience over time.
Lakewood, CaliforniaAges Any age
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting mental disorder studies listed above.
- Stanford University · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
- VA San Diego Healthcare System · 2 studies
- Acacia Clinics
- Congenital Muscle Disease International Registry (www.cmdir.org)
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California
- San Diego State University
What taking part in a mental 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.
Mental Disorder trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there mental disorder clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 17 recruiting mental 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 mental 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 mental 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 mental 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.