Clinical trials · California
PTSD clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 33 recruiting ptsd studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT07523685Recruiting
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for PTSD Treatment
This study tests a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve (a major nerve in your neck) to help reduce PTSD symptoms. The device is worn on the skin and may help ease trauma-related stress and anxiety.
Sunnyvale, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05683132Recruiting
Therapy to improve sleep in women with PTSD symptoms
This study is testing treatment approaches for improving insomnia (trouble sleeping) in women Veterans who also have PTSD symptoms. It may help reduce sleep problems and improve day-to-day functioning.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06629064Recruiting
Memory training for PTSD symptoms
This study tests a computer-based memory training program for people with PTSD. It aims to see if this training can help reduce PTSD symptoms by improving how your brain processes memories. The study involves 8 remote sessions over 4 weeks and two MRI scans to look at brain changes.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05194930Recruiting
Insomnia treatment study for Veterans with PTSD symptoms
This study tests treatments to help Veterans who have both PTSD symptoms and trouble sleeping (insomnia). You may be invited to try study procedures to see what helps insomnia and whether it also improves sleep-related well-being.
Sepulveda, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04452500RecruitingPhase 2
Study drug for PTSD symptoms in Veterans
This trial tests a study medicine that blocks the effects of cortisol (a stress hormone) to reduce PTSD symptoms in Veterans. It’s meant for people with ongoing PTSD symptoms and stable treatments, and it closely checks safety because the medicine can affect sleep, mood, and heart rhythm.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–69 - NCT06194851RecruitingPhase 2
Oxytocin nasal spray plus couples therapy for Veterans with PTSD
This study tests whether a nasal spray of oxytocin (a natural hormone) can boost the effects of a brief couples therapy for Veterans with PTSD. You and your partner would receive either the spray or a placebo (inactive spray) during therapy sessions to see if it helps reduce PTSD symptoms and improve relationship satisfaction.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06367764Recruiting
PTSD treatment study for sexual and gender minorities
This study compares different treatments for PTSD specifically designed for people who are sexual or gender minorities. It aims to find which approach works best for this community, and you can join sessions in person or by video.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06679062RecruitingPhase 2
Suvorexant for alcohol use disorder and PTSD
This study tests whether the sleep medication suvorexant can help people with both alcohol use disorder and PTSD. If you're struggling with drinking, PTSD symptoms, and poor sleep, this trial may offer a new treatment option.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–65 - NCT07021352Recruiting
Ear acupuncture for emotional distress in military with PTSD
This trial tests whether ear acupuncture can help active-duty service members and veterans who have emotional distress related to PTSD. You will also receive mindfulness therapy as part of the study.
Fairfield, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07220681Recruiting
Integrated Care for PTSD
This study tests whether combining different treatments can help Veterans with PTSD. It focuses on those who can receive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) at a VA site.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07342530Recruiting
Early PTSD treatment for new mothers
This study tests two brief talking therapies for new mothers who are feeling very stressed or scared after a difficult childbirth, especially if mom or baby needed intensive care. It compares a short writing exercise to a breathing technique that helps calm the body.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06218381Recruiting
Brief exposure for PTSD in combat veterans
This study tests a very brief exposure therapy to help U.S. combat veterans with PTSD. It is designed for veterans who have not had recent mental health treatment and experienced combat trauma within the last 10 years.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–50 - NCT05120635Recruiting
Study brain signals tied to fear and anxiety in RNS patients
This study records electrical brain activity to understand how fear and anxiety work in people who already have an RNS (responsive neurostimulation) device placed. It may help researchers develop better ways to monitor and treat anxiety-related symptoms in the future.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05156112Recruiting
PAP breathing treatment for veterans with PTSD and substance use
This trial studies whether using a PAP breathing device (a machine that helps keep airways open during sleep) can help veterans who have PTSD and a substance use disorder while they receive residential treatment. It’s specifically for people with obstructive sleep apnea and aims to see if this treatment is safe and helpful during recovery.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05646732Recruiting
Brain scan and stimulation study for PTSD in adults
This study uses MRI brain scans and a noninvasive brain stimulation (TMS) to better understand PTSD in the brain. It may help researchers identify brain patterns linked to PTSD and how brain stimulation affects them.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–55 - NCT05837845RecruitingPhase 2
MDMA plus therapy versus therapy alone for severe PTSD
This Phase 2 study compares MDMA-assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy (a structured talk-therapy) to Cognitive Processing Therapy alone for Veterans with severe PTSD. It aims to see whether adding MDMA helps reduce PTSD symptoms and improve recovery.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06117306RecruitingPhase 3
MDMA therapy and PTSD in veterans
This study tests if combining MDMA with therapy can help veterans with PTSD. The treatment involves taking MDMA during therapy sessions while focusing on past trauma.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–64 - NCT06162741Recruiting
Brief mindfulness training for Veterans in primary care
This study tests whether brief mindfulness training offered in VA primary care can help Veterans with symptoms of PTSD, depression, or anxiety. It aims to see if this approach works well in everyday clinic settings.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06296186Recruiting
PTSD treatment for veterans in substance use recovery
This trial tests a condensed form of prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD in veterans who are also receiving treatment for a substance use disorder. The goal is to help you process trauma and reduce substance use together.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06856057Recruiting
Support for caregivers and kids after injury
This study helps parents and young children cope with stress after a hospital stay for an injury. It tests a program to improve mental health for both caregivers and kids.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06577636RecruitingPhase 2
Dream induction with anesthesia for PTSD
This trial tests whether inducing dreams during light anesthesia can help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You'll have a low-risk procedure where doctors monitor your brain activity and guide dreams to reduce PTSD symptoms.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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 - NCT06630884RecruitingPhase 1
Immune response to stress after trauma
This study looks at how the immune system responds to a mild stress (a typhoid vaccine) in people who have been through trauma but do not have PTSD. It may help understand why some people are more susceptible to inflammation after trauma.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–60 - NCT06852469RecruitingPhase 4
GABA test for PTSD in veterans
This trial uses a medication called lorazepam to study how GABA receptors work in veterans with PTSD. It aims to learn more about brain chemistry related to PTSD and how it might affect treatment.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65
PTSD trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting ptsd studies listed above.
- VA San Diego Healthcare System · 9 studies
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- San Francisco VA Medical Center · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 2 studies
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System · 2 studies
- Acacia Clinics
- Brain Imaging Lab
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles
What taking part in a ptsd 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.
PTSD trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there ptsd clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 33 recruiting ptsd 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 ptsd 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 ptsd 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 ptsd 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.