Clinical trials · California
Treatment Resistant Depression clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 17 recruiting treatment resistant depression 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
- NCT06423430Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression (TRANSCEND)
This trial tests a new brain stimulation treatment (deep brain stimulation, or DBS) for people with hard-to-treat depression. It aims to see if targeting a specific brain area can help when other treatments have failed.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - 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+ - NCT03887715RecruitingTeam says not enrolling
VNS device for long-term depression that hasn’t improved
This trial studies whether a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device can reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Participants either receive the VNS treatment or a no-stimulation control, to compare safety and effectiveness.
Burlingame, 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 - NCT05377177Recruiting
Brain stimulation type test for suicidal thoughts in depression
This study tests whether stimulating the brain on both sides at once versus one side can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with treatment-resistant depression. It also looks at brain “inhibition” signals to help predict who benefits.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT06524830RecruitingPhase 2
Testing VLS-01 film for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests an experimental film placed inside the cheek (VLS-01) against a placebo to see if it helps people whose depression hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. If you have tried at least two antidepressants without success, this study may be an option for you.
Los Alamitos, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT07553637RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-207 for Adults With Hard-to-Treat Depression
This study tests whether a new medication called ALTO-207 can help people with depression that hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. You may qualify if you've tried multiple antidepressants without enough relief and are willing to add this experimental treatment to your current medication.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT07184619RecruitingPhase 3
Evenamide for hard-to-treat schizophrenia (add-on study)
This trial tests a new medication, evenamide, added to your current antipsychotic treatment. It looks to see if it can help people whose schizophrenia has not responded well to standard therapies.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07284667RecruitingPhase 2
A new medicine for depression that hasn't improved with other treatments
This trial tests a new medicine called ACP-211 in adults with major depression who have not gotten enough relief from at least two previous antidepressants. The goal is to see if it can help when other treatments have not worked well.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT05869682RecruitingPhase 2
Bright light therapy for fatigue and depression in prostate cancer
This Phase 2 study tests whether a “bright white light” intervention can reduce cancer-related fatigue and depression in people with advanced prostate cancer receiving hormone-based treatment. If it works, it could improve day-to-day well-being while you’re on standard cancer therapies.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 60 years+
Treatment Resistant Depression trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting treatment resistant depression studies listed above.
- ATP Clinical Research · 2 studies
- Behavioral Research Specialists, LLC · 2 studies
- Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute · 2 studies
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine · 2 studies
- UCSD Interventional Psychiatry · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- Access Multi Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc
What taking part in a treatment resistant depression 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.
Treatment Resistant Depression trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there treatment resistant depression clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 17 recruiting treatment resistant depression 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 treatment resistant depression 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 treatment resistant depression 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 treatment resistant depression 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.