Clinical trials · California
Veteran clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 65 recruiting veteran studies with a site in California — including Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT05465044Recruiting
Twice-weekly dialysis vs three times for new dialysis patients
This trial tests whether starting hemodialysis more gently (2 times per week) is as safe and effective as the usual schedule (3 times per week) for people early in dialysis. It may help some patients feel better with fewer dialysis sessions while closely monitoring kidney-related measurements.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05700682Recruiting
MRI-guided artery blockage procedure for long-term joint pain
This study tests whether an MRI scan that looks at blood flow can help target a joint embolization procedure to reduce chronic shoulder, hip, or knee pain. It first uses MRI to find signs of increased blood flow, then may use the findings to guide treatment if you qualify.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 25–80 - NCT05780177Recruiting
Brief behavioral therapy for insomnia in PTSD veterans
This trial tests a short, structured behavioral program to help improve sleep problems (insomnia) in veterans who also have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help you fall asleep easier and sleep more consistently while continuing your usual care when it’s stable.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT05790239RecruitingPhase 2
MDMA therapy sessions for veterans with PTSD
This Phase 2 trial tests whether therapy assisted by MDMA can reduce symptoms of moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in eligible veterans. It includes supervised therapy sessions and extra study visits with video recording to track changes over time.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT05889195Recruiting
Urine test to sort bladder cancer risk after blood in urine
This study tests whether a special urine testing approach can better identify and sort risk in people (especially veterans) who were referred to urology for blood in the urine. It may help doctors decide who needs more urgent follow-up and which next steps to take.
Murrieta, CaliforniaAges 18–89 - NCT05963607Recruiting
Weighted blanket trial to reduce chronic pain
This study tests whether using a 15-pound weighted blanket can lower pain and improve sleep for Veterans with long-lasting, non-cancer musculoskeletal pain. It may help by reducing discomfort during rest and sleep.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06004804Recruiting
Video group therapy for chronic pain in older Veterans
This study tests whether group therapy sessions held over video can help older Veterans manage chronic muscle or joint pain. It focuses on teaching practical skills to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 60–95 - NCT06068491Recruiting
Veteran-centered care for advanced liver disease
This study tests a new way of caring for veterans with advanced liver disease. It aims to help you manage your condition better and improve your quality of life.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06080646Recruiting
Depression and Reward Processing Brain Study
This study uses brain scans (MRI) to understand how people with depression process rewards, aiming to identify different depression subtypes. You may join if you have depression or if you are a healthy volunteer.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT06107842Recruiting
Exercise program for older veterans' memory and thinking
This study tests whether an exercise program called Gerofit can help improve memory and thinking in older Veterans. If you join, you will take part in supervised exercise sessions to see how it affects your brain health.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT06138054Recruiting
Mobile Program for Veterans with Mental Illness and Homelessness History
This trial tests a smartphone-based program to help veterans with serious mental illness who have experienced homelessness feel more connected to their community. It aims to see if the mobile coaching can improve daily living skills and reduce feelings of isolation.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06150196Recruiting
Brain health classes for veterans with TBI
This trial tests whether brain health and wellness classes can help veterans who have had multiple mild traumatic brain injuries and also have PTSD. The classes aim to improve cognitive symptoms like memory and attention.
Martinez, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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+ - 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+ - NCT06231563RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine for depression in veterans with Parkinson's
This study tests if ketamine can help treat depression in veterans with Parkinson's disease. It involves several in-person and remote visits, and you will need to avoid certain medications and cannabis for a short time before and during some visits.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 40–80 - 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+ - NCT06309264Recruiting
Comparing ways to fit hearing aids for blast-exposed Veterans
This study compares two different ways of fitting hearing aids for Veterans who were exposed to blasts and now have hearing difficulties. The goal is to see which method works better for improving hearing and understanding speech.
Sepulveda, CaliforniaAges 18–60 - 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+ - NCT06399653Recruiting
Nerve stimulation for alcohol use disorder in veterans
This study tests a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in your neck (the vagus nerve) to see if it can help reduce alcohol cravings and improve daily functioning. It is designed for veterans who struggle with heavy drinking and want to explore a new treatment option.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 21–65 - NCT06432985Recruiting
Smoking Cessation Program for Veterans with Cancer
This study tests a video-based program to help Veterans who smoke and are being treated for cancer or lung cancer screening to quit. If you're a VA patient in San Francisco and currently smoke, you may be able to join.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04867317RecruitingPhase 3
Growth hormone treatment for veterans with mild TBI and deficiency
This Phase 3 study tests whether replacing growth hormone in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and low adult growth hormone can improve quality of life. If you qualify, you’ll be screened with hormone blood tests and memory/mental health checks before starting treatment.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 21–55 - NCT06520098RecruitingPhase 2
BTK inhibitor with or without venetoclax for CLL/SLL
This trial tests whether adding venetoclax to your current BTK inhibitor (like ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, or zanubrutinib) works better than taking the BTK inhibitor alone. It's for veterans with CLL or SLL who have been on a BTK inhibitor for at least six months and have not had their disease get worse on that therapy.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06562127Recruiting
Water exercise and cognitive training for veterans with TBI
This trial tests if combining water-based exercise with cognitive training over eight months can help improve thinking and memory in veterans with a past mild or moderate brain injury. It may benefit veterans aged 50-89 who have ongoing cognitive complaints.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 50–89
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting veteran studies listed above.
- VA San Diego Healthcare System · 7 studies
- San Francisco VA Medical Center · 6 studies
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA · 6 studies
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System · 4 studies
- VA Long Beach Healthcare System · 2 studies
- San Francisco Healthcare System
- Tri Valley Urology Medical Group
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
What taking part in a veteran 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.
Common questions
- Are there veteran clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 65 recruiting veteran 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 veteran 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 veteran 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 veteran 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.