Clinical trials · California
Virtual Reality clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 16 recruiting virtual reality studies with a site in California — including Phase 2 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT07219875RecruitingPhase 2
Training the Brain to Enjoy Life Through Virtual Reality
This study tests whether a virtual reality (VR) program can help people with depression feel more motivated and enjoy activities again. You'll use a VR headset to practice responding to rewarding experiences, which may boost positive moods.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06911996Recruiting
Virtual reality wonders for kids in the hospital
This trial tests if watching virtual reality (VR) experiences can help children in the hospital feel better and more relaxed. It is for kids aged 5 to 17 who are staying overnight and speak English.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 5–17 - NCT07042074Enrolling by invitation
Virtual reality for needle fear in teens
This trial tests if using augmented reality or virtual reality during talk therapy helps teenagers ages 11 to 17 who are afraid of needles. The goal is to see if these technologies can make therapy more effective and less scary.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 11–17 - NCT07357389Recruiting
Preventing ICU confusion with virtual reality
This study tests whether using virtual reality (VR) in the ICU can help prevent confusion (delirium) in patients. If you are in the surgical ICU at Cedars-Sinai and are expected to stay more than 2 days, you might be able to participate.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05876156Recruiting
VR physical therapy versus traditional physical therapy for young patients
This trial studies whether virtual reality (VR) physical therapy works as well as usual (traditional) physical therapy for improving recovery after cancer-related care. It may help by making therapy sessions more engaging while still aiming for physical function and comfort.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 10–25 - NCT06550193Recruiting
AR/VR for ultrasound-guided procedures
This study tests whether using augmented reality or virtual reality (AR/VR) can help doctors perform ultrasound-guided procedures more accurately. If you are an adult having an ultrasound-guided procedure and are in generally good health, you may be able to join.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07279311Enrolling by invitation
Virtual reality for depression during high-risk pregnancy
This study tests if virtual reality (VR) exercises can help reduce depression symptoms in pregnant people who must stay in the hospital for at least 3 weeks due to complications. If you are feeling down and are able to use VR, this treatment might offer a new way to feel better.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07310004Recruiting
VR vs Music for Breast Biopsy Anxiety
This trial compares using a virtual reality headset versus listening to relaxing music to help lower your anxiety and pain during a breast biopsy. Both methods are non-drug ways to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07188623Recruiting
Virtual reality therapy for older adults with depression
This study tests if a virtual reality program can help older adults with depression become more active and feel better. You would use a VR headset at home to practice activities that improve your mood.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT06985784Recruiting
Virtual reality for head and neck cancer patients and caregivers
This study tests whether using virtual reality can help reduce depression, anxiety, and pain in people with head and neck cancer and their caregivers. You and your caregiver may be able to use VR headsets together as part of your treatment.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07092995Enrolling by invitation
Understanding freezing of gait in Parkinson's using VR and brain signals
This study uses virtual reality and brain recordings from your DBS device to understand why some people with Parkinson's experience freezing of gait (feeling like your feet are stuck to the ground). You'll be asked to walk in a safe VR environment while researchers monitor your brain activity.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07437872Recruiting
Virtual reality therapy for social anxiety
This study tests if virtual reality can help people with social anxiety disorder feel less anxious in social situations. If you are 18 or older and live near Mountain View, California, you may be able to join.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04907643Recruiting
Virtual reality program to reduce stomach-cancer pain
This trial tests whether virtual reality (VR) can improve pain and other day-to-day symptoms in people with certain gastrointestinal cancers. You’d use VR for pain relief while researchers measure how you’re feeling.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–99 - NCT03221244Recruiting
Virtual reality training for attention difficulties
This study tests whether a virtual reality program can help improve attention and inattention symptoms. It targets people who have significant attention problems (including ADHD-related symptoms) and can use a computer.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 8–12 - NCT07427862Recruiting
Virtual reality for kids having interventional radiology
This study tests if using virtual reality (VR) during interventional radiology procedures can help children feel more comfortable and less anxious. It is looking for children ages 8 and older who are in the normal range of development.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 8 years+ - 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
Virtual Reality trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting virtual reality studies listed above.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 4 studies
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford · 3 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 2 studies
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
- Palo Alto University
- Stanford Cancer Institute
What taking part in a virtual reality 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.
Virtual Reality trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there virtual reality clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 16 recruiting virtual reality 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 virtual reality 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 virtual reality 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 virtual reality 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.