Searching “clinical trials near me” is often a sign that you’re exploring additional options, whether your current treatment isn’t working well enough, side effects are difficult to manage, or you’re interested in participating in research that may improve care for others. While clinical trials can sound complex, the process of finding and applying to a legitimate study becomes much easier when you know what to look for.
This guide explains where to find local studies, how eligibility works, what to expect after you apply, and how to evaluate safety, costs, and time commitment so you can make an informed decision.
Looking for New Treatment Options?
Browse active clinical trials near you and learn more about studies that may be a fit for your condition and lifestyle.
Why People Look for Clinical Trials Near Them
Many people associate clinical trials with severe or late-stage disease, but in reality, trials exist for a wide range of conditions and can include medications, medical devices, lifestyle programs, and digital health tools. Common reasons people search for nearby trials include:
- Current treatment isn’t providing sufficient symptom relief
- A condition is progressing and they want additional options
- They want access to specialized clinicians or research centers
- They are motivated to contribute to medical progress
- They prefer a study that fits their schedule and location
- Some are interested in compensation or reimbursement for participation
If you’re new to the topic, it can help to start with a broader overview:
Step-by-Step: How to Find Clinical Trials Near You
1) Start with your condition and location
The most effective way to search is to combine:
- your diagnosis (or primary symptom), and
- your location (city, state, or ZIP code)
For example:
- “osteoarthritis clinical trial near me”
- “eczema study in Houston”
- “migraine trial 50 miles”
If your search results are limited, expand your radius (25–100 miles) or try related terms (e.g., “knee arthritis” and “osteoarthritis knee pain”).
2) Filter for practicality - not just eligibility
Once you find a few potential studies, narrow your list by focusing on:
- recruiting status (actively enrolling)
- travel distance and visit frequency
- trial duration and number of visits
- whether visits can be remote (in part or fully)
If travel is a barrier, consider studies with virtual elements. You may find it helpful to review:
3) Read eligibility criteria carefully (and don’t self-reject too fast)
Every trial has formal requirements, usually listed as:
- Inclusion criteria (what you must have), and
- Exclusion criteria (what may prevent participation)
Eligibility can be more nuanced than it looks, so it’s often worth applying if you’re close.
For a deeper explanation, see :
4) Apply to more than one study (when appropriate)
If you’re actively looking, it can be reasonable to apply to 2–5 studies that appear to be a fit. Recruitment can change quickly, and some studies close enrollment unexpectedly.
Where to Look for Legitimate Clinical Trials
Patient-friendly trial search platforms
A trial search platform can save time by letting you browse studies by condition and location in one place.
Explore currently recruiting studies on AllClinicalTrials.com and search by condition and location to find options near you.
SearchResearch hospitals and academic medical centers
Many trials run through universities and large hospital systems. If you’re already treated at a major medical center, ask whether they have a clinical trials office or research coordinator.
Your physician or specialist
Doctors can help you interpret eligibility criteria, confirm your diagnosis details, and evaluate whether a trial is medically appropriate alongside standard care.
What Happens After You Apply
Applying does not mean you are enrolled immediately. Most studies follow a standard sequence:
- Initial pre-screening (often a short call)
- Screening visit and/or medical record review to confirm eligibility
- Informed consent (reviewing the study’s risks, procedures, and your rights)
- Baseline assessments followed by enrollment and participation
Informed consent is one of the most important steps, because it ensures you understand what participation involves and what alternatives exist. If you want a detailed breakdown, review:
Clinical Trial Phases and Study Design)
Clinical trials are done in steps, often called phases. Each phase has a different goal, and knowing which phase a study is in can help you understand what to expect.
Clinical Trial Phases
- Phase 1: Tests a new treatment in a small group of people to make sure it’s safe and to find the right dose. These studies are closely monitored and often involve more frequent visits.
- Phase 2: Looks at how well the treatment works for a specific condition and continues to track side effects. More people participate than in Phase 1.
- Phase 3: Compares the new treatment to standard care or a placebo in a larger group. These trials help determine whether the treatment should be approved for wider use.
- Phase 4: Takes place after a treatment is approved and on the market. These studies collect additional information about long-term safety and effectiveness.
If you’d like a deeper overview, you can also read Phases Of Clinical Trials on our blog.
Common Study Design Terms You May See
Some trials use specific designs to ensure accurate results:
- Randomized: Participants are assigned to groups by chance.
- Placebo-controlled: Some participants receive an inactive treatment so results can be compared fairly.
- Blinded: Participants (and sometimes doctors) don’t know which treatment group they’re in.
These methods help researchers understand whether a treatment truly works—while participants continue to receive careful medical oversight.
What This Means for You
Not every trial is the same. Some focus mainly on safety, others on effectiveness. Some offer access to new treatments, while others compare existing options. The study team will always explain the phase, design, and what participation involves before you decide.
Safety and Oversight: A Practical Overview
A common question is whether trials are safe. While every medical intervention has risks, reputable trials include several layers of oversight, including ethical review and monitoring throughout the study.
A helpful starting point for you:
In general, trials include:
- study protocols that define safety rules and monitoring
- ethics review to protect participants
- reporting requirements for side effects and serious events
- privacy procedures (participant data is typically coded/de-identified)
Costs, Insurance, and Compensation
Many patients worry about cost. In many studies, the sponsor covers the investigational treatment and study-related procedures, while routine medical care may be billed to insurance depending on the study design and location. Payment and reimbursements vary, and they should be clearly explained before you enroll.
To learn more about compensation, see How Much do Clinical Trials Pay? Everything You Need to Know About Getting Paid For Clinical Trials.
How to Choose the Right Trial (Not Just the Closest One)
Before committing, consider asking the study team:
- How many visits are required and how long are they?
- What tests or procedures are involved?
- Is there compensation or travel reimbursement?
- Is a placebo possible, and what does the control group receive?
- What are the most common side effects observed so far?
- What happens if I want to withdraw?
- Will I receive a summary of results after the study is complete?
Summary and Key Takeaways
Finding a clinical trial near you doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by searching for studies that match your condition and location, and focus on trials that are actively recruiting. Take time to review eligibility requirements, ask questions, and make sure the study fits your schedule and comfort level.
Legitimate clinical trials are carefully reviewed, use informed consent, and allow you to leave at any time. Before joining, make sure you understand what participation involves, including visits, potential risks, and any costs or compensation.
If you’re considering a clinical trial, using a trusted search platform can help you explore options more easily and connect with study teams when you’re ready to apply.
FAQs
How quickly will a study team contact me after I apply?
It depends on the study team’s screening volume and timeline. Some respond within days, others may take longer. If you haven’t heard back in about a week, it’s reasonable to follow up.
Do I need insurance to participate in a clinical trial?
Not always. Some trials do not require insurance, but routine care coverage varies by trial and location. The study team should clearly explain what is covered.
Can I leave a clinical trial after it starts?
Yes. Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. Informing the study team helps ensure you stop safely and transition care appropriately.
Will I definitely receive the new treatment?
Not necessarily. Some studies randomize participants to different groups (including placebo or standard care). The informed consent form should explain this clearly.
What if I’m not eligible?
That’s common, criteria can be strict. If you’re not eligible, ask whether the team knows of similar studies, or search for other trials with different eligibility requirements.