Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of adults each year. It can influence how people think, feel, sleep, work, and interact with others. While many individuals benefit from therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, others continue to experience symptoms despite receiving treatment.

That is why depression research remains so important. Every year, researchers launch new clinical trials to evaluate medications, digital therapies, brain stimulation techniques, and innovative technologies that could improve treatment options for future patients.

California is home to many leading research institutions, including Stanford University and UCLA, making it one of the country's largest centers for depression research. If you're interested in participating in clinical research, here are ten active depression studies currently recruiting in California.

Find Depression Clinical Trials Near You

Browse active depression studies and explore opportunities to participate in mental health research.

What is depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is more than simply feeling sad. It is a medical condition that affects mood, emotions, concentration, appetite, sleep, and daily functioning.

Common symptoms include:

Persistent sadness
Loss of interest in activities
Low energy
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite
Sleep problems
Feelings of hopelessness

Symptoms vary from person to person, and severity can range from mild to severe.

How is depression treated?

Treatment often includes a combination of:

Antidepressant medications
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Lifestyle modifications
Exercise
Mindfulness
Brain stimulation therapies such as TMS
Digital mental health tools

While these treatments help many people, not everyone responds equally. Researchers continue developing new approaches that may provide additional options for people living with depression.

Why are clinical trials important for depression?

Every approved depression treatment available today first went through clinical trials.

Clinical trials help researchers determine whether new treatments are safe and effective before they become widely available. They also help scientists better understand how depression affects the brain and identify which treatments work best for different groups of people.

Today's depression studies extend beyond medications. Researchers are also investigating:

Virtual Reality
Digital therapeutics
Neurofeedback
Brain stimulation
Artificial intelligence
Personalized medicine

Top 10 Depression Clinical Trials in California

1. fMRI Neurofeedback With Matter Neuroscience App (NCT06735885)

One of the most innovative depression studies currently recruiting in California is being conducted at Stanford University.

Rather than testing a new medication, researchers are investigating whether fMRI neurofeedback combined with the Matter Neuroscience App can help adults with mild to moderate depression better understand and regulate positive emotional responses.

This study represents the growing role of digital health technologies in mental health research and demonstrates how researchers are exploring new treatment approaches beyond traditional medications.

Study Highlights:

Sponsor: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Status: Recruiting
Ages: 18 years and older
Conditions: Mild Depression, Depression, Moderate Depression

See if You Qualify for the Stanford Depression Study. Learn more about this innovative depression study using neurofeedback technology and the Matter Neuroscience App.

View Stanford Study

2. Inflammatory and Glutamatergic Mechanisms of Sustained Threat in Adolescents With Depression

NCT05329441 • UCLA

Researchers are studying how inflammation and brain signaling pathways may contribute to depression in adolescents.

View Study

3. Evaluating tDCS Brain-Stimulation in Depression Using MRI

NCT05598034 • UCLA

This study explores whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, may improve depression symptoms.

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4. Training Reward Responsiveness Through Virtual Reality

NCT07219875 • UCLA

Researchers are testing virtual reality technology to better understand and improve reward processing in individuals with depression.

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5. Search for Novel Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Targets for Mental Illness

NCT06376734 • Brigham and Women's Hospital

This study aims to identify new brain targets for TMS therapy, a treatment commonly used for depression that has not responded to standard therapies.

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6. Zelquistinel or Placebo for Major Depressive Disorder

NCT06547489 • Syndeio Biosciences

A clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of an investigational treatment for major depressive disorder.

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7. VNS Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression

NCT03887715 • LivaNova

Researchers are studying vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a potential option for people whose depression has not improved with conventional treatments.

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8. Oral Icalcaprant for Major Depressive Disorder

NCT07276997 • AbbVie

This study is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational oral treatment for adults with major depressive disorder.

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9. CYB003 for Major Depressive Disorder

NCT06564818 • Cybin IRL Limited

Researchers are studying CYB003, a deuterated psilocin analog, as a potential new approach for treating depression.

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10. TRANSCEND Deep Brain Stimulation Study

NCT06423430 • Abbott Medical Devices

This study is evaluating deep brain stimulation (DBS) for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.

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Why Consider a Depression Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials help researchers develop better treatments and improve understanding of mental health conditions. Depending on the study, participants may gain access to:

Investigational treatments not yet widely available
New brain stimulation technologies
Digital health and virtual reality interventions
Additional monitoring from research teams
Opportunities to contribute to future depression treatments

Every study has its own eligibility requirements, risks, and benefits, so it is important to review the details carefully before deciding whether participation is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other emotional or physical symptoms.

Who can join a depression clinical trial?

Eligibility varies by study. Some trials recruit adults with major depressive disorder, while others focus on adolescents, treatment-resistant depression, or specific symptom profiles.

Are depression clinical trials safe?

Clinical trials follow strict regulatory and ethical guidelines. Participants are informed about potential risks and benefits before enrolling.

Do I have to stop my current treatment?

Not necessarily. Some studies allow participants to continue existing medications or therapy, while others may require specific treatment plans. Always review the study requirements carefully.