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Trial Phase
Trial Status
Paid Participation
98 Depression Trials near California
Power is an online platform that helps thousands of Depression patients discover FDA-reviewed trials every day. Every trial we feature meets safety and ethical standards, giving patients an easy way to discover promising new treatments in the research stage.
Learn More About PowerSEP-363856 for Major Depressive Disorder
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
900 Participants Needed
ABX-002-2001 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
230 Participants Needed
SP-624 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
456 Participants Needed
Osavampator as an Adjunctive Treatment for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
200 Participants Needed
MM120 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
140 Participants Needed
Osavampator as an Adjunctive Treatment for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
200 Participants Needed
Osavampator as an Adjunctive Treatment for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
200 Participants Needed
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
142 Participants Needed
Azetukalner for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
450 Participants Needed
BHV-7000 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
300 Participants Needed
Ketamine + Buprenorphine for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
60 Participants Needed
Azetukalner for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
460 Participants Needed
Lumateperone for Pediatric Bipolar Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
384 Participants Needed
Solriamfetol for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
300 Participants Needed
NMRA-335140 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
332 Participants Needed
NMRA-335140 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
332 Participants Needed
NMRA-335140 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
650 Participants Needed
Lumateperone for Major Depressive Disorder
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
470 Participants Needed
Cariprazine for Bipolar Disorder in Youth
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
380 Participants Needed
NBI-1065845 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
200 Participants Needed
Why Other Patients Applied
"I've been struggling with alcoholism and depression on-and-off for about 12 years. I have heard of people have good outcomes for various mental health issues after using psilocybin but would not be willing to try it without a doctor's care. So I'm applying to a trial. "
"I had a serious spinal cord injury four years ago, and my entire life turned upside down. I lost everything including a 10 year relationship. I became handicapped and part of that handicap is a mental handicap or I just can’t seem to find my happiness anymore. I go to events where everybody’s laughing, smiling, dancing, and having a good time, and I seem to just sit there like a bump on log. It feels like my spirit is broken. I want to feel happiness and motivation for life again."
"I’m ready to move on with my life. I did a poor job bouncing back from COVID (dealing with a disability). I'd already had a PTSD diagnosis after my spouse died. These past few years have been tough and I'd like to feel like I'm alive again. I need help getting out of this phase."
"I have struggled my entire life with depression. I feel like it took away half my life because I've been unable to truly feel the good times and people around me, like I'm numb. I would like to take part to see if it might help me, but I would also like to help others by doing this trial if I am accepted. I would love to enjoy life and truly feel the happy experiences that might come my way rather than observe them without feeling."
"I've tried several different SSRIs over the past 23 years with no luck. Some of these new treatments seem interesting... haven't tried anything like them before. I really hope that one could work."
Psilocybin Analog for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
220 Participants Needed
Precision Care for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
150 Participants Needed
AXS-05 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
350 Participants Needed
Ropanicant for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
195 Participants Needed
BI 1569912 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
224 Participants Needed
Mindfulness Neurostimulation for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
70 Participants Needed
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
252 Participants Needed
Pramipexole for Anxiety and Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
108 Participants Needed
PDC-1421 for Depression in Cancer Patients
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
12 Participants Needed
JNJ-89495120 for Depression
Trial Details
Key Eligibility Criteria
124 Participants Needed
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Depression clinical trials in California pay?
Each trial will compensate patients a different amount, but $50-100 for each visit is a fairly common range for Phase 2–4 trials (Phase 1 trials often pay substantially more). Further, most trials will cover the costs of a travel to-and-from the clinic.
How do Depression clinical trials in California work?
After a researcher reviews your profile, they may choose to invite you in to a screening appointment, where they'll determine if you meet 100% of the eligibility requirements. If you do, you'll be sorted into one of the treatment groups, and receive your study drug. For some trials, there is a chance you'll receive a placebo. Across Depression trials in California 30% of clinical trials have a placebo. Typically, you'll be required to check-in with the clinic every month or so. The average trial length in California for Depression is 12 months.
How do I participate in a study as a "healthy volunteer"?
Not all studies recruit healthy volunteers: usually, Phase 1 studies do. Participating as a healthy volunteer means you will go to a research facility in California several times over a few days or weeks to receive a dose of either the test treatment or a "placebo," which is a harmless substance that helps researchers compare results. You will have routine tests during these visits, and you'll be compensated for your time and travel, with the number of appointments and details varying by study.
What does the "phase" of a clinical trial mean?
The phase of a trial reveals what stage the drug is in to get approval for a specific condition. Phase 1 trials are the trials to collect safety data in humans. Phase 2 trials are those where the drug has some data showing safety in humans, but where further human data is needed on drug effectiveness. Phase 3 trials are in the final step before approval. The drug already has data showing both safety and effectiveness. As a general rule, Phase 3 trials are more promising than Phase 2, and Phase 2 trials are more promising than phase 1.
Do I need to be insured to participate in a Depression medical study in California?
Clinical trials are almost always free to participants, and so do not require insurance. The only exception here are trials focused on cancer, because only a small part of the typical treatment plan is actually experimental. For these cancer trials, participants typically need insurance to cover all the non-experimental components.
What are the newest Depression clinical trials in California?
Most recently, we added Sertraline + Guanfacine for Depression, PDC-1421 for Depression in Cancer Patients and Qnnections for Suicidal Ideation to the Power online platform.
What do the "Power Preferred" and "SuperSite" badges mean?
We recognize research clinics with these awards when they are especially responsive to patients who apply through the Power online platform. SuperSite clinics are research sites recognized for a high standard of rapid and thorough follow-up with patient applicants. Meanwhile, Power Preferred clinics are the top 20 across the entire Power platform, recognized for their absolute top patient experience.
Which clinics have received Power Preferred and SuperSite awards recruiting for Depression trials in California?
The Depression clinics in California currently recognized as Power Preferred are: Viking Clinical Research in Temecula, California Sunwise Clinical Research in Walnut Creek, California Anderson Clinical Research in Redlands, California Lumos Clinical Research Center in San Jose, California Sunwise Clinical Research, LLC in Walnut Creek, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Sunwise Clinical Research in Lafayette, California Clinical Innovations in Bellflower, California Red Bird Research in Las Vegas, Nevada Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Anderson Clinical Research in Redlands, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California The Depression clinics in California currently recognized as SuperSites are: CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles, California Synergy San Diego in Lemon Grove, California
What are the current treatment options for depression?
Doctors use a stepped-care approach. First, most people try evidence-based talk therapy (such as CBT or interpersonal therapy), an antidepressant medicine (SSRIs are typical), or both, while also improving sleep, exercise and diet. If symptoms persist, the next “step” is to add or switch treatments—e.g., combining two medicines, adding lithium or an antipsychotic, or using brain-stimulation methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation or, for severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy; newer options such as esketamine nasal spray are reserved for treatment-resistant depression. Working with a clinician to review progress every few weeks and adjust the plan is key to finding the right mix.
When is depression considered severe?
Doctors call a depressive episode “severe” when almost all of the nine core symptoms are present at high intensity, the person’s daily life has largely shut down (can’t work, study, or manage self-care), or there are high-risk features like active suicidal thoughts, a recent attempt, or hallucinations/false beliefs. On common checklists this usually means a PHQ-9 score of 20 or higher, and it signals the need for urgent, comprehensive care—often a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and sometimes hospitalization. If you or someone you know reaches this point, treat it as an emergency and contact a mental-health professional or call/text 988 (USA) or your local crisis line right away.
Is it possible to never be depressed again?
Some people have a single episode of depression and stay well, but the risk of another episode is higher if you stop treatment too soon, have had several episodes before, or still have mild symptoms. You can greatly lower that risk by continuing the treatment that got you better for at least 6–12 months, learning relapse-prevention skills in CBT or mindfulness therapy, keeping regular sleep, exercise, and social routines, and checking in early with a professional if warning signs return. In short, there is no iron-clad guarantee you’ll never be depressed again, but staying on maintenance care and a healthy lifestyle makes long-term wellness much more likely.
What are the top 3 symptoms of depression?
Doctors look first for three core signs: 1) a low or hopeless mood that hangs around most of the day, nearly every day; 2) a marked loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy (called anhedonia); and 3) big changes in body energy—feeling drained, sleeping or eating far more or less than usual. If any of these have lasted two weeks or longer, it’s time to talk with a health professional, because other symptoms can pile on and treatment works best when started early.
Is depression a chemical imbalance?
No—depression can’t be pinned on one missing brain chemical. Research shows it arises from a mix of factors: how your brain circuits and several neurotransmitters work, your genes, long-term stress, and life circumstances all interact. Because causes differ from person to person, the most effective care is usually a combination of approaches—medication when needed, talking therapies, and lifestyle changes—worked out with your clinician.
How many people have untreatable depression?
Doctors call “untreatable” depression “treatment-resistant depression,” meaning the person has not improved after trying at least two suitable antidepressants. Large studies show this applies to roughly one-quarter to one-third of people with major depression—about 2–3 % of adults overall, or roughly 5–8 million U.S. adults in any given year. Importantly, many still respond to other options such as medication combinations, ketamine/esketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or electroconvulsive therapy.
How to get out of deep depression?
Think of recovery as two tracks that run side-by-side. Track 1: get professional help right away—if you ever feel unsafe call 988 (or your local hotline), and with a clinician discuss proven treatments such as CBT, antidepressant medicine, and, when needed, newer options like ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy. Track 2: reinforce the medical plan daily with mood-boosting basics—consistent exercise, regular sleep, balanced meals, limited alcohol or drugs, and time with supportive people—because these habits make the treatments work better and give you small, sustainable lifts while you heal.
Why is depression so hard to treat?
Depression is hard to treat because it isn’t a single disease—each person’s symptoms arise from a unique blend of brain chemistry, genetics, stress, medical issues, and life circumstances—so one-size-fits-all therapies rarely work. Without a blood test to guide choices, clinicians must try treatments sequentially, and roughly one-third of people need several steps or a combination of medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, or newer options like ketamine or magnetic stimulation before they feel well. The encouraging news is that persistence with a systematic plan and attention to sleep, exercise, and co-existing conditions allows most patients to eventually reach full recovery.
What are unhealthy coping mechanisms for depression?
Unhealthy coping means doing things that give quick relief but actually deepen depression—common examples include using alcohol or other drugs, overeating or not eating, oversleeping or endless screen-scrolling to avoid feelings, cutting or other self-harm, harsh self-talk and rumination, and withdrawing from friends or lashing out at them. These behaviors worsen mood, relationships, and safety; if you notice yourself relying on them, reach out to a trusted person or mental-health professional (or call your local crisis line) and ask about safer skills such as problem-solving steps, scheduled activity, or therapy.
Is it OK to have clinical depression?
Yes—having clinical depression isn’t a personal failing; it’s a common medical illness, and recognising it is the first step toward feeling better. What isn’t OK is to face it alone, because untreated depression can worsen and raise the risk of other problems, whereas most people improve with timely care such as talk therapy, medication, or a combination. If symptoms last more than two weeks or include thoughts of self-harm, book a visit with a primary-care doctor or mental-health professional and, in crisis, call 988 (U.S.) or your local emergency number—effective help and recovery are the norm when treatment is started.