Depression

Massachusetts

173 Depression Trials near Massachusetts

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.

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No Placebo
Highly Paid
Stay on Current Meds
Pivotal Trials (Near Approval)
Breakthrough Medication
Power Preferred

MM120 for Depression

Watertown, Massachusetts
A Phase 3 Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study (Part A) with an Open-label Extension (Part B) Evaluating MM120 Compared to Placebo in Major Depressive Disorder - Emerge
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

140 Participants Needed

Power Preferred
This trial evaluates whether adding the investigational drug Osavampator (also known as NBI-1065845) to existing oral antidepressant therapy can improve depressive symptoms in patients with depression who aren’t adequately responding to their current antidepressant medication(s).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

200 Participants Needed

Power Preferred
A Phase 2/3 Trial is designed to evaluate SEP-363856 as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2, 3
Age:18 - 65

900 Participants Needed

Power Preferred
This study is testing VLS-01, a treatment containing DMT that is placed in the mouth and dissolved, to see if it can quickly help people with depression who haven’t improved with other treatments. Participants will receive either 1 or 3 doses of VLS-01, with support throughout the study, to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

142 Participants Needed

SuperSite

ABX-002-2001 for Depression

Boston, Massachusetts
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if ABX-002 added to an existing antidepressant treatment will benefit depression symptoms in adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder who have had an inadequate response to their antidepressant.  This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-arm, parallel-group, Phase 2 study, randomized 1:1 (ABX-002: placebo). The study will include the following stages: 1. Screening (approximately 35 days)  2. Treatment period (42 days)  3. Follow-up (2 weeks post treatment)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

230 Participants Needed

Active on Power
This trial evaluates whether adding the investigational drug Osavampator (also known as NBI-1065845) to existing oral antidepressant therapy can improve depressive symptoms in patients with depression who aren’t adequately responding to their current antidepressant medication(s).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

200 Participants Needed

Active on Power
This trial evaluates whether adding the investigational drug Osavampator (also known as NBI-1065845) to existing oral antidepressant therapy can improve depressive symptoms in patients with depression who aren’t adequately responding to their current antidepressant medication(s).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

200 Participants Needed

Active on Power

SP-624 for Depression

Boston, Massachusetts
This trial is testing the efficacy of an investigational drug, SP-624 (study drug) to see how well it might work to treat major depressive disorder.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

456 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to compare the relative effectiveness, acceptability, and side effects of ketamine delivered through an IV (a drip into the arm) which is not currently FDA approved for use in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and Esketamine (Spravato®), taken as a nasal spray which has received FDA approval for use in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in the treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The study will look at the following: * How well the treatment helps with symptoms of depression (effectiveness), * How comfortable and willing people are to use the treatment (acceptability), and * How well people can deal with any side effects from the treatment (tolerability). The study will also examine factors that may predict which treatment works better for certain patients.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

400 Participants Needed

Psilocybin for Depression

Charlestown, Massachusetts
This open-label functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) study will assess the effects of a single dose of psilocybin on rumination and the neural correlates of rumination in individuals with major depressive disorder.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 55

20 Participants Needed

Azetukalner for Depression

Springfield, Massachusetts
X-NOVA2 is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azetukalner as a monotherapy in adult participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

450 Participants Needed

Solriamfetol for Depression

Boston, Massachusetts
This trial is testing solriamfetol, a medication that may help improve symptoms of depression. It targets adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who do not have psychotic features. Solriamfetol works by affecting brain chemicals involved in mood regulation, potentially helping to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

300 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Depression

New Haven, Connecticut
This trial is testing a new medication called NMRA-335140 to see if it can help people with severe depression. The study involves participants with Major Depressive Disorder and aims to find out if the medication can improve their mood by altering brain chemicals.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

332 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Depression

Boston, Massachusetts
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the effects of NMRA-335140 (formerly BTRX-335140) on symptoms of depression in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The study design consists of a Screening Period (up to 28 days), and a 6-week Treatment Period (during which participants will receive either NMRA-335140 or placebo). At the completion of the 6-week Treatment Period, participants who complete the study, provide informed consent, and meet the eligibility criteria may enter an open-label extension study (NMRA-335140-501).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

332 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Depression

Springfield, Massachusetts
This trial is testing a new medication called NMRA-335140 to see if it helps people with major depressive disorder. It includes participants who have no safety concerns. The medication aims to improve mood by affecting brain chemicals.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

650 Participants Needed

This trial is testing lumateperone, a medication that may help people with depression who haven't improved with other treatments. The study includes patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who haven't responded well to their current antidepressants. Lumateperone works by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood, potentially improving depressive symptoms.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

470 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CYB003 compared to matching placebo as adjunctive treatment in participants with MDD.
Stay on current meds
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

220 Participants Needed

This trial is testing four different medications to find the best treatment for adults with bipolar disorder type 1 who are currently depressed. The medications work by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood. The goal is to help patients recover from depression and stay well.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4

2726 Participants Needed

The study will consist of a 24-week-long trial examining outcomes in patients with Major Depressive Disorder and suicidal ideation who will receive intravenous (IV) ketamine and intranasal (IN) esketamine, compared to a large sample of matched historical controls. Patients will be recruited from an inpatient psychiatric unit. Eligible patients who provided informed consent will be enrolled in the study that will include a eight IV ketamine treatments, 13 esketamine treatment visits, seven long assessment visits, five short assessment visits, and daily surveys. The study will examine the feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of repeated IV ketamine followed by esketamine, as well as predictors of treatment response.
No Placebo Group
Prior Safety Data

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4

100 Participants Needed

This study aims to identify how the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone affects behavior and neurobiology that may underlie perimenopausal depression.
Prior Safety Data

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4
Age:40 - 60
Sex:Female

80 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"I've experienced drug resistant MDD for 2 decades. I have had no success with CBT and medication, nor either alone. I had success once with TMS, about 5 sessions, in 2014. I have not had TMS since then."

YB
Depression PatientAge: 58

"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."

YX
Depression PatientAge: 76

"I've been through a substance abuse program three times. Clearly, it's not working. I need to try something totally different and new to deal with my depression (plus alcohol usage) once and for all. I did some research on psilocybin and want to try."

QP
Depression PatientAge: 55

"Tried Lexapro, Wellbutrin and another (forget which). Surgical accident destroyed my mental nerve and left me in chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. That was 15 years ago. Disabled and retired. I'm tired of this."

IH
Depression PatientAge: 73

"I was first diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety over twenty years ago. I have tried different medications. Had to come off medications due to pregnancies, and have worked through different side effects like weight gain, nausea, sleepiness, and the more severe where i have tried to claw my way out of my skin it itched so bad. I dont want other people to have to go through this and I wish I could be off of my medication for good but it just hasnt happened. IF something is out there to improve the life of an anxious and/or depressed person I'd like to be able to say I helped find it."

HD
Depression PatientAge: 46

AXS-05 for Depression

Boston, Massachusetts
This trial is testing AXS-05, a new medication, to see if it can prevent depression from returning in people who have already improved with it. The study focuses on those with major depressive disorder and aims to maintain their balanced brain chemicals to keep them feeling better. AXS-05 (a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion) has shown positive results in previous trials for major depressive disorder.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4
Age:18 - 65

350 Participants Needed

This is a pilot clinical trial to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of ketamine-assisted group therapy for Spanish-speaking adults with depression
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1, 2
Age:18 - 64

10 Participants Needed

BI 1569912 for Depression

Roslindale, Massachusetts
This study is open to adults between 18 and 65 years of age with a type of depression called major depressive disorder. The purpose of the study is to find out whether a medicine called BI 1569912 helps people with depression. Participants are put into 4 groups randomly, which means by chance. Three of the 4 groups take different doses of BI 1569912 and 1 group takes placebo. Placebo tablets looks like BI 1569912 but do not contain any medicine. Participants take the tablets once a day for 6 weeks. Participants are in the study for about 2.5 months. During this time, they visit the study site at least 7 times. At the visits, doctors and their staff ask participants about their depression symptoms. At the end of the study, the results are compared between the groups to see whether the treatment works. The doctors also regularly check the general health of participants and take note of any unwanted effects.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

224 Participants Needed

This trial tests aiTBS, a magnetic brain stimulation method, on patients with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. The treatment uses magnetic pulses to reset brain activity and improve mood. Participants will receive aiTBS either guided by brain scans or by physical measurements of the head. Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) is a newer form of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) that has shown potential for faster and more intense effects in treating depression.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:22 - 80

40 Participants Needed

The overall aim of this program of research is to improve the mental health of people who identify as LGBTQ+ by increasing their social support through a brief intervention. The purpose of the proposed project is to establish the effectiveness of our empirically-supported, brief acceptance-based behavioral therapy (ABBT). To achieve the specific aims, the investigators will conduct a fully-powered, randomized clinical trial (n=240) with two treatment arms: treatment-as-usual (TAU) vs. ABBT.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

240 Participants Needed

Zelquistinel for Depression

Boston, Massachusetts
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if GATE-251 works to treat depression in adults. It will also learn about the safety of GATE-251. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does GATE-251 reduce depression scores in participants compared to participants who take a placebo (a look-alike tablet that contains no GATE-251)? What medical problems are observed in participants who take GATE-251? Participants will take one tablet of GATE-251 or placebo every week for 6 weeks. Participants will visit the clinic every week of the 6 week period to have the severity of their depression evaluated.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 64

164 Participants Needed

BHV-7000 for Depression

Boston, Massachusetts
This trial is testing a new medication called BHV-7000 to see if it is safe and well-tolerated over several months in people with Major Depressive Disorder. The goal is to help those who suffer from severe depression by potentially offering a new treatment option.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Phase 2

480 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist Ketamine is critically dependent on stimulation of Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid receptors (AMPAR).

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:21 - 65

30 Participants Needed

This study will determine the effects of pregnenolone on brain function, inflammation and depressive symptoms in people with HIV who have depression. Participants in this study will receive a pill of either pregnenolone or placebo, and can stay on their current antidepression medications. Brain imaging and behavioral assessments will be performed during the study.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

120 Participants Needed

Centanafadine for Depression

Bennington, Vermont
This is a phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of centanafadine once-daily (QD) extended-release (XR) capsules for the treatment of adult subjects diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of centanafadine QD XR capsules as monotherapy or as adjunct to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), escitalopram.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

336 Participants Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Depression clinical trials in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts?

Most recently, we added Online Intervention for Transgender Young Adults' Alcohol Use, Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Serious Mental Illness and Pramipexole vs Escitalopram for Depression in HIV 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 Massachusetts?

The Depression clinics in Massachusetts currently recognized as Power Preferred are: Adams Clinical in Watertown, Massachusetts Copley Clinical Research in Boston, Massachusetts Adams Clinical in Watertown, Massachusetts Copley Clinical in Boston, Massachusetts Boston Clinical Trials in Roslindale, Massachusetts Adams Clinical in Watertown, Massachusetts The Depression clinics in Massachusetts currently recognized as SuperSites are: Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts

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.

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