12 Recruiting Trials

Clinical Trials
for Depression in Wisconsin

12 clinical trials for Depression are currently recruiting participants at study sites in Wisconsin. Study-related care is provided at no cost.

12
Recruiting trials
32
Study sites
24
Cities
2
Industry-sponsored
1
Phase 3

Depression clinical trials in Wisconsin: what to expect

Depression trials cover new medicines, brain stimulation, talk therapy and digital programs. The busiest area is treatment-resistant depression: studies for people whose current antidepressant has not helped enough, testing rapid-acting medicines, add-on treatments and devices such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. Others compare types of therapy, test app-based programs, or study depression alongside another condition such as chronic pain or heart disease.

In Wisconsin, recruiting depression studies are concentrated in Madison, Antigo, Appleton and Berlin, with sites in 20 other cities. 2 of the 12 are run by a drug or device company, which usually means a larger study with travel reimbursement; the rest are academic or hospital-led.

Who depression trials usually look for

Most adult trials require a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, a current episode with symptoms above a threshold on a standard questionnaire, and ages 18 to 65. Treatment-resistant trials ask that one or two antidepressants at a proper dose have not worked in the current episode. Common exclusions are bipolar disorder, psychosis, a substance use disorder in the last year and, for safety, a high current suicide risk. Many trials let you continue stable talk therapy.

Some medicine trials add the study drug to the antidepressant you take; others require a supervised taper first. The listing says which.

What taking part involves

Screening is a structured interview with a clinician plus blood work. Medicine trials usually run six to twelve weeks with weekly or fortnightly visits and mood questionnaires, and many include a placebo arm, with close safety monitoring either way; an open-label extension often follows so everyone can receive the active drug. Therapy and app trials run eight to sixteen weeks and compare against usual care. Treatment, visits and tests are free, and most trials pay for time.

Questions worth asking the study team

Whether you would taper your current medicine and how that is supervised; the chance of placebo and whether there is an open-label extension; what happens if you feel worse during the study; and whether your own doctor is kept informed. Research records are kept separate from your medical record unless you ask otherwise.

Showing 12 of 12 recruiting Depression trials in Wisconsin

Well-being Training for Adolescent Depressive Symptoms (TeenWell Study)
NA Madison, Wisconsin NCT06626425
This trial is looking for teens aged 14 to 19 who have symptoms of depression. Participants will use the Healthy Minds Program app over 20 weeks to see if it helps improve their mood.
Recruiting
Treatment ResistAnt Depression Subcallosal CingulatE Network DBS (TRANSCEND)
NA Birmingham, Alabama +4 sites NCT06423430
This trial is looking for adults with treatment resistant depression who have not improved with other treatments. Participants will receive a new type of brain stimulation as part of their care.
Recruiting
A Prospective, Multi-center, Randomized Controlled Blinded Trial Demonstrating the Safety and Effectiveness of VNS Therapy® System as Adjunctive Therapy Versus a No Stimulation Control in Subjects With Treatment-Resistant Depression
NA Birmingham, Alabama +4 sites NCT03887715
This trial is looking for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Participants will receive either active VNS therapy or a control without stimulation to see how it affects their depression over 12 months.
Recruiting
The Oh Happy Day Class - Digital Connections (OHDC-DC): A Pilot Study
NA Madison, Wisconsin NCT06206226
This trial is looking for African Americans aged 18 and older who are experiencing depression. Participants will use a mobile app to attend weekly classes and complete surveys over four months.
Recruiting
Storytelling and Mindfulness for Graduate Student Wellbeing
NA Madison, Wisconsin NCT05826860
This trial is looking for graduate students in STEM fields at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who want to improve their wellbeing through storytelling and mindfulness practices. Participants will be involved in the study for up to 2 years.
Recruiting
Cognitive Behavioral and Faith Fellowship to Improve Thy Health
NA Madison, Wisconsin +2 sites NCT06292637
This trial is looking for African American adults aged 18 and older who have symptoms of depression. Participants will be part of a faith-based program aimed at reducing these symptoms.
Recruiting
Couples' Affect in Relationships Study
NA Madison, Wisconsin NCT06907654
This trial is looking for people in romantic relationships who want to learn about well-being and its effects on their thoughts and feelings. Participants will complete online surveys about their experiences.
Recruiting
The COMParing App Support Strategies Study
NA Madison, Wisconsin NCT07278466
This trial is looking for individuals who experience symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Participants will use a meditation app with some added support to see how it can help improve their well-being.
Recruiting
RESISTance Exercise for Depression Trial
NA Madison, Wisconsin +1 sites NCT06110897
This trial is looking for adults with Major Depressive Disorder. Participants will take part in either a high or low dose resistance exercise program for 16 weeks to see how it helps with depression.
Recruiting
Exercise-priming of CBT for Depression: the CBT+ Trial
NA Madison, Wisconsin NCT07221929
This trial is looking for adults with Major Depressive Disorder who want to try a new approach combining exercise with therapy. Participants will either rest or do moderate exercise before starting therapy sessions for 8 weeks.
Recruiting
E-Mindfulness Approaches for Living After Breast Cancer
PHASE3 Phoenix, Arizona +4 sites NCT06748222
This trial is looking for younger women who have survived breast cancer and are experiencing depression. Participants will try two different mindfulness programs, one led by an instructor via Zoom and the other through a mobile app.
Recruiting
Pilot Effectiveness Trial of an ACT Self-help Workbook Tailored Specifically for Prisons
NA Madison, Wisconsin NCT06162624
This trial is looking for people who are 18 years or older and are dealing with moderate to severe anxiety or depression. You can’t be at risk of harming yourself or planning to leave prison for at least three months. Also, you should be able to read at a 6th-grade level and agree to take part in the study.
Recruiting

Where the Depression studies are in Wisconsin

  • University of Wisconsin, Madison4 trials
  • University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison3 trials
  • Aspirus Cancer Care - Stevens Point, Stevens Point1 trial
  • Aspirus Cancer Care - Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Rapids1 trial
  • Aspirus Cancer Care-Antigo-Volm Cancer Center, Antigo1 trial
  • Aspirus Cancer Care-Rhinelander-James Beck Cancer Center, Rhinelander1 trial

Counts are recruiting studies listing at least one site in Wisconsin, from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed every two days.

Depression clinical trials in Wisconsin: common questions

How many Depression clinical trials are recruiting in Wisconsin?
TrialFinder currently lists 12 recruiting Depression clinical trials with study sites in Wisconsin. Results are updated regularly from ClinicalTrials.gov, the official U.S. registry of clinical studies.
Where are Depression clinical trials located in Wisconsin?
Study sites for the Depression trials listed on this page include Madison. Each trial page lists every participating site with contact details, so you can find the location closest to you.
Do I need insurance to join a Depression clinical trial in Wisconsin?
No. Study-related care is covered by the trial sponsor at no cost to participants, including the study treatment, required lab tests and study visits. Many Depression trials in Wisconsin also compensate participants for time and travel. Health insurance is not required to search or enroll.
How do I qualify for a Depression clinical trial in Wisconsin?
Each study sets its own criteria based on age, Depression diagnosis details, prior treatments, current medications and general health. The fastest way to find out is to contact a research site directly — most will pre-screen you by phone in 10 to 15 minutes at no charge. You can also create a free TrialFinder profile to be matched automatically.
Do I have to stop my antidepressant to join a depression trial?
Not always. Many trials add the study treatment to the antidepressant you already take; others ask for a supervised taper before starting. Each listing states which, and the study doctor manages any change.
Is there a placebo in depression trials?
Most medicine trials include a placebo arm, often with two active participants for every one on placebo, and usually followed by an extension where everyone receives the drug. Therapy, device and app trials generally compare against usual care instead.
Can I join if I am already seeing a therapist?
Usually yes for medicine trials, provided the therapy has been ongoing and stable. Trials of a specific therapy may ask you not to start a second one during the study.
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Depression trials investigate antidepressant medications, TMS, ketamine infusions, psychotherapy protocols, and digital mental-health interventions.

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