CHARLOTTE, NC
Depression Clinical Trials
Six depression studies are enrolling near Charlotte NC, four inside the city and two at Hickory. Notably, four of the six are add ons, so you keep your own antidepressant throughout. Payment is provided for eligible participants.
6
Open Near Charlotte
4
That Are Add Ons
+/- $100
Per Visit
New here? Read how this page works
First, here is the honest picture. Six studies are open here and they differ a lot in what they ask of you. So here is how to use this page.
- Ask whether it is an add on or a study of a drug on its own. Because that decides whether you keep your antipsychotic or come off it first.
- Ask for your depression score. Notably, one study here needs 22 or more on the HAM-D scale, at two separate visits.
- Count the antidepressants that did not work. In fact, the number gates you in both directions, so bring your history to the first call.
- Finally, tap the button. Then we check you against every study we track and tell you which ones fit.
Of course, checking never signs you up for anything. You are only seeing where you might fit.
Studies Open Near Charlotte Right Now
Six of them. Four let you keep your own antidepressant, one asks you to stop it first, and one gives everyone the real drug for ten weeks.
Add on studies, where you keep your own antidepressant
In all four you carry on with your current medicine and the study treatment goes on top. So the worst case is a dummy added to what already helps.
Added to What You Already Take
Neurocrine Biosciences / Late stage
This is an add on study, which is the most important thing about it. You keep taking your own antidepressant at the same dose the whole way through. The study treatment goes on top, and half the group gets a dummy instead. So the worst case is that you carry on exactly as you are now with a dummy added. The site is inside Charlotte.
Payment is not published.
Check eligibility →More details
Why researchers are excited: a great many people get partway better on an antidepressant and then stop improving. Meanwhile, an add on study means nobody is asked to stop what is already helping.
Who this study is looking for
- Recurrent depression, moderate or severe, or the long lasting form
- Also, A depression score of 22 or more on the HAM-D scale, at two separate visits
- Besides that, already on an oral antidepressant for eight weeks or more
- Finally, willing to hold that antidepressant steady throughout
Probably not a fit if: scoring under 22 at the second visit rules you out. That is the most common reason people fail screening, and it is a statistical effect rather than anything about you. Also, another mental health condition treated as the main problem in the last year.
- Placebo group: Yes, added on top. So the dummy group keeps their own antidepressant throughout.
- How long: The main measure is at day 56, so about twelve weeks in total.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 7 to 9 in person over about twelve weeks. But treat that as an estimate, because only a start and an end point are published.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: Blood tests and rating scale interviews. So there is nothing invasive published in it.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: Neurocrine clinical site, Charlotte NC 28211.
- Drive from Charlotte: The site is in Charlotte, about five miles from uptown.
- Ask for your HAM-D number. Twenty two or more is the gate, at both visits, and knowing yours beforehand tells you whether the trip is worth making.
- Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
For Depression That Has Not Responded to Several Things
Alto Neuroscience / Mid stage
This is for people whose depression has not lifted despite several previous treatments. It is an add on, so you stay on one or two antidepressants you already take. Half the group gets a dummy added instead. Notably, there is both a floor and a ceiling on how many treatments you can have failed. The site is in Charlotte, though the clinic name is not published.
Payment is not published.
Check eligibility →More details
Why researchers are excited: treatment resistant depression is where the need is greatest and the options are thinnest. Meanwhile, an add on design means you keep whatever is currently helping.
Who this study is looking for
- Moderate to severe depression, confirmed at screening
- Also, between two and five antidepressant treatments that did not work, including the current one
- Besides that, currently on a steady dose of one or two oral antidepressants
- Finally, aged 18 to 75
Probably not a fit if: any history of PTSD rules you out, not only current PTSD. That is oddly broad and it catches many people. Also, bipolar disorder, any psychotic symptoms, and substance use problems. Notably, having failed six or more treatments also excludes you.
- Placebo group: Yes, added on top. So the dummy group keeps their own antidepressants throughout.
- How long: Eight weeks, with the main measure at the end.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 6 to 10 in person over about twelve weeks. Only a start and an end point are published, so treat that as an estimate.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: Blood tests and interviews. So nothing invasive is described in the record.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: A Charlotte NC 28287 research site, name not published.
- Drive from Charlotte: The site is in Charlotte, though the clinic name is not published.
- Count your failed treatments before you call. Two to five gets you in, and six or more closes it. So bring your medicine history to the first conversation.
- Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
An Add On With an Open Label Stage
Alto Neuroscience / Mid stage
Another add on study, so your own antidepressant continues unchanged. The useful difference here is that there is an open label stage as well as the blinded one. So active drug is available outside the part where a dummy is used. You need to be on a single SSRI, SNRI or bupropion, steady for at least six weeks. The site is at Hickory.
Payment is not published.
Check eligibility →More details
Why researchers are excited: an open label stage means the dummy is not the whole of your experience. Meanwhile, that is worth asking about in any depression study.
Who this study is looking for
- Moderate to severe depression
- Also, on a single SSRI, SNRI or bupropion for six weeks or more
- Besides that, no dose change in the last two weeks
- Finally, aged 18 to 70
Probably not a fit if: taking something for sleep every night rules you out. That is an unusual criterion and it rules out a great many people with depression. Also, bipolar disorder, any psychotic disorder, and moderate or severe substance use.
- Placebo group: Yes in the blinded part. However, there is also an open label period where active drug is given.
- How long: The main measure is at week six, with safety followed to about week fifteen.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 8 to 12 in person across about fifteen weeks, derived from the published windows.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: Blood tests and interviews. So nothing invasive is described.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: A Hickory NC 28601 research site, name not published.
- Drive from Charlotte: Hickory is about 58 miles north west, so roughly an hour.
- Check your sleep medicine first. Nightly use is a written exclusion, and it is the single most common reason people fail screening for this one.
- Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
The Long One, and It Can Take the Drug Away
Neurocrine Biosciences / Late stage
This tests whether staying on the same treatment stops depression coming back. It is also an add on, so your own antidepressant continues throughout. However, the design matters. If you improve, you are then assigned either to continue or to switch to a dummy. So a study like this can take a working treatment away from you to see what happens. It also runs for up to about thirty two months.
Payment is not published.
Check eligibility →More details
Why researchers are excited: relapse is the part of depression that wears people down most, and it is studied far less than the first response. Meanwhile, you keep your own antidepressant the whole time.
Who this study is looking for
- Recurrent depression, moderate or severe, or the long lasting form
- Also, A depression score of 22 or more on the HAM-D scale, at two separate visits
- Besides that, already on an oral antidepressant for eight weeks or more
- Finally, willing to commit to a study that may run over two years
Probably not a fit if: scoring under 22 at the second visit rules you out. Also, another mental health condition treated as the main problem in the last year. Notably, the length itself excludes a lot of people once they see it.
- Placebo group: Yes, and in an unusual way. Responders are assigned either to continue or to switch to a dummy.
- How long: Up to about thirty two months.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 25 to 60 in person across up to thirty two months. Only a start and an end point are published, so treat that as a wide estimate.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: Blood tests, interviews, and the length itself. So the real burden here is time rather than anything physical.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: Neurocrine clinical site, Charlotte NC 28211.
- Drive from Charlotte: The site is in Charlotte, about five miles from uptown.
- Ask what happens if you relapse. In a withdrawal design that is the whole question, and a good study will have a written plan for it.
- Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
And two with a different shape entirely
One asks you to come off your antidepressant first and may then give you a dummy for six weeks. The other gives everyone ten weeks of the real drug openly before anyone is assigned a group.
On Its Own, Which Means Stopping Yours First
Xenon Pharmaceuticals / Late stage tablet
This one is taken alone rather than added to anything. So you have to come off your current antidepressant first, for two weeks, or four weeks if it is fluoxetine. Then half the group receives a dummy for six weeks. That is a real thing to weigh, and we would rather set it out plainly than bury it. The site is inside Charlotte.
Payment is not published.
Check eligibility →More details
Why researchers are excited: a new mechanism in depression is rare, and this drug opens a potassium channel rather than working on serotonin. Meanwhile, the treatment period itself is short at six weeks.
Who this study is looking for
- A current depressive episode lasting between six weeks and two years
- Also, your first episode having begun before you were 50
- Besides that, aged 18 to 74, with a body mass index of 40 or under
- Finally, willing to come off your current antidepressant beforehand
Probably not a fit if: having failed two or more antidepressants in this episode rules you out. So this one wants people earlier in their treatment journey, which is the opposite of most. Also, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, OCD and any benzodiazepine use all exclude.
- Placebo group: Yes, and this is a monotherapy study, so the dummy group is on nothing else for six weeks.
- How long: About four weeks of screening, six weeks of treatment, then safety followed afterwards.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 8 to 11 in person across about eighteen weeks, from screening through the safety follow up.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: Blood tests, and the washout itself. So the demanding part is coming off your medicine rather than any procedure.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: New Hope Clinical Research, Charlotte NC 28211.
- Drive from Charlotte: The site is in Charlotte, about five miles from uptown.
- Never stop an antidepressant on your own to qualify. That is a decision for your own doctor, and a good site will insist on involving them.
- Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
Everyone Gets Ten Weeks of the Real Drug First
Axsome Therapeutics / Approved drug study
This has a shape worth knowing. Everyone starts with ten weeks of the real drug, openly, with nobody on a dummy. Only people who improve are then assigned to continue or to switch. Even then the comparison is a real approved drug rather than a dummy, at even odds. The site is at Hickory.
Payment is not published.
Check eligibility →More details
Why researchers are excited: there is no placebo anywhere in this study, which is rare in depression research. Meanwhile, ten weeks of open treatment up front is a genuine benefit rather than a gamble.
Who this study is looking for
- Depression without psychotic features
- Also, A current episode lasting at least four weeks
- Besides that, aged 18 to 65
- Finally, no required number of failed treatments, which is unusual
Probably not a fit if: having ever been prescribed this drug rules you out. So if your psychiatrist has already tried it, that door is closed. Notably, the published exclusion list is oddly thin, so ask the site about the rest.
- Placebo group: None. Everyone gets the real drug for ten weeks, and the later the comparison is a real approved drug.
- How long: Up to about thirty six weeks in total.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 12 to 18 in person across about thirty six weeks. Only the endpoint window is published, so treat that as an estimate.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: Blood tests and interviews. Also, the ten week run in with no guarantee of being assigned afterwards.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: A Hickory NC 28601 research site, name not published.
- Drive from Charlotte: Hickory is about 58 miles north west, so roughly an hour.
- Ask whether you keep your current antidepressant. The record does not say, and that is a real gap. So get it answered before you consent.
- Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
Not sure which one fits you?
First, answer a few quick health questions. Then we keep them on file. Finally, we tell you which studies near Charlotte you may fit. No account, no paperwork.
See if I may fit one of these studies →What Is Actually Changing in Depression Treatment
For the first time in decades there are several new mechanisms in late stage testing at once.
Add On or On Its Own Is the First Question
In an add on study you keep your own antidepressant and the study drug goes on top. In a monotherapy study you come off yours first, and that is called a washout. So the worst case in one is a dummy added to what already helps, and in the other it is six weeks on nothing. Meanwhile, that single question changes the risk more than anything else on this page.
Ask for Your MADRS or HAM-D Number
Nearly every study gates on one of these scores, and the thresholds differ a lot. One study near here needs a HAM-D of 22 or more, which is the severe range. Another study elsewhere needs a MADRS of 20. So the same person on the same day can qualify for one and fail another.
Scores Drift Down Between Visits
One study here needs a score of 22 or more at screening and again at the baseline visit. So people who clearly qualify on the first day often do not on the second. In fact, this is the single commonest reason people fail a depression trial screen. Notably, it is a statistical effect and it says nothing about you.
Count Your Failed Antidepressants
The number gates you in both directions, which surprises people. One study wants between two and five failures, and six or more closes it. Another study excludes you if you have failed two or more, because it wants people earlier on. So bring your medicine history to the first phone call rather than the screening visit.
There Is a Tool That Does the Counting
Sites use a questionnaire called the ATRQ, or a treatment history form, to decide what counts. Adequate dose and adequate duration is a technical standard. So three weeks at a starting dose usually does not count as a failed trial. Meanwhile, knowing which tool they use lets you prepare properly.
Bipolar Disorder Is a Hard Stop
Almost every depression study excludes bipolar disorder, and sites screen for it with a set interview. So one past episode of feeling oddly high on an antidepressant can relabel you. However, that does not leave you with nothing. In fact, there is an open bipolar depression study in Charlotte, and it is on our bipolar page.
The Boring Exclusions Are the Ones That Stop People
One study here excludes anyone taking something for sleep every night. Another excludes all benzodiazepines. Another excludes anyone ever prescribed the drug being studied. One excludes any history of PTSD rather than only current PTSD. So read past the diagnosis criteria, because the ordinary lines are what actually disqualify people.
Ask About Open Label Stages
Some studies give everyone the real drug for a period, either before or after the blinded part. One study here gives ten weeks of open treatment to everyone before anybody is assigned. So the dummy is not always the whole of your experience. Meanwhile, that is a fair and simple question to ask on the first call.
Withdrawal Designs Can Take a Working Drug Away
In a relapse prevention study, people who are doing well are randomly assigned to continue or to switch. So the point is to see whether depression comes back. That is a legitimate design and it is worth knowing before you agree to it. Notably, two of the studies near Charlotte work this way.
Where Things Actually Stand Locally
Six studies are open around Charlotte, four in the city and two at Hickory. The Midlands has none, and every search on the word Columbia returned New York or Canada instead. So the nearest options for a Columbia patient are Charlotte or Charleston. However, if things ever feel unsafe, calling or texting 988 reaches the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any hour, and that is not a study.
Depression Help Near You
Ask whether a study is an add on or asks you to stop your medicine first. Also, ask for your depression score and count your previous treatments before you call. Finally, ask whether there is an open label stage where everyone receives the real drug. Meanwhile, join the list and we will call you when something opens near you.
Research Sites Near Charlotte
New Hope Clinical Research and two sponsor run sites operate in Charlotte, with two more at Hickory. So there is real capacity in this metro.
Atrium Health
Multiple Charlotte locations / 161+ active studies
Crohn’s, Heart Failure, COPD, Dementia, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension
Charlotte’s biggest health system. It is tied to Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Also, it runs far more trials than anyone else nearby.
Visit Website →
American Health Research Network
Ballantyne, NC 28277 / 25 to 30+ active studies
Asthma, COPD, Chronic Cough, Type 2 Diabetes
Led by Dr. Selwyn Spangenthal. It is the biggest private lung research group in Charlotte. Specifically, it has 4 offices: Charlotte, Rock Hill, Lake Norman, and Charleston.
Visit Website →
Monroe Biomedical Research
Monroe, NC / 17+ active studies
Asthma, COPD, Hypertension, Obesity, Ulcerative Colitis
Notably, one of the 5 busiest research sites in the country. Its 6,300 sq ft space can host overnight stays. It is also an SCRS Global Impact Partner.
Visit Website →
Clinical Research of Gastonia
Gastonia, NC / 11+ active studies
Asthma, COPD, Chronic Cough, Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Led by Dr. Anup Banerjee. Its 3,500 sq ft space sits next to CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Also, it has been running for over 10 years.
Visit Website →
OnSite Clinical Solutions
Ballantyne, NC 28277 / 10+ active studies
Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, COPD, Heart Failure, Atopic Dermatitis
It works with Charlotte doctors in heart, gut, skin, nerve, and joint care. Besides, it runs studies from Phase I through Phase IV.
Visit Website →
Flourish Research
Matthews, NC 28105 / 4+ active studies
Alzheimer’s Disease, Early Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s-Related Psychosis
Led by Dr. M. Reza Bolouri. He has 20+ years in Alzheimer’s research. The site is an Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence. In fact, its network has finished 5,500+ trials.
Visit Website →
New Hope Clinical Research
SouthPark, NC 28211 / 4+ active studies
Major Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
Led by Dr. Kurian Abraham. It runs Phase I through IV studies and has 30 beds for overnight stays. Its last FDA audit came back clean. Also, it has finished 200+ brain studies.
Visit Website →
Queen City Clinical Research
SouthPark, NC 28211 / 2+ active studies
Chronic Pain, Chronic Migraine, Osteoarthritis
Led by Dr. Leonardo Kapural, a former Cleveland Clinic professor. Notably, he has written 200+ journal articles. On top of that, many call this the biggest pain research site in the country.
Visit Website →
Novant Health
Multiple Charlotte locations / Several active studies
Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity, Hypertension
One of the biggest health systems in the Carolinas. Its Heart and Vascular Institute runs heart studies and sees a lot of patients.
Visit Website →
DLVSC
4 Charlotte-area offices / 1+ active studies
Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea
Led by Dr. Gilly Munavalli. This award-winning skin practice owns 50+ FDA-approved lasers and devices. Also, it has its own research team.
Visit Website →
DelRicht Research
South Charlotte, NC 28210 / 1+ active studies
Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Depression
Part of a national network of mental health research sites. Currently, it runs the azetukalner bipolar depression trial in Charlotte. Previously, it ran other mental health studies.
Visit Website →
TMS of the Carolinas
South Charlotte, NC 28210 / 1+ active studies
Major Depression, Treatment-Resistant Depression
A specialty site for brain stimulation care. It runs the fast TMS study that packs 6 weeks into 2.
Visit Website →What to Expect in a Depression Study
New to studies? Here is how one works, step by step.
01
Prescreening
First comes a short phone call or online form. Also, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The staff check whether you might fit. Then they tell you what is open.
02
Screening Visit
Next the clinic runs the tests that decide it, which usually means blood work. Also, they go through the consent form line by line, and you can bring somebody with you.
03
Treatment Period
Then the study begins. So you take the study drug or the placebo on the agreed schedule. Meanwhile, your own doctor keeps managing everything else.
04
Follow-Up
Finally, there is a check in period at the end. Also, your own doctor gets the results, and you can stop at any point without affecting your care.
Depression Trial FAQs
Real answers about depression studies near Charlotte NC.
Is there a study for this near Charlotte?
Yes, six of them. Four are add ons, which means you keep your own antidepressant and the study treatment goes on top. One asks you to come off yours first and may then give you a dummy for six weeks. One gives everyone ten weeks of the real drug openly before anyone is assigned a group. Notably, two of the six are at Hickory and no state level search finds them.
What is the difference between add on and on its own?
In an add on study you keep your own antidepressant and the study drug goes on top. In a study of a drug on its own you come off yours first, which is called a washout. So the worst case in one is a dummy added to what already helps, and in the other it is weeks on nothing. Meanwhile, that single question changes the risk more than anything else here.
What score will they ask me about?
A depression score, usually MADRS or HAM-D, and the thresholds differ a lot. One study near here needs a HAM-D of 22 or more, which is the severe range. Another study elsewhere needs a MADRS of 20. So the same person on the same day can qualify for one and fail another.
Why did my score drop between visits?
It happens to almost everyone, and it is the most common reason people fail a screen. One study near here needs 22 or more at screening and again at the next visit. So people who clearly qualify on day one often do not on day two. Notably, that is a statistical effect and it says nothing about you.
Does the number of drugs I have tried matter?
Yes, and it gates you in both directions, which surprises people. One study wants between two and five that did not work, and six or more closes it. Another excludes you if two or more have failed, because it wants people earlier on. So bring your medicine history to the first phone call rather than the screening visit.
Does bipolar disorder rule me out?
For depression studies, almost always yes, and sites check with a set interview. So one past episode of feeling oddly high on an antidepressant can relabel you. However, that does not leave you with nothing. In fact, there is an open bipolar study in Charlotte, and it sits on our bipolar page.
What are the exclusions that catch people out?
The boring ones rather than the diagnoses. One study here excludes anyone taking something for sleep every night. Another excludes all benzodiazepines. Another excludes anyone ever prescribed the drug being studied, and one excludes any history of PTSD. So read past the headline criteria, because those lines are what actually stop people.
Does everyone get the real drug at some point?
In some studies yes, and it is worth asking. One study near here gives ten weeks of open treatment to everyone before anybody is assigned a group. Another has an open label stage alongside the blinded one. Meanwhile, that question takes ten seconds and it changes the decision.
What if I need help right now?
If things ever feel unsafe, call or text 988 at any hour. That reaches the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and Veterans can press 1. So it is free, it runs day and night, and it is not a study. Meanwhile, a study is never the right route for something urgent.
Does it cost anything to check?
No. There is no cost, and no insurance is needed. Tether is a nonprofit list, so we do not run studies and we are not paid to send you anywhere. Also, checking never enrolls anyone in anything. You would always call the clinic yourself.
Where can I get help near Charlotte?
Atrium Health and Novant Health both run mental health services across the metro. Also, ask your own doctor for your depression score and keep a list of what you have tried and at what dose. Generally, a psychiatry referral is the right route if two or more drugs have not worked. Meanwhile, if things ever feel unsafe, call or text 988 at any hour.
Ready to Explore a Study?
Check your eligibility, or just reach out to our Charlotte team. No pressure. Also, no sales pitch.
← Back to All Clinical TrialsSources
- An add on study in Charlotte, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06963021
- The long relapse prevention version, in Charlotte, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07196501
- X-NOVA2, taken on its own after a washout, in Charlotte, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06775379
- An add on for depression that has resisted several treatments, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07553637
- An add on with an open label stage, at Hickory, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05922878
- Ten weeks of open treatment first, at Hickory, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06223880
- An add on for depression with insomnia, at Charleston, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06559306
- SAINT, a five day stimulation course for depression after a baby, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07210255
Study details and per-site recruiting status verified against ClinicalTrials.gov on August 17, 2026. Every search on the word Columbia for this condition returned New York or Canada, so there are no depression studies in the Columbia SC metro. Note that the suicide rating scale used in these studies is named after a university in New York and has nothing to do with Columbia South Carolina. Two studies near Hickory appeared on neither the Charlotte search nor the state search and were found only by sweeping individual towns. One study reads as open while its Hickory site row is closed, so it is not listed here. Route of administration, odds and several score thresholds are not published for some of these studies, and we have not invented them. Study availability and criteria change; the research clinic confirms everything before you enroll.