COLUMBIA, SC
Schizophrenia Clinical Trials
No study for this is enrolling in the Columbia SC metro, and we would rather say so plainly. The nearest is about seventy five miles away at Augusta, and it is aimed at the movements. Payment is provided for eligible participants once one opens here.
0
Open in the Midlands
75
Miles to the Nearest
+/- $100
Per Visit
New here? Read how this page works
First, here is the honest picture. Nothing is open in the Midlands, and the nearest is aimed at something specific. So here is how to use this page.
- Ask whether the study is an add on or a switch. Because that decides whether you keep your antipsychotic or come off it.
- Ask for the washout in days, for your medicine. Notably, five half lives of a long acting injection is far longer than a week.
- If the movements are the main problem, look at those studies first. In fact, the nearest option of any kind is exactly that, and it is only about seventy five miles away.
- Finally, tap the button. Then we keep your details on file and call you when a study opens near you.
Of course, checking never signs you up for anything. You are only seeing where you might fit.
The Nearest Studies to Columbia
Nothing in the Midlands. The closest is about seventy five miles south west, and it is for the movements rather than the illness.
The nearest two, and neither uses a dummy
The closer one treats the movements and gives everyone the real drug. The other compares clozapine against carrying on as you are.
For the Movements, and Everyone Gets the Drug
Neurocrine Biosciences / Approved drug study
Tardive dyskinesia is the twitching movement of the face, tongue or hands that can follow years of antipsychotic treatment. This is for people who still have movements while on one of the approved treatments for it. It is open label, so everyone receives the real drug and everyone knows it. Your medicine carries on unchanged, so nothing is taken away. The nearest site is at Augusta.
Payment is not published.
Get on the list →More details
Why researchers are excited: the movements are often what people find hardest to live with, and they are treatable separately. Meanwhile, there is no dummy, no assigning and no inpatient stay in this one.
Who this study is looking for
- Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or depression, diagnosed at least three months ago
- Also, twitching movements from antipsychotic treatment for at least three months
- Besides that, currently still symptomatic on one of the approved treatments, or recently off one
- Finally, aged 18 or over, with no upper limit
Probably not a fit if: another movement problem that is more prominent rules you out. So parkinsonism is the most common reason people are turned away here. Also, moderate or severe substance use in the last six months, and certain heart rhythm conditions.
- Placebo group: None. It is open label and single group, so everyone gets the real drug.
- How long: Twenty four weeks.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 6 to 9 in person across twenty four weeks. Only the start and week 24 are published, so treat that as an estimate.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: A blood test and a heart tracing. So this is among the lightest studies anywhere on our site.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: Neurocrine clinical sites at Augusta GA 30912 and Marietta GA 30060.
- Drive from Columbia: Augusta is about 75 miles south west, so roughly an hour and fifteen minutes on I-20.
- This one is far less demanding than an antipsychotic study. No dummy, no washout, no admission. So if the movements are your main problem, look here first.
- Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
Clozapine Against Carrying On As You Are
New York State Psychiatric Institute and the NIMH / Approved drug study
This compares clozapine against staying on whatever medicine you take now. It is open label, so everyone knows which they are on, and there is no dummy anywhere in it. However, it is a switch study rather than an add on, so one group changes medicine. It is aimed exactly at people who have been involved in a violent incident recently. The nearest sites are at Chapel Hill and at Augusta.
Payment is not published.
Get on the list →More details
Why researchers are excited: clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic there is and the most underused, largely because of the blood tests. Meanwhile, nobody in this study receives a dummy.
Who this study is looking for
- Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, confirmed by set interview
- Also, A violent incident within the last six months
- Besides that, currently on any antipsychotic other than clozapine, or on none
- Finally, aged 18 to 65
Probably not a fit if: having already had a full course of clozapine without benefit rules you out. So a previous failure closes this door rather than opening it. Also, recent suicidal thoughts or behaviour, and bone marrow conditions.
- Placebo group: None. One group switches to clozapine and the other continues their usual treatment.
- How long: Twenty four weeks.
- Clinic visits: Roughly 20 to 28 contacts across twenty four weeks. Assessments fall at weeks 4, 8, 16 and 24, and clozapine needs weekly blood tests early on.
- Phone calls: None published.
- Most invasive part: Frequent blood tests, and that is the honest downside. So clozapine requires monitoring that no other antipsychotic does.
- Setting: Outpatient.
- Where it runs: UNC Chapel Hill NC 27599; and Augusta University, Augusta GA 30912.
- Drive from Columbia: Augusta is about 75 miles south west. Chapel Hill is about 215 miles north.
- The blood tests are the deal. Weekly at first, then less often. People manage it, but nobody should agree without knowing the schedule.
- 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 call you when a study opens near Columbia. No account, no paperwork.
See if I may fit one of these studies →What Is Actually Changing in Schizophrenia Treatment
A new class arrived that does not work through dopamine at all, which had not happened in seventy years.
A Study Can Read Open and Be Closed at Your Clinic
The registry shows one status for the study and another for each site. So a study can read as recruiting while the site near you reads withdrawn. In fact, both acute mania studies listing Charlotte carry a withdrawn Charlotte row. Meanwhile, asking whether this specific location is open today is the single most useful question.
Add On or Switch Is the Question That Matters
In an add on study you keep your antipsychotic and something is added. In a switch or monotherapy study you come off what you take now. So that difference is the gap between a manageable study and a relapse risk. Notably, ask it in those words before anything else.
Washout Is Measured in Half Lives
A rule saying one week or five half lives can mean six weeks off treatment. So ask for the number in days, for your specific drug. Meanwhile, long acting injections take far longer to clear than tablets. Generally, a good site will work this out with you rather than leaving you to guess.
The Movements Have Their Own Studies
Twitching movements are treated on their own, with their own approved drugs. So if the movements are your main problem, those studies are far less demanding. In fact, the nearest one is open label with no dummy and no admission. Also, two treatments for it are already approved and available without any study.
Some Studies Require Being Admitted
Several studies elsewhere take only people who need a ward, often for three to five weeks. So ask about admission before anyone travels. Meanwhile, none of the studies within reach of here works that way. Notably, the ones that do are mostly in Atlanta.
Clozapine Is the Most Effective and the Most Avoided
It works when others have not, and it needs regular blood tests. That is why it is underused. So a study built around it will always involve monitoring. However, that testing is what makes it safe rather than a hurdle for its own sake. Also, having already failed clozapine can exclude you from studies of it.
Negative Symptoms Are Studied Separately
Flat mood, withdrawal and low drive respond poorly to the drugs that help voices. So there are separate studies aimed only at those symptoms. Meanwhile, none is open in either metro, and the nearest are in Atlanta. Generally, saying which symptoms trouble you most steers the whole conversation.
Substance Use Rules Are Stricter Than People Expect
Moderate or severe substance use in the last six to twelve months excludes you from most studies here. There is usually a urine test on the day as well. So cannabis counts, and people in recovery are often surprised by that. Notably, it is better to raise it on the phone than to discover it at screening.
Why Nothing Is Open Here Right Now
Charlotte has run fifty three schizophrenia studies over the years and is running none today. The clinics and the staff are still there, and studies cycle back every few months. So being told nothing is open is not a brush off. 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.
Schizophrenia Help Near You
Ask whether a study is an add on or a switch, and get the washout in days. Also, ask whether any hospital stay is required, because several elsewhere need one. Finally, if the movements are the main problem, look at those studies instead. Meanwhile, join the list and we will call you when something opens near you.
Research Sites Near Columbia
Nothing runs in the Midlands for this, and the nearest study site is at Augusta in Georgia. But sites add new studies all the time.
Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Downtown Columbia / 37+ active studies
Cancer, blood disorders, broad hospital research
The flagship Prisma Health hospital in the Midlands. Also, by far the biggest trial operation in the Columbia metro.
Visit Website →
University of South Carolina
Columbia / 27+ active studies
Stroke recovery, physical activity, community health
Notably, a research university that runs federally funded health studies across the Midlands. Specifically, topics range from stroke rehab to disease prevention.
Visit Website →
Bogan Sleep Consultants
Columbia / 7+ active studies
Narcolepsy, sleep disorders
One of the best known private sleep research sites in the Southeast. Also, it has run sleep trials for decades.
Prisma Health Midlands Cardiovascular
Columbia / 4+ active studies
Cardiovascular disease, heart failure
The heart and vessel research arm of Prisma Health in the Midlands. So it is the natural home for cholesterol trials in Columbia.
Visit Website →
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, Midlands
Columbia / 4+ active studies
Pediatric growth, cystic fibrosis
Basically, the Midlands hub for children’s research inside the Prisma Health system.
Visit Website →
Columbia Dermatology & Aesthetics
Columbia / 4+ active studies
Hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, obesity
A skin care practice with its own research team. It runs both skin and weight studies.
Velocity Clinical Research, Columbia
Columbia / Multiple active studies
COPD, skin conditions, vaccines
Part of one of the biggest research site networks in the country. Besides, it is just the kind of site the huge outcome trials lean on.
Visit Website →
Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center
Garners Ferry Road, Columbia / 2+ active studies
Atherosclerosis, liver disease
Columbia’s VA medical center runs studies, including ones on clogged arteries. For veterans, it is often the first door.
Visit Website →
Objective Health, Columbia
Columbia / 2+ active studies
Celiac disease, fatty liver disease
Once called Columbia Digestive Health Research. Now it is part of the Objective Health network. Specifically, it runs gut and liver studies, including fatty liver trials.
Columbia Gastroenterology Associates
Columbia / Active studies
Digestive conditions
A long-running gut health practice. Also, it takes part in digestive trials around Columbia.
What to Expect in a Schizophrenia 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.
Schizophrenia Trial FAQs
Real answers about schizophrenia studies near Columbia SC.
Is there a study for this near Columbia?
No, and we will not pretend otherwise. On the evidence there is no active mental health study site in this metro at all, and that zero survived about twenty separate search routes. However, one runs at Augusta about seventy five miles away, treating the movements that can follow years of treatment. Notably, it is open label, so everyone in it receives the real drug.
A study says recruiting. Is it open at my clinic?
Not always, and this is the single most useful thing to check. The registry shows one status for a whole study and another for each site. So a study can read as open while the location near you reads withdrawn. In fact, both mania studies listing Charlotte carry a withdrawn Charlotte row.
Will I have to stop my medicine?
It depends entirely on the study, and it is the question to ask first. In an add on study you keep your medicine. In a switch or single drug study you come off it. So for this condition that difference is the gap between a manageable study and a relapse risk. Meanwhile, ask it in exactly those words.
How long is a washout really?
Longer than a week, often. A rule saying one week or five half lives means six weeks for some drugs. So ask for the number in days, for your specific medicine. Notably, long acting injections take far longer to clear than tablets.
What about the movements?
Those are treated separately, and the studies for them are far lighter. The nearest one is open label with no dummy, no washout and no hospital stay. So if movements are your main problem, look there first. Also, two treatments for it are already approved and available without any study.
Do any studies require being admitted to hospital?
Several do elsewhere, often for three to five weeks on a ward. So ask about admission before anyone travels. Meanwhile, none of the studies within reach of here works that way. Generally, the ones that do are in Atlanta.
Why is clozapine treated differently?
Because it works when others have not, and it needs regular blood tests. That monitoring is the reason it is safe rather than an obstacle for its own sake. So a study built around it will always involve those tests. However, having already tried it without benefit can exclude you from studies of it.
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 Columbia?
Prisma Health and Lexington Medical Center both run mental health services across the Midlands. Also, ask your clinic to keep you on their research list, because these studies cycle back. Generally, a psychiatry team is the right route rather than a general practice. 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 Columbia team. No pressure. Also, no sales pitch.
← Back to All Clinical TrialsSources
- REVISIT-C, clozapine against usual treatment, at Chapel Hill and Augusta, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05208190
- An open label study for the movements, at Augusta, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07105111
- A study for young people at high risk of psychosis, at Chapel Hill, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07226895
Study details and per-site recruiting status verified against ClinicalTrials.gov on August 17, 2026. This is a real zero rather than a search failure. A search of the Charlotte metro without a status filter returns fifty three studies for this condition and every one is completed or terminated. The clinics and the staff are still here and the pipeline is empty at this moment. Six of eight results on the word Columbia were New York, Missouri or Canada. One further study matched Orangeburg, a Midlands town, and resolved to Orangeburg New York. Every zero on this page is backed by at least three separate search routes. Study availability and criteria change; the research clinic confirms everything before you enroll.