Currently Recruiting Studies

Research Study for Veterans Experiencing PTSD and Depression Symptoms

VA Palo Alto is inviting Veterans with symptoms of PTSD and depression to participate in a research study. This research study aims to understand your everyday experiences of mental health and functioning, through the use of a smartphone and fitness tracker. You may earn up to $400 in e-gift cards to Amazon, Walmart, or Target for your participation.

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries:  Please call 650-387-4116 to learn more about the study and to see if you are eligible to participate.

Key words: PTSD, depression, veterans

Study to Evaluate Weight Gain as Assessed by Change in BMI Z-score in Pediatric Subjects With Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder

Research is taking place on an investigational study drug for schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. While the study drug is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder in adults, this study is trying to find out more about how the study drug may work in children with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. The assigned study drug is an oral tablet that is taken once daily. The total length of participation in this study will be approximately 60 weeks.

Recruitment age range: 10-17 years

Contact information for participant inquiries:  inspire-research@stanford.edu

Key words: schizophrenia, youth, Enlighten

LATINO Genomics Project

The goal of this study is to understand how genetics contributes to OCD. While genomic studies of OCD have made exciting discoveries and are beginning to reveal information about risk, more than 95% of the people involved in these studies are of European ancestry. To increase representation and reduce health disparities, we are joining an interdisciplinary network of over 50 sites to collect clinical information and DNA through saliva from at least 5,000 Latinx adults and children with OCD. Please reach out if you have Latin American or Hispanic ancestry (you, a parent, or a grandparent need to have been born in Latin America or the Caribbean, or your family descends from Latin America). After completing research procedures, participants with OCD may be eligible for treatment through our clinic or research studies.

Recruitment age range: 18-89 at Stanford site (7-89 at other sites)

Contact information for participant inquiries:  ocdresearch@stanford.edu or (650) 723-4095

Key words: OCD, Latino, Genetics

Study of Changes in Brain Microstructure and Function in Older Adults with and without Memory Problems

Our research group at Stanford Psychiatry is conducting a new virtual reality study to examine brain microstructure and function in response to virtual reality memory tasks in older adults. We are looking for individuals ages 65 to 85 with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or who are experiencing memory problems and are interested in participating in our research.

The study involves multiple visits to Stanford University, where participants complete a variety of virtual reality tasks, several sets of cognitive and neuropsychological assessments, and an MRI scan. Participants will receive an honorarium of $100 for full participation. Participants will also have the opportunity to see their brain and access results of cognitive assessments. No radiation or injection is involved. The study will require approximately 8 hours of your time.

For more information, or to enroll, contact Daniel or Kate at study_aging@stanford.edu or at 650-724-2939.

For complaints, concerns, or participant’s rights, contact 1-866-680-2906.

Protocol Director: Hadi Hosseini, Ph.D., Principal Investigator at C-BRAIN Lab, Stanford School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Recruitment age range: 65-85

Contact information for participant inquiries:  study_aging@stanford.edu

Key words: memory, aging, cognition

NBI-98854-ATS3019: A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Valbenazine as Adjunctive Treatment in Subjects with Schizophrenia (JOURNEY)

The purpose of the Journey Studies is to find out how safe the study drug is, how well the body handles taking it (tolerability), and how well it works as an add-on therapy in study participants with schizophrenia who did not respond well enough to antipsychotic therapy. These studies will determine the effectiveness of the study drug, called valbenazine, on symptoms of schizophrenia.

Who May Qualify

Eligible participants must:

• Be male or female aged ≥ 18 years
• Be diagnosed with schizophrenia for at least 1 year prior to the start of the research studies
• Have a history of not responding well to antipsychotic treatment
• Be receiving background antipsychotic therapy (not clozapine)
   

There are additional eligibility requirements, which the study doctor can explain to you.

Study Participation

The total length of participation in the Journey Studies is up to 16 weeks, which includes 7 on-site study visits.

Recruitment age range: over age 18

Contact information for participant inquiries:  wakeham@stanford.edu

Key words: schizophrenia

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for Adolescents with Autism

Now recruiting 11-14 year old adolescents with autism who are highly verbal and their parents for our research study! Participants will receive a 9-week one-on-one social skills intervention with a clinician at Stanford and earn up to $325 in compensation. Participation includes neuropsychological and behavioral assessment appointments, the weekly intervention, and 2 MRI brain scans. Appointments can be done on weekends and/or evenings to accommodate school and working families.

Recruitment age range: 11-14

Contact information for participant inquiries: braindevelopment@stanford.edu

Key words: autism, ASD, PRT

Cultural Considerations for Cue-Centered Therapy in Asian American Youth

The Early Life Stress and Resilience lab is recruiting participants for the qualitative  study “Cultural Considerations for Cue-Centered Therapy in Asian American Youth” under principal investigators Dr. Victor Carrion (vcarrion@stanford.edu) and Dr. Ryan Matlow (rmatlow@stanford.edu).

We are interested in examining the cultural adaptation to core concepts of trauma treatment for Asian/Asian American youth to enhance our Cue-Centered Therapy training program.

We invite you to participate in this study if you:

• Are a licensed therapist, counselor, and/or psychologist
• Provide trauma treatment to Asian American youth and families
• Provide trauma-informed care or trauma treatment to youth clients in general
• Are open to discuss your clinical treatment work with your Asian/Asian American clients.
  
  

Interested individuals are requested to reply to complete the brief questionnaire using the QR code in the flyer to the right. 

Eligible participants will be invited to complete a one-on-one interview via Zoom, which will last for 30-60 minutes. All responses will be deidentified before analysis. There is no compensation for this study.

We recognize the personal investment that this study requires and have the utmost gratitude for your time as we hope this study will inform the culturally appropriate clinical treatment of Asian American youth who have experienced stress, trauma, and adversity. If you have any questions about the research study, please send an email to  emilywu@stanford.edu

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration!

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: emilywu@stanford.edu

Key words: trauma, Asian, youth

Understanding social network impacts on 12th graders substance use in college vs. non-college samples

This study consists of participating in an individual, qualitative interview where we hope to learn more about your experience working with young adults during a transitional period and your perception on the impact peer networks have on substance use outcomes (such as taking drugs or drinking) and associated risky behaviors in this population. This work will provide the foundation for a brief intervention for young adults to reduce adverse outcomes.

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: youthfocus@stanford.edu

Key words: substance use, life transitions, alcohol

Speaker-listener coupling and brain dynamics during naturalistic verbal communication in children with autism

We are currently recruiting both typically developing children and children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for our speech comprehension study. Participants will listen to stories in the MRI scanner and answer questions afterwards. Study involves neuropsychological and behavioral assessment sessions and MRI scanning session(s).

Recruitment age range: 9-12

Contact information for participant inquiries:  braindevelopment@stanford.edu

Key words: autism, ASD, speech

Examining Mu Opioid Mechanisms of Ketamine's Rapid Effects in OCD (MKET2)

We are excited to inform you about a new research study to find out the effects of ketamine in the brain to reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. We are looking to partner with individuals with OCD and healthy adults who are at least 18-65 years old.

What we would need from you:

• Virtual preliminary screening visit (~3 hours) which may include:
  • Screening survey, MD evaluation—medical/psychiatric history, and a diagnostic interview
• Hybrid study screening visit (~4 hours) which may include:
  • Study consent discussion and symptom evaluation (virtual)
  • Physical examination and laboratory tests (in-person at the Psychiatry building, Stanford)
     

Individuals with OCD: After the study screening visit described above, individuals with OCD will be asked to complete the following:

• In-person infusion visit (~7 hours) at Stanford Center for Cognitive and Neurobiological Imaging which may include:
  • Ketamine administration, symptom evaluation, brain scan, OCD questionnaires, and computerized behavioral tests
• In-person post-infusion brain scan visit (~4 hours) which may include:
  • Symptom evaluation, brain scan, OCD questionnaires, and computerized behavioral tests
• Five virtual follow-up visits (~2 hours/visit) which may include:
  • Symptom evaluation and OCD questionnaires
     

Healthy adults: After the study screening visit, healthy adults will complete a brain scan visit at Stanford as described below. This will be their final visit.

• In-person brain scan visit (~4 hours) at Stanford Center for Cognitive and Neurobiological Imaging which may include:
  • Physical examination, brain scan, and computerized behavioral tests

   
What you get for your time:
All eligible participants with OCD, upon completion of the study, will receive up to a total of $450 as compensation toward time participating and as reimbursement toward any parking fees. This includes $150 for completing the infusion visit and $300 upon completion of two MRI scans ($150 for each MRI scan visit).
   
All eligible healthy adults, upon completion of the study, will receive up to a total of $150 as compensation toward time participating and as reimbursement toward any parking fees.

Recruitment age range: 18-65 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: ocdresearch@stanford.edu

Key words: OCD, ketamine, MRI scan

Cultural Adaptations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chinese American Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum

The Stanford Neurodiversity Project research team is embarking on a new research project and is currently recruiting individuals to form a working group to develop culturally sensitive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) for Chinese autistic adolescents and young adults.

We are looking for:

• Autistic individuals between the ages of 13-25 with a Chinese cultural background.
• Family members of autistic individuals with a Chinese cultural background.
• Mental health providers with at least 3 years of experience working with Chinese American service users.
• CBT therapists interested in the cultural adaption of therapy with a minimum of 3 years of clinical practice of CBT after obtaining a license.
   

If you fit into any of the roles mentioned above, you may be eligible to serve on a working group to contribute to the development of culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy for autistic Chinese adolescents and young adults.

Working Group Details:

• Format: 20-people working group
• Location: Online, via Zoom
• Date: 10 meetings, March – August 2024
• Meeting Duration: 90 minutes with at least one 5-10 minutes break
• Payment: Each participant will receive an honorarium of $45 per meeting
   

Contact Us:

Thank you for considering this opportunity. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Study Website 
Email: ca-cbt-aapt@stanford.edu
Tel: 650-498-0917

Recruitment age range: 13-25, and 18 and above

Contact information for participant inquiries: ca-cbt-aapt@stanford.edu

Key words: Autism, CBT, Cultural Adaptation

Project SARAH

Project SARAH (https://uwprojectsarah.org/) is an online multi-site study based out of the University of Washington in Seattle. It involves 4 assessment visits and 6-12 therapy sessions over a period of 6 months, all via HIPAA compliant Zoom calls. We are recruiting individuals who have experienced a sexual assault in the past year, use alcohol, identify as female, live in Washington or California, and are between the ages of 18 and 65. These assessments and therapy sessions are free of charge, and you would be compensated with up to $277 in Amazon gift cards.

Prior to scheduling individuals for an intake appointment, we conduct a brief pre-screening assessment over the phone to make sure we think the study and therapy would be a good fit for you. If you think you want to participate, please give us a call at 206-685-3617 or you can fill out an interest form on our website: https://uwprojectsarah.org/contact/.

Recruitment age range and gender details: 18-65 years old, female-identifying

Contact information for participant inquiries: projectsarah@uw.edu

Key words: PTSD, alcohol, sexual assault

Personalized Engine for Speed of Information Processing: RCT (CogT RCT pSOPT Study)

Have you noticed any decline in your memory of thinking abilities? You may be eligible to participate in a study on personalized computer-based training programs and biofeedback! . The personalized program tailors the difficulty of the training tasks using your biofeedback (i.e., heart rate) and cognitive performance, so that you can perform at your ideal training capacity.

Participation in this study will last for approximately 5 months. Study procedures will involve:

• A ‘baseline assessment’ at the beginning of the study in which you will be asked to answer questions about your life and also complete cognitive assessment measures. You will also be asked to complete an MRI brain scan and a blood draw at the beginning of the study.
• Then, you will begin a 6-week computer-based cognitive training program with biofeedback (up to three 1-hour sessions per week for a total of 6 weeks).
• After 6 weeks we will ask you to repeat the assessment measures and MRI brain scan.
• 3 months after you complete your cognitive training, we will ask you to return for a final assessment and MRI Brain scan.
• You will receive up to $470 for completion of this study. You will also receive a CogT Lab T-Shirt for your participation.
   

Recruitment age range: 60-89 Years Old

Contact information for participant inquiries: cogtlab_stanford@stanford.edu

Key words: memory, aging, cognition

The Building Empowerment and Resilience Therapeutic Program for Women With a History of Trauma

The BEAR Therapeutic group includes psychoeducation, psychological skills, and physical empowerment (self-defense) training. The group will run for 12-weeks, for 1.5 hours once per week. The psychological skills portion of the class will cover topics such as assertiveness, communication skills, and boundary setting. In addition, we will cover basic self-defense techniques one can use to protect themselves if the need arises. This project is focusing on women who have been victims of interpersonal violence (e.g., physical, emotional, or sexual abuse/assault).

Recruitment age range and gender: 18-70 years old, female

Contact information for participant inquiries: bearstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: trauma, depression, PTSD

The BIomarker Guided (BIG) study for depression

Having Trouble with Depression Affecting your Focus? Learn about your brain & receive treatment

You are:

• Experiencing depression alongside poor focus, difficulty concentrating and/or difficulty completing tasks
• Aged 18-65 years old
• Not currently on psychiatric medication or willing to discontinue your treatment under the supervision of your physician
   

You’ll complete:

• MRI brain scan
• 10 weeks of an oral targeted medication
• Questionnaires, computer games, saliva sample, and hair sample
   

You’ll receive:

• Up to $547 over 10 weeks
• Access to treatment
• Support and information
   

Fill out an online screening form or give us a call: https://redcap.link/stanfordbig1

Recruitment age range: 18-65 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: https://redcap.link/stanfordbig1

Key words: depression, cognitive problems

Target Engagement of a Novel Dissonance-Based Treatment for DSM-5 Eating Disorders R33 Phase

Stanford University’s Eating Behavior Treatment study is currently recruiting Bay Area women age 18-34 to participate in one of two programs designed to improve functioning and reduce eating problems.

If you have serious body image and eating concerns, we would like to talk to you more about the study and this great opportunity. Participants will receive compensation for their time. If you are eligible and decide to participate as a research participant, you can receive up to $305 over the span of the nine month study.

For more detailed information please email us at eatingbehaviortreatment@stanford.edu or visit our website.

Recruitment age range and gender: 18-34 years old, female

Contact information for participant inquiries: eatingbehaviortreatment@stanford.edu

Key words: eating disorders, treatment, body-project

Compounded Neuronal Damage in Comorbid Cigarette Smoking and Addiction

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Palo Alto VA are seeking participants for studies investigating the effects of heavy drinking and cigarette smoking on the brain and cognitive functions. The study involves an MRI scan, questionnaires about psychological and psychiatric functioning, and cognitive tests (e.g., attention/concentration, learning and memory, problem-solving) and can usually be completed in 7-8 hours. Monetary compensation $40/hour and flexible scheduling is available.

We are recruiting individuals with the following characteristics:

• Currently consume a heavy amount of alcohol and currently smoke cigarettes
• Currently consume a heavy amount of alcohol and smoked cigarettes in the past 
• Currently consume a heavy amount of alcohol, but never smoked cigarettes
• Currently smoke cigarettes, but never consistently consumed a heavy amount of alcohol
• Smoked cigarettes in the past, but never consistently consumed a heavy amount of alcohol
• Never smoked cigarettes or consistently consumed a heavy amount of alcohol
   

You may not participate if you:

• Were ever in treatment of a psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, PTSD) or
• Were ever in treatment for alcohol or substance use problem or are currently using cocaine, methamphetamines, opioids (e.g., oxycodone, Vicodin) or other non-prescription medications.
   

Please call 650-725-1716 for further study information. For questions regarding Participant's rights, contact 1-866-680-2906. Thank you!

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-725-1716

Key words: MRI, Smoking, Alcohol

Refinement of Emotion Regulation App for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa at Mealtimes during Family Based Treatment

Teens ages 12-18 are invited to participate in an Emotion Regulation Skills Mobile App research study through the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The study consists of one 30-minute session of testing the app, followed by a short survey to gather feedback. All can be done remotely.

Who Can Participate?

• Adolescents ages 12-18
• Access to an iPhone
• Able to read and speak English
   

For more information, or to sign up for the study, please email Christina Miranda at cmirand@stanford.edu, or call her at 908-442-5567. For Participant's rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.

Recruitment age range: 12-18 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: Christina Miranda at cmirand@stanford.edu

Key words: emotion regulation, app, eating disorders

Targeting the neurobiology of restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism using N-acetylcysteine: Randomized Controlled Trial

We are recruiting children with autism spectrum disorder to participate in a research study at Stanford University. Our goal is to examine the effects of N-acetyl cysteine, an over-the-counter dietary supplement, on the brain circuits that underlie some restricted and repetitive behaviors.
   
Eligibility: Children with autism spectrum disorder who

• are aged between 3 and 12 years old
• exhibit restricted and repetitive behaviors
• will drink N-acetyl cysteine dissolved in water
• will undergo brain scanning with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• will undergo brain scanning with electroencephalography (EEG)
   

What is involved in the study: The study will take place at Stanford University over 12-to-16-week period. Our safety protocols have been updated for COVID-19 and many research activities will be completed remotely using Zoom and virtual surveys. Your child must be willing to

• complete cognitive and behavioral assessments (such as IQ testing)
• be able to either sleep (young children) or lie still in the scanner during an MRI
• tolerate wearing an EEG cap
• drink N-acetyl cysteine dissolved in water for a total of 12-week period
   

Recruitment age range: 3-12 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: autismresearch@stanford.edu

Key words: autism, developmental disorders

INDICAS Study: Recruiting Healthy Adults

We are looking for healthy controls to participate in a new sleep study investigating the relationship between sleep, negative affect, and withdrawal from substance use disorders. We are looking for healthy adults aged 25-65 to participate in our study. Eligible participants will receive reimbursements for their participation. To learn more, please fill out the interest form at redcap.link/indicasstudy.

Recruitment age range and gender: 25-65 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: indicas_study@stanford.edu

Key words: healthy controls, sleep, substance use

Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: an Open-Label Crossover Pilot Study

Do you worry: About getting sick, hurting someone, thinking bad thoughts, or not doing things right? About your appearance? About your health?

• Are you 18-65 years old?
• Are you taking fluoxetine, or not taking medications?
   

We are actively screening individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the related disorders body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD), and somatic symptom disorder (SSD) for our Flex Study (Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: an Open-Label Crossover Pilot Study).
   
Purpose: To understand whether dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough medicine, may bring about improvement in symptoms of OCD and other disorders characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts when used together with fluoxetine.

Recruitment age range: 18-65

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-723-4095 or ocdresearch@stanford.edu

Key words: OCD, BDD, IAD

Autism Spectrum Disorder Math Elements Training

Do you have a child with high functioning autism? Participate in an exciting study to increase our understanding of math skill development and how the brain changes with math learning. We are currently seeking children with ASD who:

• Are right handed
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders
• Don't have braces
   

We are also seeking typically developing children of the same ages!

Recruitment age range: 2nd to 4th graders

Contact information for participant inquiries: Go to our website at braindevelopment.stanford.edu or email at braindevelopment@stanford.edu or call 650.736.0056

Key words: autism, math, learning, cognition