Recruiting Studies
Advanced SearchData: ClinicalTrials.gov · Source of record for eligibility and locations
Top Cities for PTSD Clinical Trials
PTSD clinical trials are recruiting across 96 cities. Here are the cities with the most active studies:
PTSD Trial Phases
53 research organizations are sponsoring ptsd trials.
About PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts. Treatment includes trauma-focused psychotherapy and medications.
Clinical trials are advancing new treatments for ptsd. Currently, 100 studies are recruiting a combined 39,135 participants across the United States. Research is being conducted by 53 organizations including University of Chicago, Senseye, Inc., U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command and 50 others.
2026 PTSD Treatment Landscape & Drug Pipeline
PTSD clinical trials in 2026 explore both pharmacological and psychotherapy innovations. MDMA-assisted therapy showed 71% of participants no longer meeting PTSD diagnostic criteria in Phase 3 trials, and while its regulatory path is complex, it has accelerated research into psychedelic-assisted therapy protocols.
Stellate ganglion block (SGB), an anesthetic injection to a neck nerve cluster, has emerged as a rapid-acting intervention. Multiple VA-sponsored trials are testing SGB's ability to reduce hyperarousal symptoms within days rather than the weeks required for traditional PTSD treatments.
Novel pharmacological approaches include NMDA receptor modulators, neuropeptide Y analogs, and orexin receptor antagonists targeting sleep disruption — one of PTSD's most treatment-resistant symptoms. Psilocybin-assisted therapy is in Phase 2 trials for PTSD, building on success in treatment-resistant depression.
Technology-enhanced psychotherapies are advancing: virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) allows controlled trauma cue re-experiencing in safe clinical environments, while neurofeedback and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) target dysregulated brain circuits.
Patient considerations: Trials require confirmed PTSD diagnosis, often using the CAPS-5 scale. Most accept both military/veteran and civilian trauma survivors. Some psychedelic-assisted therapy trials require discontinuing certain psychiatric medications (SSRIs, benzodiazepines) under medical supervision — discuss this timeline carefully with your treating psychiatrist.
2026 PTSD Research Landscape
As of July 2026, the ptsd clinical trial landscape includes 100 actively recruiting studies across 96 cities in the United States. These studies are collectively seeking 39,135 participants, with an average enrollment target of 391 per study.
The research spans multiple phases of development: 74 studies are in NA, 16 studies are in PHASE2, 4 studies are in PHASE3, 2 studies are in EARLY_PHASE1, 2 studies are in PHASE4, 1 study is in PHASE1. The presence of Phase 3 trials indicates that some ptsd treatments are in late-stage testing and may be approaching regulatory review.
Research is being led by 53 different organizations, including University of Chicago, Senseye, Inc., U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Emory University, and 48 others. The large number of sponsors reflects significant research interest and investment in ptsd treatment advancement.
Geographically, ptsd trials are most concentrated in Charleston, South Carolina (10 trials); New York, New York (10 trials); San Diego, California (9 trials); San Antonio, Texas (8 trials); Houston, Texas (7 trials) and 7 other cities.
Featured PTSD Studies
Highlighted recruiting studies for ptsd, selected by enrollment size and research scope.
Patient Outcome Reporting for Timely Assessments of Life With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This study aims to implement and evaluate a more timely approach to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and management, entitled Patient Outcome Reporting for Timely Assessments of Life with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PORTAL-PTSD) in a primary care setting with a high prevalence of trauma, specifically the South Side of Chicago, in partnership with Chicago Family Health Center (CF...
REVEAL Study - Diagnostic Testing for PTSD Using the Senseye Diagnostic Tool
The goal of the REVEAL PTSD study is to test how well the Senseye DT works as a diagnostic test for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults 18 and older who are experiencing one or more symptoms that might be related to PTSD. The Senseye DT is software as a medical device (SaMD) and is an iPhone app that administers a series of simple tasks on the phone while recording video during the ta...
An Evaluation of Two PTSD Assessments in an Active Duty and Military Veteran Sample
Given the high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans and active duty military, the focus of this research study is to test the reliability of two new PTSD assessments, the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and the PTSD Symptom Scale Interview for DSM-5 (PSSI-5) and compare the results between the two new assessments and the previous "gold standard", the...
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Clinical Trials
Are there ptsd clinical trials near me?
Yes, there are 100 ptsd clinical trials currently recruiting across 96+ cities in the United States, including Charleston, South Carolina; New York, New York; San Diego, California. Browse the studies above to find one at a location convenient for you.
How do I join a ptsd clinical trial?
To join a ptsd clinical trial: 1) Browse the available studies on this page, 2) Click on a study that interests you, 3) Check the study locations to find a site near you, 4) Review the eligibility criteria, and 5) Contact the study site or complete the eligibility form. The process is free and you can withdraw at any time.
Are ptsd clinical trials free?
Yes, participation in ptsd clinical trials is free. Study-related treatments, medical tests, and doctor visits are provided at no cost to participants. Many studies also offer compensation for your time and travel expenses.
What types of ptsd treatments are being studied?
Current ptsd clinical trials are testing a range of approaches across NA (74 studies), PHASE2 (16 studies), PHASE3 (4 studies), EARLY_PHASE1 (2 studies), PHASE4 (2 studies), PHASE1 (1 study). These include new drugs, combination therapies, medical devices, and other interventions sponsored by 53 research organizations.
Is it safe to participate in ptsd clinical trials?
Clinical trials are carefully regulated by the FDA and institutional review boards (IRBs). All trials must follow strict safety protocols, and participants receive close medical monitoring throughout the study. You can withdraw from a trial at any time without penalty.
Data updated July 20, 2026 from ClinicalTrials.gov
About This Data
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · Source of record for eligibility and locations
Clinical trial information on this page is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Library of Medicine (NLM). Study data is refreshed every hour to ensure accuracy.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about clinical trial participation or changes to your treatment plan.
Page reviewed by the HelloStudys Research Team · Last updated July 20, 2026 · Data from ClinicalTrials.gov