Research Projects & Clinical Trials
NAMI NJ compiles statewide and nationwide research projects and clinical trials related to mental illness. NAMI NJ does not accept financial compensation for recruiting clinical trial participants, nor do we endorse any products or treatments. Inquiries should be directed to the listed contact person for the specific project or trial. Recruiting agencies can send project details to [email protected] for posting approval.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Schizophrenia and the Brain Research Study
National Institute of Mental Health are researching how the brain works in adults who have been affected by schizophrenia. They are looking for help to learn more about schizophrenia so that better treatments can be developed. All evaluations and research procedures are free of cost. The Inpatient study takes place at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. All lodging is free of charge, and support for transportation is provided. Insurance is not needed.
Download Flyer | Evaluation Handout
Updated: July 2023
University of Illinois at Chicago’s Healthy ReStart Study
University of Illinois at Chicago Healthy ReStart Study is testing a program where you work with a personal virtual
wellness coach to improve your well-being and quality of life. You choose what to work on at your own convenience on
Zoom! Study participants have a 50/50 chance of entering the new program OR getting an incentive, but everyone will be
paid $100 to complete 2 study interviews.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research Flyer | Download Flyer
Updated: April 2023
Influence of Family Structure on Disordered Eating
This study is an anonymous online survey for individuals with a history of or current experience with disordered eating.
The goal of this study is to assess the influence of family dynamics and family structure on the development and severity
of disordered eating patterns and eating disorders. Participants will be asked to provide information about their family
structure, medical history, and relationship to their own weight and body. Total participation time is about 10 minutes.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research Flyer
Updated: April 2023
Developing A Career Services Toolkit for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness Pursuing Career & Technical Education
Rutgers School of Health and Professions is recruiting students in a post-secondary career & technical education (vocational) program. Eligible students will receive Supported Education services from the Rutgers study team including time management, requesting accommodations, and CTE apprenticeship/job search skills for up to 18 months. Students can continue with their existing school counseling services. There is also a $125 payment for participating in the study.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research Flyer | Download Flyer
Updated: March 2023
Latinx Youth With Lived Experience of Child Welfare and Their Experiences of School-Based Mental Health Services
A researcher at the Rutgers Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is conducting a study titled, “Latinx Youth with Lived
Experience of Child Welfare and Their Experiences of School-Based Mental Health Services.” The purpose of this study is
to explore the perspectives of Latinx emerging adults (18-28 years old) with a lived experience of child welfare
involvement and the role of school-based mental health services while they were in high school.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research Flyer | Download Flyer
Updated: February 2023
What Motivates South Asian Female Emerging Adults to Seek Mental Health Treatment?
The purpose of this study is to learn about the experiences and motivations of South Asian female emerging adults that seek mental health treatment.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research Flyer | Download Flyer
Updated: February 2023
Seeking Feedback from People with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and their Caregivers
NAMI is working with a clinical research partner seeking to understand more about people’s experiences with treatments
for serious mental illness. We are looking for 60 adults with an SMI diagnosis and 30 caregivers of individuals with an SMI
diagnosis to participate. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact the study investigator Dr. Melissa Maravic at [email protected].
Download NAMI NJ’s Research flyer
Updated: January 2023
Rutgers Study: Genomic Psychiatry Cohort
The Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Health and Addiction (CGPHA) at Rutgers University is conducting a study to better understand the interactions between genes and the environment. Research has shown that genes can make some people more likely than others to develop Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. The goal of this study is to identify these genes. Individuals with and without these disorders are invited to join the study. Since this is a genetic study, control subjects cannot have a family member with one of these illnesses. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the researchers at [email protected] or call 732-235-4109.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research flyer | Download brochure | Download Control flyer | Download Case flyer
Updated: January 2023
Schizophrenia Spectrum Biomarkers Consortium (SSBC)
The purpose of this SSBC research study is to apply cutting-edge science to identify objective biological markers for schizophrenia, to advance our understanding of the illness, and identify potential novel treatments. Participants in this study will complete questionnaires about life experiences and medical history, undergo brain imaging, and collection of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture. If you are between the ages of 18 to 50 and interested in learning more about this schizophrenia research study, or if you’d like to participate, please contact the SSBC study site at Mount Sinai (New York, NY) by phone, 212-659-1974, or email [email protected].
Download flyer|Download NAMI NJ’S Research flyer
Updated: January 2023
Wellness in 8D Study
The goal of this study is to learn about wellness and to establish reliability and validity of The Wellness in 8 Dimensions (8D) Inventory. Complete this brief online survey now and then again in 30 days. After completing the survey in 30 days you will receive a $15 gift card for your participation. For more information contact Dr Margaret Swarbrick, [email protected]. Download flyer
Updated: January 2023
Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) Technology Survey
This study is for first-degree relatives (parents, children, siblings) of individuals with schizophrenia. The goal of the study is to learn about people’s understanding of and interest in psychiatric polygenic risk scores (PRS), a type of experimental genetic technology that may help predict the likelihood of developing certain psychiatric conditions and therefore inform personal decision-making related to risk. Participants will complete a 5-10 minute online survey and participate in a Zoom interview lasting up to 90 minutes. All interviews will be conducted by January 31, 2023.
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: December 2022
Building Financial Wellness
Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) is working with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) on a study to see whether a class called Building Financial Wellness improves people’s ability to manage their money and makes them feel more financially secure. There is payment for participants who complete the study.
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: November 2022
Harvard Clozapine REMS Interviews
Risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) programs are a federally mandated part of taking certain medications and can include various types of patient monitoring, prescribing restrictions, and physician and pharmacy training and certification. This study is designed to better understand individual experiences with REMS programs as a requirement of taking the medication clozapine (Clozaril) via remote, phone-based qualitative interviews. The goal of this study is to learn about the impact of current REMS programs on patient populations in order to improve these programs in the future. Total participation time is about 60 minutes. Participants who complete the interview will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: November 2022
EMERGENT-5
This study is a clinical research trial for the investigational product KarXT (combination xanomeline-trospium). The trial will determine if KarXT is safe and effective in treating symptoms of schizophrenia in adults. Participants will be asked to discontinue use of any other medication to treat schizophrenia and take KarXT for 52 weeks; researchers will conduct safety and symptom assessments throughout the trial period and 1 week after study completion. Participants will receive payment for completed study visits and for completion of digital biomarker assessment surveys.
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: November 2022
ARISE Study
This study is a clinical research trial for the investigational medication KarXT (combination xanomeline-trospium). The trial will determine if KarXT is safe and effective in treating symptoms of schizophrenia in combination with another antipsychotic medication. Participants will continue to take the same dose of their current antipsychotic medication and will be randomly assigned to either take KarXT or a placebo. Individuals joining the study will receive compensation for their participation.
Download NAMI’s Research flyer | Download brochure
Updated: November 2022
The RECOVER Study
The VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) Therapy® System was approved in 2005 by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment option for patients who still have symptoms of depression despite trying 4 or more treatments. Since then VNS therapy has been used in over 4000 patients with Depression. However, Medicare and other insurers do not routinely cover it. The goal of this study is to increase the number of treatment options available to people who experience symptoms of depression despite trying multiple therapies by providing new information about the benefits of VNS Therapy.
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: November 2022
Survey for Adults with Schizophrenia and Caregivers of Adults with Schizophrenia
This study is seeking input via online survey from people with schizophrenia and caregivers of those with schizophrenia. The survey will ask questions about what it is like to live with schizophrenia, participant experiences with medications and other ways of managing symptoms, and what people want to see from future drug treatments. The goal of this study is to inform a future patient-focused drug development meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: September 2022
Oral Medication for Major Depressive Disorder
This study is a clinical research trial for the oral medication BI 1358894. The trial will determine if BI 1358894 is safe and effective in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not responded to other forms of treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive a certain dose of BI 1358894, a placebo, or quetiapine for a period of six weeks. Quetiapine is a medication that has been approved for patients in the United States and the European Union who have not responded to first line treatment of MDD. Participants will receive compensation for their time and travel.
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: August 2022
Investigational Medication for PTSD
This study is a clinical research trial for the investigational drug, BI 1358894. The trial will determine if the investigational drug is safe and effective for reducing symptoms of PTSD. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the oral investigational drug or placebo over a period of eight weeks. The goal of this study is to increase treatment options available for people experiencing PTSD. Learn more
Download NAMI’s Research flyer
Updated: July 2022
The NIMH Genetic Study of Schizophrenia
If you or someone in your family is 18 years old or older and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (depressed type), you may be able to participate in a genetic study that looks for genes in families. In order for family members to participate, the person with schizophrenia must be willing and able to participate. Eligible family members participate in an interview and contribute a sample of blood for genetic analysis. If you have schizophrenia, and if possible, your sibling, you may qualify to participate in this study. There is no change in medication involved. Learn more
Updated: July 2022
A Study of Schizophrenia and the Brain: A Six-month Inpatient Evaluation Study
The National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, invites qualifying adults who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to participate in an inpatient research study at the NIH Clinical Center. In this study, researchers will be evaluating how the brain works in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia to better understand the underlying causes of this illness. Learn more
Updated: July 2022
CBT for PTSD in SEd Rutgers Study
Researchers at Rutgers University and at John Jay College are conducting a clinical trial funded by the National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) investigating the effectiveness of a telehealth intervention for PTSD that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy and supported education. The goal is to improve educational outcomes in college students with PTSD and other mental health conditions. If you would like to participate or if you have questions, please email [email protected], or call or text (805)-403-7329. You could also visit their website at https://sites.rutgers.edu/cbt-ptsd-sed/.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research flyer
Updated: March 2022
Rutgers Acupuncture Study
Would you like FREE acupuncture & FREE telehealth brief counseling for trauma? Researchers at Rutgers University are offering FREE acupuncture ($640 value) and FREE telehealth brief counseling ($250 value) for trauma and PTSD. All participation will be confidential. All interviews and counseling sessions will be conducted via Telehealth. Acupuncture sessions will be conducted by a licensed Acupuncturist, Dr. Yubi Chen at Oriental Acupuncture Health. The study is funded by New Jersey Health Foundation. If you would like to know more about their study or participate, please contact Ke Wang at [email protected], or call or text Ke Wang at (805)-403-7329.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research flyer
Updated: March 2022
The Rutgers CTE Research Study
The Rutgers CTE Research Study is currently recruiting students that are undergoing Career and Technical Education (vocational education, trade school programs). The goal of the project is to create a toolkit that will support students undergoing CTE programs that have mental health conditions successfully complete those programs and seek meaningful employment. In order to refine this toolkit, we are looking for qualifying students to test it with. The students will be paired with a counselor who will support them up to 18 months as they make their way through their CTE program. If you would like to know more about this study or believe you qualify, please visit https://sites.rutgers.edu/cte-study/, send an email to Dr. Ni Gao at [email protected], or call/text 551-226-9643.
Download NAMI NJ’s Research flyer | Download flyer
Updated: February 2022
Understanding Parental Experiences of Caring for a Child with a Diagnosed Mental Illness Utilizing a Grief Model
This study is an anonymous online survey for parents of children with a diagnosed mental illness. The goal of this study is to understand parental experiences of grief when caring for a child with mental illness and how to better support parent caregivers based on their unique needs. Participants will complete a series of six brief questionnaires with a total participation time of 20 minutes. To take the survey, visit the study website here: https://gcu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_esr6rC4gaHxRwNw
Updated: November 2021
Comparison of PTSD Treatments
Researchers at Rutgers are looking for volunteers, who may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, for a research study. The research study involves brief counseling sessions for PTSD (3 Sessions), and half of participants will additionally receive free acupuncture sessions (8 Sessions). All participants will receive compensation totaling $70 at the conclusion of the brief counseling sessions, and those also receiving acupuncture will receive an additional $20 at the completion of the acupuncture sessions. For more information, view flyer.
Updated: August 2021
University of Pennsylvania Clinical Trial
Participate in the new NIMH supported clinical trial within the Neurodevelopment and Psychosis Section at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The purpose of this research is to test an experimental drug (CVL-562) as a possible cognitive enhancer for early-course schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders. This study will test whether CVL-562, added to a person’s usual medication regimen, can help thinking and memory in people with schizophrenia. Open to volunteers ages 18 to 45, who meet DSM-5 criteria for a primary non-affective psychotic disorder (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform) with onset of psychosis within the past 5 years. See their flyer and view their video here. To schedule a visit or refer a potential participant, please contact [email protected].
Updated: July 2021
Rutgers Study: College Student with Mental Health Condition and PTSD
Researchers at Rutgers are looking for volunteers who have a mental health condition, PTSD, and are a college student. Your participation can potentially help researchers discover ways to improve educational outcomes for those with PTSD. Once enrolled, you will have an opportunity to participate in a focus group interview which will inform the development of a new CBT treatment manual for college students with PTSD. Participants will be compensated $30! For more information, contact Brittany Stone at [email protected]. Download flyer
Updated: March 2021
Has COVID-19 affected your sleep?
Volunteers needed for research study exploring the sleep habits and routines of adults diagnosed with mental disorders during COVID-19.
We are Kean University 2nd year Occupational Therapy students conducting a research study through in-depth interviews which will be held virtually via Zoom. The study will explore sleep habits and routines after COVID-19 related shutdowns that occured in March of 2020. The study is interested in adults with diagnosed mental disorders and who were diagnosed prior to COVID-19. The study is completely voluntary and you are not obligated to participate. There is no compensation for participating in this study. This study is for educational purposes only, so your participation would add valuable research information which could lead to a greater understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on sleep habits and routines for adults living with mental illness through the lens of occupational therapy.
We are currently looking to invite 10 adults over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of Mental and/or Substance Use Disorders prior to COVID-19. Participants must be able to read, write, and speak in English and must be able to access the internet and email.
If you match the research criteria and are willing to participate, you may reach out to the primary investigator, Monique Schulmann at [email protected]. Participation in this study will be conducted on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you qualify for the interview process, you will be notified via email and directed to a consent form link. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact the primary investigator, Monique Schulmann at [email protected].
Deadline: April 2021
Persist to Quit: Telehealth Counseling for Smokers with Serious Mental Illness
A team at Rutgers is conducting a research study funded by the National Institutes of Health in which they are providing telehealth counseling (plus nicotine patches) to help individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder to quit smoking. There is no cost to the consumers, and they can earn up to $100 for completing assessments before and after the 8 counseling sessions.
Individuals wishing to learn more can call 732-659-4805 or provide their contact information online using this link: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PR6FtUCgCCYOH3
Download flyer: http://ow.ly/ckAO50DGMsA
Updated: February 2021
Recovery from Serious Mental Illness
This study is an anonymous online survey for individuals with serious mental illness who are in recovery. The goal of this
study is to learn more about the personal experiences of people with serious mental illness at various stages of the
personal recovery process.
Participants may be eligible for this study if they are:
– Ages 18-65
– Diagnosed with a mental illness that has interfered with or limited at least one major life activity
– Able to read in English at a 6th grade level or above
– Not diagnosed with a chronic physical disability
There will be 500 people participating in this survey. Total participation time is 20-40 minutes. After completing the survey,
participants will have the option to provide contact information to enter a drawing to receive one of 200 $10 gift cards. The
survey will close March 1, 2021.
The survey is available online. To access the survey, visit https://bit.ly/2VWzEm7.
If you have questions or would like more information, please refer to the study link above or contact the researchers at [email protected].
For more information, view flyer.
Updated: February 2021
Knowledge of Metabolic Risk in People with Serious Mental Health Conditions
This study is an anonymous online survey for adults with a mental health condition and their family members/ caregivers. The goal of the survey is to understand how much people know about the physical health risks related to mental health conditions and treatments. The survey will ask questions about the participant’s knowledge of physical health and about the care they have received from health care providers. This study will help health care providers improve the ways they educate and support people with mental health conditions.
Participants may be eligible for this study if they are:
– Aged 18 or older
– Have a mental health condition, or are the family member/ caregiver of a person with a mental health condition
The study is being conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and McLean Hospital. The survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete. To access the survey please use the following link: https://umasslowell.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_80MfUYLoMqduzvD
For more information, view flyer.
Updated: February 2021
Depression, TMS, Psychotherapy and Brain Function
This study seeks depressed participants to test effects of the combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and psychotherapy on brain function.
This study is enrolling eligible adults ages 18-65 with major depressive disorder, who are free of other serious medical conditions. If you are currently taking anti-depressants, you may still be eligible.
This inpatient and/or outpatient study involves daily visits for 8 weeks followed by once-monthly visits for 3 months. Participation includes research evaluations, brain scans, and active TMS and psychotherapy, or inactive TMS and psychotherapy. Those who received inactive TMS may receive active TMS after the experimental phase is completed. After completing the study, participants receive short-term care at the NIH while transitioning back to a provider. The 3 monthly follow up visits can be conducted via telephone.
All clinical evaluations, research tasks and visits are free of cost. Participants are compensated for research procedures. The study is conducted at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, and is enrolling participants nationwide, from across the United States. Travel arrangements are provided and costs are covered by NIMH (arrangements vary by distance).
To find out if you qualify, or for more information email [email protected] or call 1-877-MIND-NIH (1-877-646-3644), TTY: 1-866-411-1222. https://go.usa.gov/xnVBS
Updated: February 2021
Understanding Depression in Teenagers, NIH Research Study
Join a research study seeking to understand the causes of depression in teenagers. As part of a larger study looking at mood dysregulation, participation begins with an initial 1-day outpatient evaluation. Research visits may include annual outpatient visits up to age 25, and/or 4- to 15-week inpatient treatment.
This part of the study is currently recruiting medically healthy teenagers, ages 12-17, who meet the criteria for major depressive disorder and are in treatment with a provider in their community. The study may include assessments, research testing, brain imaging, and standard medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychological testing.
Enrollment is from across the United States. Transportation expenses to NIH in Bethesda, MD are reimbursed. There is no cost to participate, compensation is provided.
Call 1-301-496-8381 [TTY: 1-866-411-1010] or Email [email protected].
Updated: February 2021
SND111 Study: Clinical Research Study on Adolescent Schizophrenia
The SND111 study is looking at whether an investigational medication called NaBen® (Sodium Benzoate) is safe and effective in improving symptoms of schizophrenia in teenagers.
The goal of this study is to increase treatment options available for teenagers with schizophrenia.
Download the flyer / Download the brochure
Updated: February 2021
Caregivers Invited for Stress Research Survey
Tyler Corson, a doctoral student in the Gerontology Department at Virginia Commonwealth University and a NAMI family member in Virginia Beach, is working on a research study about caregiver stress. If you are a caregiver for a person with serious mental illness, and you are age 18 or older, you are invited to participate in an anonymous online survey that takes about 15 minutes to complete. The survey includes questions about mental illness stigma and your thoughts about providing care. Your participation in this survey will help us gather information that may be helpful in designing programs to reduce caregiver stress. Tyler will share the research results with NAMI when the study is complete.
If you have any questions about the survey or would like additional information about the research project, please contact Tyler Corson at [email protected]. You may also contact Dr. Tracey Gendron, project supervisor, at the VCU Department of Gerontology at (804) 828-1565, or [email protected].
Please follow this link to the survey: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=KDXHDYDT8X
Updated: February 2021
How romantic partners communicate when one or both people are depressed
Do you have depression? Are you in a relationship with someone who has depression? Researchers from the University of Illinois are conducting a study to better understand how romantic partners communicate when one or both people are depressed.
You are eligible to participate in the study if:
(1) You are in a romantic relationship,
(2) You and/or your partner have been professionally diagnosed with depression,
(3) Both partners are willing to participate in the study,
(4) Both partners are 18 years of age or older, and
(5) Both partners have their own email account.
Participation involves completing an online questionnaire, which takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete. All couples who complete the study will receive $20 in Amazon e-gift cards ($10 to each partner). If BOTH partners are willing to participate, send an email to [email protected] with:
(a) your name and email address,
(b) your partner’s name and email address, and
(c) who has been diagnosed with depression (you, your partner, or both).
Does Schizophrenia Run in Your Family?
Research shows that in families with a history of schizophrenia, there is a strong genetic link associated with the disease. A genetic link means that it may be possible for medical science to find the gene or sequence of genes causing this debilitating disorder. This information could then be used to develop new treatments for managing symptoms and to hopefully one day find a cure.
The VA Boston Healthcare System has launched a study using the latest research technology in human DNA analysis to help determine the underlying genetic variables responsible for schizophrenia. To qualify for this study, there must be at least 3 available members of the extended family who are diagnosed with one of these disorders:
– Schizophrenia
– Schizoaffective Disorder
– Schizotypal Personality Disorder
– Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features
The study also seeks 3 “healthy” members of the family who are willing to participate. All family members must be at least 18 years old. The study involves a clinical interview and a blood draw. Participants who complete the study receive $130. Study is not restricted to veterans, but is open to the general public.
To learn more, contact:
Paul Nelson, M.Ed.
Study Coordinator
Email [email protected]
or call 845-981-9514
Updated: February 2021
NIMH Research Studies
Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) conduct a large number of research studies with patients and healthy volunteers. The first steps to research participation include: calling the NIMH research study team to learn study details, an evaluation for eligibility to enroll, and consenting to participate.
The studies are conducted at the NIH Clinical Center (CC), a hospital dedicated to the highest quality research, and located in Bethesda, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. Some studies enroll locally, others regionally or nationally. Please contact each research study team to learn more specifics.
Adult, Children and Healthy Volunteer study descriptions and other information provided here can help you decide whether to participate or volunteer. If you qualify for a study, then a study-related evaluation, treatment and, in some cases transportation to NIH is provided without cost to you or your health plan.
Join a Study: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/join-a-study/index.shtml
Updated: February 2021
CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov – a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health and a weblink to identify clinical trials seeking participants. Find clinical trials by state on ClinicalTrials.gov.
National Recruitment: Join NIH Depression Research Studies
Does depression impede your daily life? Are you currently feeling sad and hopeless, experiencing worthlessness and guilt, and have a lack of interest in everyday activities you once enjoyed? NIH studies are investigating the brain and experimental medications (such as ketamine and diazoxide) to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms. Research includes: depressed adults ages 18 to 70, outpatient visits or inpatient stays of up to 12 weeks at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. Call 1-877-MIND-NIH, TTY: 1-866-411-1010, Email: [email protected].