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

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

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

Download flyer

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].

Download flyer

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

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

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].

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