Psychedelic Clinical Trials in Los Angeles
Addressing Mental Health Needs Through Clinical Research
Depression and anxiety affect millions of people across the U.S., including here in Los Angeles. Clinical trials are opening new pathways of care where standard treatments fall short. At PSI, we are dedicated to advancing safe, effective psychedelic-assisted therapies that meet urgent mental health needs.
About Psychedelic Science Institute (PSI)
Our Origins: From Pacific Neuroscience Institute & California Center for Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic Science Institute (PSI) officially launched on July 1, 2025, uniting two pioneering mental health organizations: the Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s TRIP Center (est. 2019 in Santa Monica) and the California Center for Psychedelic Therapy (est. 2018 in Hollywood). Our PSI team brings decades of clinical and operational experience to the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Our TRIP Clinics in Santa Monica and Hollywood provide a safe and supportive patient-centered experience that integrates compassionate care with FDA-regulated research.
Inclusive Care for Diverse Communities
PSI stands as one of the few sites in the United States actively conducting multiple psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials. We are proud to be an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, striving to ensure these trials reflect and benefit diverse populations.
Current Psychedelic Clinical Trials at PSI
PSI is now enrolling patients in psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials at our Los Angeles TRIP Clinics:
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Santa Monica TRIP Clinic
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Santa Monica TRIP Clinic
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Hollywood TRIP Clinic
Upcoming Psychedelic Clinical Trials at PSI
PSI is dedicated to advancing psychedelic science and mental health care. Each year, we launch several new clinical trials exploring innovative psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Check back regularly and visit our Clinical Trials page to see which studies are actively enrolling and learn how you can get involved.
Expanding Access to Innovative Mental Health Care
By offering clinical trials for anxiety and depression, PSI continues to build pathways for patients whose current treatments have not been effective. Each study follows rigorous FDA-regulated protocols, ensuring patient safety while exploring innovative treatment options.
The Urgent Need for Better Mental Health Treatments
The National Mental Health Crisis
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Affects more than 21 million U.S. adults each year — about 8% of the population.
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Nearly one-third of these individuals do not respond to standard treatments.
- Anxiety Disorders: Impact over 40 million U.S. adults annually, with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among the most common.
The Local Impact in Los Angeles
Here in Los Angeles County, nearly 1 in 10 adults experience depression each year and about 15% report frequent anxiety severe enough to impact daily life. Despite the enormous burden, many people struggle to access care and current treatment options are often ineffective and may have unwanted side effects.
PSI’s Commitment to the Community
By conducting psychedelic clinical trials in Santa Monica and Hollywood, PSI is expanding access to innovative mental health therapies for the greater Los Angeles community. Our goal is to create safe, inclusive pathways toward healing and recovery where traditional treatments have fallen short.
What Makes PSI Different
- Gold Standard Research: All psychedelic clinical trials offered at our TRIP Clinics are randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, which is considered the gold standard in clinical research.
- Innovative Psychedelic Treatments: The psychedelic medicines currently being studied include psilocybin, LSD, and DMT.
- Rigorous Oversight & Ethical Review: Each study undergoes rigorous review by the FDA, DEA, and independent ethics boards and has been carefully reviewed by the PSI Leadership Team. These studies are sponsored by leading research organizations and biotech partners committed to advancing safe, effective therapies for mental health conditions.
- Experienced, Patient-Centered Team: Our clinicians, therapists, and researchers bring years of experience in both psychedelic research and patient care.
Shaping the Future of Psychedelic Medicine
These trials, along with others in the pipeline, represent bold steps toward developing transformative, evidence-based therapies. While earlier studies of psilocybin, LSD, and DMT have shown promising safety and efficacy signals, additional clinical trials are essential to determine whether these treatments can provide durable benefits and ultimately meet FDA standards for approval.
Beyond Clinical Trials: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Patients who do not meet all eligibility criteria for one of our clinical trials for depression or anxiety or who have other mental health concerns, such as suicidal ideation or PTSD, may be good candidates for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Our TRIP Clinic teams have extensive experience with KAP and can determine if it might be a good option for you.
How Patients, Caregivers, and Advocates Can Get Involved
We invite patients, caregivers, clinicians, and community advocates to help raise awareness about these critical research opportunities. Here’s how to get started:
- Learn More: Explore our clinical trials page to review current studies, eligibility details, and upcoming opportunities.
- Connect with Us: Reach out to our team at the Santa Monica Clinic or Hollywood Clinic to discuss enrollment, screening, and the step-by-step process from preparation to integration.
- Spread the Word: Share information with your networks and refer individuals who may benefit from participation in psychedelic clinical trials in Los Angeles.
Together, we can accelerate the development of safe, effective therapeutic options and build a future where mental health care is not only innovative, but inclusive and accessible.