Mental Health & Psychiatry Clinical Trials Update: Week 16, 2026

Published April 17, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert

Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

This Phase 3 trial by the Usona Institute is testing psilocybin, a psychedelic drug, as a treatment for adults with major depressive disorder. If successful, psilocybin could become a new option that may improve symptoms with fewer doses than current treatments. The study is enrolling adults in the United States and will follow participants for one year to assess long-term effects.

Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Applicability of Home-based Bright Light Therapy in Outpatient Adolescents With Major Depressive Disorder

Researchers at Peking University Sixth Hospital are studying bright light therapy for adolescents aged 13 to 17 with major depressive disorder. This non-drug treatment involves daily light exposure over four weeks and aims to improve mood and cognitive function with fewer side effects. The trial is recruiting in China and will include follow-up assessments to measure ongoing benefits.

Emerging Technologies and Teen Mental Health

Florida International University is conducting a study focused on helping teens who experience suicidal thoughts by offering a brief educational program about social media use. This approach could improve social skills and reduce emotional distress among teens. The trial is recruiting 200 participants in the United States and aims to find new ways to support teen mental health through technology awareness.

Practice Facilitation to Enhance Implementation of a Pediatric Suicide Prevention Pathway

The University of Colorado, Denver is testing a program that helps pediatric primary care providers better identify and manage suicide risk in youth. By improving how suicide prevention pathways are used, the study hopes to reduce suicide attempts and emergency visits among at-risk children. Youth who screen positive for suicide risk are included, and the trial is recruiting across the United States.

Trial of Center-Based Early Start Denver Model vs. Pivotal Response Treatment in Children With Autism

Stanford University is comparing two behavioral therapies to determine which better improves communication skills in young children with autism aged 2 to under 5 years. Both therapies include parent training and nearly a year of follow-up. The results could help families and clinicians choose the most effective early intervention tailored to each child’s needs.

This week saw promising studies across different mental health challenges, from depression treatments in adults and teens to suicide prevention and autism therapies. These trials highlight ongoing efforts to find safer, more effective, and accessible options for patients and families. Results from these studies will help shape future care and support for mental health conditions.

TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.