Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are conducting a clinical trial to explore whether combining psilocybin-assisted therapy with a form of brain stimulation called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may help individuals who have not responded to previous depression treatments. This study involves guided psilocybin therapy sessions followed by a 5-day intensive rTMS protocol.
Participation includes medical and psychological assessments, MRI and EEG brain scans, and structured therapeutic sessions over a 13–15 month period.
.png){kind=icon}
In-person visits take place at UT Austin's Dell Medical School
Adults ages 22–76
.png){kind=icon}
Treatment-resistant depression
.png){kind=icon}
Earn up to $1825 for full participation
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a form of major depression that hasn’t improved enough after trying standard antidepressant medications.
For this study, TRD means:
- You’ve tried two or more antidepressant medications at proper doses and for a period of at least 6-8weeks, but your depression symptoms did not improve enough.
- At least one of those medications must have been tried during your current episode of depression, or
- You’ve tried two or more medications from different classes in past depressive episodes without getting lasting relief.
Doctors on the research team will confirm this using a short questionnaire called the Massachusetts General Hospital Antidepressant Treatment Response Questionnaire (MGH‑ATRQ), which reviews your past medication history.
If you’ve also tried a combination of antidepressants or an “add‑on” medication (such as a booster medication prescribed by your doctor), that can also count toward meeting the TRD criteria.
In simpler terms — if you’ve been taking antidepressants but still feel depressed or haven’t found a treatment that works well enough, you may qualify for this study.
Participants will receive up to $1825 for completing all study procedures.
All study-related care, including therapy, imaging, assessments, and medication, will be provided at no cost.
Additional support includes travel coordination, study staff guidance, and ongoing check-ins.
Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound studied under professional therapeutic supervision. This study uses a synthetic form in a controlled setting with trained therapists.
rTMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation method approved by the FDA for depression. In this study, it is delivered intensively over 5 days using the SAINT protocol.
Yes. Participants must discontinue medications prohibited by the study protocol, including antidepressants. Tapering guidance and clinical oversight will be provided.
Yes. Participants can earn up to $1825 for full participation, in addition to receiving all study-related treatments and care at no cost.
