Participate in Mental Health Research
Participating in research is one of the most powerful ways you can contribute to better care for people living with depression and other mental health conditions.
Be a part of the next mental health breakthrough
Research studies help scientists and clinicians test new treatments, understand the causes of mental illness, and discover ways to prevent symptoms from returning. Every volunteer matters. By joining a study, you’re not only helping advance science — you may also gain access to new treatments, learn more about your own mental health, and receive extra support from a research care team.
Whether you’re managing a condition or volunteering as a healthy participant, your contribution helps create safer, more effective, and inclusive treatments.
Types of clinical research
Clinical research studies are how scientists and health care professionals test new drugs, devices, and treatment approaches. These studies aim to determine whether a treatment is safe, effective, and suitable for use in medical care. Researchers may also study healthy volunteers to better understand what causes certain conditions and why some people are more likely to develop them. Common types of studies include:
- Diagnostic or screening studies: aim to improve how conditions are detected
- Intervention studies: test new treatments, medications, or procedures
- Prevention studies: look for ways to reduce the risk of illness through vaccines, vitamins, or lifestyle changes
- Quality of life (supportive care) studies: explore how to help people with chronic illnesses live more comfortably
Phases of clinical research
Each phase focuses on different goals and involves varying numbers of participants:
- Phase I: Tests a treatment’s safety in a small group (20–80 people)
- Phase II: Studies how well it works in a larger group (100–300)
- Phase III: Confirms effectiveness and side effects in 1,000–3,000 people
- Phase IV: Collects long-term safety and benefit information after approval
Safety
Participant safety is the highest priority in every study. Before a study can begin, its design (sometimes called a protocol) must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is an independent group of health care providers, ethicists, and community members that ensures participants’ rights are protected.
Most clinical research in the U.S. is also regulated by federal agencies to maintain strict safety standards.
Should I participate in a research study?
Taking part in a research study is a personal choice. Understanding the potential advantages and disadvantages can help you make an informed decision.
Common reasons people participate:
- Access new treatments before they are widely available
- Contribute to medical knowledge that may help others in the future
- Learn more about your condition
- Receive additional care or attention from healthcare professionals, sometimes at reduced or no cost
Common reasons people choose not to participate:
- Participation may require significant time or travel
- Some costs may not be covered by insurance
- The treatment might not work as expected (or at all)
- You could experience unpleasant or serious side effects
If you’re considering participating in a study, talk with your health care provider and the research team to understand your options.
You can also explore opportunities for clinical trials at Michigan Medicine or elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Who participates in clinical research?
Thousands of people, of all ages, backgrounds, and health statuses, take part in research each year. Because treatments can affect people differently, it’s important that studies include participants who reflect the diversity of the population. This helps ensure that new treatments are effective for everyone.
Each study has its own eligibility guidelines, such as age, diagnosis, or current medications. If one study isn’t a match, there may be others that are a better fit for you.
What is informed consent?
Before joining a study, you’ll go through the informed consent process, where healthcare professionals explain the study’s purpose, length, required procedures, and any known risks or benefits. You’ll also receive a document summarizing this information.
Signing the consent form means you understand the details, not that you’re locked in. You can leave the study at any time, for any reason.
References
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2015). For Patients and Families. Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/help/for-patient#learnabout