MyUHS/CMHC Portal
Contact
About Healthyhorns Who we are, resources and more
University Health Services Medical care and public health leadership
Counseling and Mental Health Center Mental health support
Longhorn Wellness Center Prevention, education and outreach

Patient Research Opportunities

Healthyhorns is proud to be part of one of the world’s largest research institutions where discovery — expanding knowledge and human understanding — is a core value.

If you’re interested in potentially having your study included on this webpage, please complete this form. A team member will follow up with you shortly.

Paid Research Study on Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: Young Adults Needed

6/18/2025

Sciences is studying how brain biology is related to possible risk for developing bipolar disorder. This is an NIH funded study conducted by UT Dell Medical School Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences that uses alcohol administration and MRI to investigate response to alcohol and brain development in young adults with bipolar disorder.

Qualified participants must be:

  • 21 to 26 years old
  • diagnosed with bipolar disorder
  • able to drink alcohol during study visits
  • able to complete 3 study visits involving diagnostic interviews, mental function (cognitive and behavioral) tests, a MRI scan
  • able to return one and two years later and repeat study components.

Qualified participants receive:

  • You will be compensated for all study components completed, which can be up to $1,021 for full participation.

Contact:

If you would like to participate or if you have any questions email us at behavioral.neuroimaging@austin.utexas.edu. You may complete this interest form and research staff will contact you.

CO2 Reactivity as a Biomarker of Non-Response to Exposure-Based Therapy

6/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is designed to evaluate the predictive power of a novel biomarker based on a CO2 challenge, thus addressing the central question "can this easy-to-administer assay aid clinicians in deciding whether or not to initiate exposure-based therapy?" The investigation addresses an important public health issue by testing an accessible clinical assessment strategy--informed by basic research--that may lead to a more effective treatment selection (personalized medicine) for patients with anxiety- and fear-related disorders and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms governing exposure-based therapy.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • A primary diagnosis of panic disorder (with or without an agoraphobia diagnosis), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • 18 to 70 years old
  • Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and comply with the requirements of the study protocol

Other criteria will need to be met to confirm your eligibility to participate in this study, which will last up to 12 weeks.

Qualified participants receive:

12 one-hour sessions of exposure based therapy, delivered over the course of 12 weeks. All therapy sessions will be delivered by trained and experienced license-eligible clinicians. You will also be compensated for all study components completed, which can be up to $300 for full participation.

For More Information

Depression and Memory

6/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The Memory & Aging Lab in the Department of Psychology at UT Austin is conducting a brain MRI study to understand mood and memory changes across the adult lifespan.

Study Procedure:
This study uses brain MRIs to measure the relationship between mood and memory in the brain. We will ask you to come into the lab three times over 2 weeks for no more than 3 hours each time. If you are 65 years of age or older, we will ask you to return for a 4th visit in 2 years for some additional memory assessments and mood and health questions.

Eligibility criteria:
Black, Mexican-American and Non-Hispanic White adults between the ages of 18 to 75 years old without neurological impairments. You do not need to have a diagnosis or symptoms of depression to participate.

What you will get:
We compensate $20 per hour, and we will also compensate $5 for your travel costs for each visit or provide a flat $25 for an Uber/Lyft/Taxi. If you complete all visits, we will compensate you with an additional $100. Free parking is provided if you are driving

Interested?
Contact us by calling512-232-6904 or emailing duartelab@utexas.edu or fill out a screening form.

Study Flyer

Childhood Trauma, Dance Exercise, and Neurocognitive Performance

7/31/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is investigating the effects of acute exercise on cognition in young adults who are at risk for early cognitive decline due to a history of certain adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; here, abuse or neglect as a child). Participants are asked to dance and stretch, complete questionnaires, and undergo neuropsychological testing.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • 18-39 years of age
  • Have a history of childhood abuse and/or neglect
  • Native or fluent English speakers
  • Normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
  • Can attend two in-person visits (1.5 hours each) at the Dell Medical School - Health Discovery Building

Qualified participants receive:

  • $50 for completion of both visits
  • Reimbursement for parking

Contact:

Paid Research Study on Depression (Alto MDD)

12/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin is conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled research study of ALTO-300 in adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ALTO-300 compared to a placebo, with an optional open-label extension.

Study Procedure:
The study includes a screening period of up to 6 weeks, followed by a double-blind randomized treatment period. After completing the double-blind phase, participants may choose to enter an open-label extension and receive ALTO-300 for an additional 8 weeks. The study includes biomarker assessments such as EEG, neurocognitive testing, and activity and sleep monitoring.

Eligibility criteria:
You may not be eligible if any of the following apply:

Inclusion

  • Ages 18 to under 71
  • Prior diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
  • At Visit 2, taking a stable dose of a single antidepressant (SSRI, SNRI, or bupropion) for more than 6 weeks prior to Visit 1
  • Willing and eligible to complete all required biomarker assessments (EEG, neurocognitive testing, activity and sleep monitoring)

Exclusion

  • Concurrent use of other psychiatric medications beyond a single stable antidepressant
  • Diagnosis of bipolar disorder or significant current PTSD symptoms
  • History of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), deep brain stimulation (DBS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), or more than two ketamine or esketamine treatments during the current depressive episode
  • Use of any other central nervous system investigational medication or device within 12 months of the first study visit or more than one CNS interventional study within 24 months of the first study visit

What you will get:

  • $100 per in-person study visit
  • $75 per remote study visit

Interested?
Contact the study team at gianotti@austin.utexas.edu or 512-495-5374.

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Julie Farrington
julie.farrington@austin.utexas.edu

Depression and Memory

6/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The Memory & Aging Lab in the Department of Psychology at UT Austin is conducting a brain MRI study to understand mood and memory changes across the adult lifespan.

Study Procedure:
This study uses brain MRIs to measure the relationship between mood and memory in the brain. We will ask you to come into the lab three times over 2 weeks for no more than 3 hours each time. If you are 65 years of age or older, we will ask you to return for a 4th visit in 2 years for some additional memory assessments and mood and health questions.

Eligibility criteria:
Black, Mexican-American and Non-Hispanic White adults between the ages of 18 to 75 years old without neurological impairments. We are interested in people with a history of and/or current symptoms of depression.

What you will get:
We compensate $20 per hour, and we will also compensate $5 for your travel costs for each visit or provide a flat $25 for an Uber/Lyft/Taxi. If you complete all visits, we will compensate you with an additional $100. Free parking is provided if you are driving.

Interested?
Contact us by calling512-232-6904 or emailing duartelab@utexas.edu or fill out a screening form.

Study Flyer

TMS Depression Study

6/23/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is exploring the use of Truncated SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) as a first-line treatment for adolescent depression.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • Be 13-20 years of age
  • Experiencing their first episode of depression
  • Recently started or not currently taking antidepressants.

Qualified participants receive:

  • Up to $525 for participation.
  • Five days of TMS treatment followed by four follow-up visits.
  • Avoid antidepressant side effects
  • Participants will benefit from an innovative, non-invasive treatment designed for high efficacy and safety.

For More Information

Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (YDSRN)

6/23/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The Texas YDSRN is a research initiative of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC), which was created by the 86th Texas Legislature. This is a study with a goal to advance care for depression and suicide for children and adolescents in Texas.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:
Self-referrals are not allowed; you must be referred by a provider. If you don't have a medical or mental health provider, please contact University Health Services or the Counseling and Mental Health Center for assistance.

  • Be 8-20 years of age
  • Have a positive screening for depression; positive for suicidal ideation or behavior; or be in treatment for depression
  • Be able to dedicate time to the study. All study visits are remote and conducted virtually.

Exclusion for the YDSRN study include:

  • Have an acute medical or psychological condition(s) that would, in the judgment of the study medical clinician, make participants difficult or unsafe
  • Have an acute medical or psychological condition(s) that would result in an inability to accurately complete study requirements (e.g., neurological condition(s) or significant neurodevelopmental concerns)
  • Have active psychotic symptoms resulting in altered mental status and inability to provide assent or requiring immediate attention and/or higher level of intervention
  • Have a parent/LAR who is deemed cognitively unable to provide consent (if youth participant, aged 8-17)

Qualified participants receive:

  • Compensation of $475 (paid in part after each visit via electronic gift card)

For More Information

The Activ8 study (behavioral activation skills training for depression) is a substudy under TX-YDSRN. This is an 8-10 week virtually delivered treatment for depression.

For More Information

CO2 Reactivity as a Biomarker of Non-Response to Exposure-Based Therapy

6/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is designed to evaluate the predictive power of a novel biomarker based on a CO2 challenge, thus addressing the central question "can this easy-to-administer assay aid clinicians in deciding whether or not to initiate exposure-based therapy?" The investigation addresses an important public health issue by testing an accessible clinical assessment strategy--informed by basic research--that may lead to a more effective treatment selection (personalized medicine) for patients with anxiety- and fear-related disorders and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms governing exposure-based therapy.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • A primary diagnosis of panic disorder (with or without an agoraphobia diagnosis), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • 18 to 70 years old
  • Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and comply with the requirements of the study protocol

Other criteria will need to be met to confirm your eligibility to participate in this study, which will last up to 12 weeks.

Qualified participants receive:

12 one-hour sessions of exposure based therapy, delivered over the course of 12 weeks. All therapy sessions will be delivered by trained and experienced license-eligible clinicians. You will also be compensated for all study components completed, which can be up to $300 for full participation.

For More Information

CO2 Reactivity as a Biomarker of Non-Response to Exposure-Based Therapy

6/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is designed to evaluate the predictive power of a novel biomarker based on a CO2 challenge, thus addressing the central question "can this easy-to-administer assay aid clinicians in deciding whether or not to initiate exposure-based therapy?" The investigation addresses an important public health issue by testing an accessible clinical assessment strategy--informed by basic research--that may lead to a more effective treatment selection (personalized medicine) for patients with anxiety- and fear-related disorders and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms governing exposure-based therapy.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • A primary diagnosis of panic disorder (with or without an agoraphobia diagnosis), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • 18 to 70 years old
  • Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and comply with the requirements of the study protocol

Other criteria will need to be met to confirm your eligibility to participate in this study, which will last up to 12 weeks.

Qualified participants receive:

12 one-hour sessions of exposure based therapy, delivered over the course of 12 weeks. All therapy sessions will be delivered by trained and experienced license-eligible clinicians. You will also be compensated for all study components completed, which can be up to $300 for full participation.

For More Information

Postpartum Depression Treatment Study

01/14/2026

Description (purpose of the study):
The University of Texas at Austin is conducting a research study to evaluate a new treatment approach for postpartum depression (PPD). This study uses an accelerated form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), called SAINT, which targets specific brain regions involved in mood regulation. The goal is to determine whether the SAINT-TMS system is effective for individuals with PPD who have not experienced adequate relief from previous treatments.

Study Procedure:
Participants will receive SAINT-TMS treatment for five consecutive days. Treatment sessions may total up to 10 hours per day. The study also includes MRI scans and clinical assessments to evaluate treatment response.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Ages 18–45
  • Gave birth within the last 12 months
  • Experiencing postpartum depression (e.g., persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness)
  • Able to commit to up to 10 hours per day for 5 consecutive days
  • Able to undergo an MRI scan (e.g., no history of seizures, no metal in the head, no claustrophobia)
  • No substance use disorders
  • No untreated sleep apnea
  • No history of serious neurological disease

What you will get:
Participants may receive up to $450 in compensation for completing the study.

Interested?
Contact Ambreen Rana at ambreen.rana@austin.utexas.edu or 512-766-6209.

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Jeff Newport
djn594@eid.utexas.edu

MAMA Study

11/19/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The MAMA study aims to examine changes in the pancreas that occur during pregnancy, in both pregnant mothers and their babies, and determine how those changes are affected by diabetes.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • Under 14 weeks pregnant with one baby
  • Between 18 and 54 years old
  • Delivering your baby in Austin, TX
  • Additional criteria may apply to confirm eligibility

Qualified participants receive:

Participants may earn up to $500 for completing all study visits (4 visits total).

For More Information

Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network (TX-CTRN)

6/23/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The Texas CTRN is a research initiative of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC), which was created by the 86th Texas Legislature. This is a study with a goal to better understand trajectories and outcomes of trauma experienced in childhood.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • Be 8-20 years of age
  • Have experienced a traumatic event over the course of their lifetime (eg, accidents, natural disasters, victimization, abuse)
  • Be able to dedicate time to the study. All study visits are remote and conducted virtually.

Qualified participants receive:

  • Compensation of $400 (paid in part after each visit via electronic gift card)

For More Information

Childhood Trauma, Dance Exercise, and Neurocognitive Performance

7/31/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is investigating the effects of acute exercise on cognition in young adults who are at risk for early cognitive decline due to a history of certain adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; here, abuse or neglect as a child). Participants are asked to dance and stretch, complete questionnaires, and undergo neuropsychological testing.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • 18-39 years of age
  • Have a history of childhood abuse and/or neglect
  • Native or fluent English speakers
  • Normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
  • Can attend two in-person visits (1.5 hours each) at the Dell Medical School - Health Discovery Building

Qualified participants receive:

  • $50 for completion of both visits
  • Reimbursement for parking

Contact:

CO2 Reactivity as a Biomarker of Non-Response to Exposure-Based Therapy

6/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is designed to evaluate the predictive power of a novel biomarker based on a CO2 challenge, thus addressing the central question "can this easy-to-administer assay aid clinicians in deciding whether or not to initiate exposure-based therapy?" The investigation addresses an important public health issue by testing an accessible clinical assessment strategy--informed by basic research--that may lead to a more effective treatment selection (personalized medicine) for patients with anxiety- and fear-related disorders and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms governing exposure-based therapy.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • A primary diagnosis of panic disorder (with or without an agoraphobia diagnosis), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • 18 to 70 years old
  • Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and comply with the requirements of the study protocol

Other criteria will need to be met to confirm your eligibility to participate in this study, which will last up to 12 weeks.

Qualified participants receive:

12 one-hour sessions of exposure based therapy, delivered over the course of 12 weeks. All therapy sessions will be delivered by trained and experienced license-eligible clinicians. You will also be compensated for all study components completed, which can be up to $300 for full participation.

For More Information

Neurocognitive Function in Trauma Exposed Adolescents (NFTEA)

7/9/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UT Austin is conducting a research study on how trauma affects brain function. The study may involve interviews, questionnaires, memory and thinking tests, brain scans and saliva collection.

Qualified participants:

  • Must be between 16 and 21 years old.
  • May or may not have a history of traumatic event exposure.

Participants may be asked to:

  • Undergo interviews; questionnaires; tests of memory, attention, thinking speed, and problem-solving; a brain scan; and saliva collection.

Compensation:

  • Up to $200, for 2-6 hours of time over three days.

Participants may receive:

  • A brain scan at no cost.

Contact:

Paid Research Study: Mobile App to Support Youth with Self-Injurious Thoughts or Behaviors

10/16/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, is conducting a research study led by Yoon Jae Cho, MD, MPH. The study explores a mobile phone app designed to support young people who experience self-injurious thoughts or behaviors.

Using the app, participants can voice-record diary entries during moments of distress. The app’s AI then suggests Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help manage emotions. This research aims to develop innovative and accessible tools that support youth emotional well-being.

This study is overseen by Dr. Young Shin Kim, Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Dell Medical School.

Eligibility

Participants must be:

  • 12–19 years old
  • Have a history of receiving DBT
  • Have self-injurious thoughts or behaviors (identified by a brief screener)
  • Currently engaged in mental healthcare
  • Have access to a mobile phone for at least 2 hours per day

Exclusions:

  • Non-English-speaking youth or parents
  • Suicide attempt within the past year
  • Active suicidal ideation with high-risk intent (as determined by the brief screener)

Study Details

  • Complete a brief screening survey
  • Eligible participants will be contacted by the research team for consent and next steps
  • Use the mobile app for 4 weeks
  • Complete short pre- and post-study assessments (under 30 minutes each)
  • May receive gift card compensation based on app usage

Contact:

If you believe a patient may qualify or would like more information, please contact the research team:

wave-project@austin.utexas.edu
512-922-3642

See the study flyer (PDF) for more information.

CO2 Reactivity as a Biomarker of Non-Response to Exposure-Based Therapy

6/18/2025

Description (purpose of the study):
This study is designed to evaluate the predictive power of a novel biomarker based on a CO2 challenge, thus addressing the central question "can this easy-to-administer assay aid clinicians in deciding whether or not to initiate exposure-based therapy?" The investigation addresses an important public health issue by testing an accessible clinical assessment strategy--informed by basic research--that may lead to a more effective treatment selection (personalized medicine) for patients with anxiety- and fear-related disorders and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms governing exposure-based therapy.

Eligibility criteria for Qualified participants:

  • A primary diagnosis of panic disorder (with or without an agoraphobia diagnosis), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • 18 to 70 years old
  • Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and comply with the requirements of the study protocol

Other criteria will need to be met to confirm your eligibility to participate in this study, which will last up to 12 weeks.

Qualified participants receive:

12 one-hour sessions of exposure based therapy, delivered over the course of 12 weeks. All therapy sessions will be delivered by trained and experienced license-eligible clinicians. You will also be compensated for all study components completed, which can be up to $300 for full participation.

For More Information