Clinical Research at PNS

Shaping the future of psychiatric treatment

Medication begins with clinical research. At PNS, we’ve been proud to contribute to the development of many of the psychiatric medications that are available to patients today, helping advance the future of mental health treatment through decades of clinical research.

ATP Clinical Research, the clinical research division within PNS, is an active clinical research site, conducting trials across a range of psychiatric and cognitive conditions at our location in Orange.

For qualifying patients, participation in a study can provide access to emerging treatments at no cost, under close medical supervision.

Apply for a Study

  • Depression

    Persistent low mood, hopelessness, and fatigue that won’t lift, or depression that hasn’t responded to standard treatments.

    Depression is more than feeling sad—it can affect your mood, energy, sleep, focus, and ability to function day to day. PNS provides personalized treatment for depression through therapy, medication management, and advanced treatment options designed around each patient’s needs and goals.

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  • Anxiety

    Excessive worry, panic attacks, and physical symptoms that interfere with daily life.

    Anxiety disorders can cause persistent worry, racing thoughts, physical tension, and difficulty feeling at ease. Our providers help patients better manage anxiety through evidence-based therapy, psychiatric care, and individualized treatment plans that support long-term stability and well-being.

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  • Mood Disorders

    Cycles of mania and depression that disrupt every area of life.

    Bipolar disorder is characterized by shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that can affect relationships, work, and overall functioning. Our providers work closely with patients to create treatment plans that support mood stability, symptom management, and long-term wellness.

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  • Trauma & PTSD

    Intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and emotional shutdown following trauma.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, affecting emotional regulation, sleep, relationships, and daily life. PNS provides trauma-informed care focused on helping patients process experiences, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of stability and control.

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  • Schizophrenia

    Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or changes in perception that affect daily life.

    Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric condition that can affect how a person thinks, perceives reality, communicates, and functions. PNS provides psychiatric evaluation and long-term treatment planning to help patients manage symptoms, improve stability, and support daily functioning.

    Learn More

Potential Benefits of Participation

Why patients choose to participate in research

Clinical trials are carefully designed studies that test new treatments and medications under rigorous ethical and safety standards.

Every study is different, and participation is entirely voluntary. Depending on the specific study, participants may receive:

  • Access to emerging treatments not yet widely available
  • All study-related assessments and medications at no cost
  • Compensation for time and travel in many studies
  • Close monitoring and medical supervision throughout
  • The opportunity to contribute to the future of psychiatric care

About ATP Clinical Research

Our mission is to safely advance the frontiers of medicine by conducting cutting-edge clinical trials that bring innovative treatments to life. We are unyielding in our commitment to participant safety, providing an environment built on strict ethical standards, transparent communication, and patient-centered care.

Dr. Gustavo Alva, Medical Director – ATP Clinical Research

Interested in participating?

Complete the form below and a member of our research team will follow up with information about currently enrolling studies that may be a fit for your situation.

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Safety First, Always

Every ATP study is reviewed by an Institutional Review Board before it begins. All potential risks are fully disclosed during the screening process, before you decide whether to enroll. Participation is always voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without affecting your access to standard care.

Participants go through a screening process to confirm eligibility and not everyone who is interested will qualify for every study.

For those who do qualify, participation is voluntary, study-related assessments and medications are provided at no cost, and many studies include compensation for time and travel.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study that tests new treatments, medications, or approaches under strict ethical and safety standards. All trials are reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) before they begin. Participation is always voluntary.

The core goal of a clinical trial is to bring safe, effective new treatments to the global market. Without the human data gathered in these trials, regulatory bodies like the FDA cannot approve new therapies. Every medication available today exists because volunteers and researchers partnered in clinical trials to prove they work.

Study-related assessments and investigational medications are typically provided at no cost to participants by the trial sponsor. Many studies also include reimbursement for time and travel. Specific cost and compensation details vary by study and will be explained fully during the informed consent process before you decide to participate.

Every study has specific eligibility criteria based on diagnosis, age, medical history, and other factors. If you express interest, our research team will walk you through a screening process to determine whether a currently enrolling study is a fit for your situation. Not everyone who applies will qualify for every study. The screening process is thorough and there to protect you.

It depends on the trial. Most involve regular clinic visits, clinical assessments, and either a study medication or a placebo. Your research coordinator will explain exactly what participation involves before you decide whether to enroll. You will have the opportunity to ask questions at every stage.

The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical trials. The trial follows a carefully controlled protocol—a study plan that details what researchers will do. Clinical research is also federally regulated, with built-in safeguards to protect participants. Independent Institutional Review Boards, or IRBs, must approve and routinely monitor each trial to help ensure risks are minimized.

Just as in standard medical care, patient privacy is protected by federal law under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. Health information collected during the trial is kept confidential, and research data is de-identified to remove personal details and protect participant privacy.

Yes. Participation in a clinical trial does not affect your access to standard psychiatric care. Your research participation and your clinical care are managed separately.