New mood disorder research clinic opens to support people across Devon
We're pleased to share that our new research clinic for people with mood disorders is now open and supporting people across Devon.
The RISE (Research and Innovation Supporting Evidence based practice) Mood Disorder Research Clinic opened in December 2025. The clinic offers a one off assessment for people whose mood disorder has been difficult to treat or has not improved with usual treatment.
The RISE Clinic aims to:
- Help more people take part in research
- Improve wellbeing for people with mood disorders
- Learn from people's lived experience
- Offer clear advice and signposting to possible future treatments
Susan Luscombe, Business Manager, in our Research and Development Team, said: Since launching the clinic in December, we have already accepted over 20 referrals, marking the start of a promising new chapter. We've worked closely with the Together Network, and experts by experience have played a central role in shaping the clinic through their insight and feedback.
JD, one of our Experts by Experience and the first person to be seen by the clinic, shared their experience.
Reflecting on the clinic, they said: I'd been in a bit of a rut. The RISE team explained that there are other treatment and therapy options I can explore, and I now feel hopeful about the future.
I would recommend the RISE service to anyone with a long term mood disorder who feels their current treatment isn't working as well as it could.
It was a privilege to be the first patient to try the process. Everything has been smooth, and I've felt included and welcomed at every stage.
As part of the launch, two new commercial studies are already underway. These will help broaden our research opportunities and support the development of new, innovative treatments.
More information about the RISE Clinic is available on the Research section of our website . website:
Self referrals are welcome and can be completed online using the link or the QR code.
Who can use the clinic?
You may be eligible if:
- You have hard to treat or treatment resistant depression (unipolar or bipolar)
- Most of your care for mood symptoms is provided in primary care
- You have tried at least one medication with little or no improvement
The RISE Clinic is funded by the Office for Life Sciences and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), as part of the NIHR Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration (MH TRC) Mission .
We are part of a national network of research clinics working together to improve care and outcomes for people with mood disorders.
We are part of a national network of research clinics working together to improve care and outcomes for people with mood disorders.