Psychotherapy research studies can place particular demands on clinicians, patients, and research staff due to the need to balance the pursuit of knowledge with the offer of treatment. However, the literature with regard to ethical considerations in psychotherapy trials is minimal. The current paper aims to depict CBT community standards of practice in the context of two NIMH-funded treatment trials of major depression, both involving CBT and medication. We describe issues that arose; discuss the ethical considerations involved; and describe our course of action, along with our rationale.