What does my PHQ-9 score mean?

Scores of 0–4 indicate minimal depression, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression. Higher scores indicate more frequent and severe depressive symptoms over the past two weeks.

Is this tool a clinical diagnosis?

No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening instrument, not a diagnostic test. Only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose a depressive disorder. Treat your score as a starting point for a conversation with your provider.

What should I do if I score 10 or higher?

A score of 10 or above suggests moderate-to-severe depression. Contact a healthcare or mental health professional. If you are experiencing a crisis or thoughts of self-harm, call or text a crisis helpline immediately.

How often should I retake the PHQ-9?

Clinicians often administer the PHQ-9 every 2–4 weeks to monitor treatment progress. For personal tracking, a monthly reassessment is reasonable.

Is my data stored anywhere?

No. All scoring happens entirely in your browser. Your answers are never transmitted to any server.

Who developed the PHQ-9?

The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke. It is in the public domain and freely available for clinical and research use.

What is item 9 about?

Item 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself. Any score above 0 on this item warrants further evaluation by a clinician, regardless of the total score.

PHQ-9 Depression Screening

Name: PHQ-9 Depression Screening
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Answer 9 PHQ questions about the past two weeks and get an instant depression severity score with clinical guidance.

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer all 9 questions and press Calculate Score to see your result.

Summary

Answer 9 PHQ questions about the past two weeks and get an instant depression severity score with clinical guidance.

How it works

Select how often each of the 9 symptoms has bothered you over the past two weeks.
Scores are assigned: Not at all = 0, Several days = 1, More than half the days = 2, Nearly every day = 3.
Your total score (0–27) updates automatically as you answer each item.
The score maps to a severity category: minimal (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), moderately severe (15–19), or severe (20–27).
A suggested clinical action and per-item breakdown are shown alongside the result.
Share or print the results panel to bring to a healthcare appointment.

Use cases

Prepare for a primary-care or psychiatry visit by quantifying symptoms.
Track depression severity month-to-month during or after treatment.
Clinicians use it to screen patients and monitor treatment response.
Employee wellness programs offering confidential mental health check-ins.
Research studies requiring a standardized depression measure.
Screen for depression after a major life event or medical diagnosis.
Evaluate whether symptoms have worsened since a last assessment.
Use alongside the GAD-7 for a combined depression and anxiety screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-22 · Reviewed by Nham Vu