Depression Test for Teens
Being a teenager is genuinely hard — and not in the way adults sometimes dismiss. The pressure of school, friendships that feel like everything, social media that never turns off, figuring out who you are while the world keeps demanding more. If you've been feeling heavy, empty, or like nothing matters the way it used to, you're not being dramatic. Something real might be going on, and checking in with yourself is one of the bravest things you can do.
If you're a parent reading this because you've noticed changes in your teen — more irritability, pulling away, dropping grades, sleeping all the time — trust that instinct. This free, private screening uses the PHQ-9, the same tool doctors use, to help you understand what's happening. It is not a diagnosis, but it can be the start of an important conversation.
Takes about 3 minutes. Completely private — nothing is stored or shared.
Why This Matters
4.1 million
U.S. adolescents (ages 12–17) experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2023. That's roughly 1 in 6 teens. — NIMH
60% untreated
Only about 40% of teens with major depression receive any treatment. The majority go through it without professional support. — NIMH
2nd leading cause
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10–14 and 3rd for ages 15–24. Early screening saves lives. — CDC
What To Expect
This screening uses the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), a 9-question tool used by doctors, therapists, and school counselors worldwide.
How it works: You'll answer 9 questions about how you've been feeling over the past two weeks. Each answer is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day).
Your score: Ranges from 0 to 27. Higher scores suggest more significant symptoms. You'll see what your score means and what the clinical ranges are.
What it's not: This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score doesn't mean you definitely have depression — and a low score doesn't mean everything is fine if you're struggling. Either way, talking to someone you trust is always a good next step.
Your privacy: Everything happens in your browser. We don't see your answers, store your data, or share anything with anyone — not your school, not your parents, not anyone.
Understanding Depression in Teenagers
In 2022, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a Grade B recommendation for depression screening in adolescents aged 12 to 18 — the same level of evidence that drives routine cholesterol or blood pressure screening in adults. The AAP and most major pediatric organizations echo this guidance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 17% of U.S. adolescents experience at least one major depressive episode before age 18, yet the majority never receive treatment. Early identification is the most reliable way to improve that outcome.
Depression in adolescents often looks different from what adults picture. Where adults commonly report persistent sadness or hopelessness, teens are more likely to show irritability, anger, restlessness, or unexplained physical complaints. Academic decline — dropping grades, missed assignments, withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities like sports or art — is frequently the first signal parents notice. Sleep disturbance is nearly universal, though it can manifest as sleeping far too much rather than too little. These variations matter because adults in a teen's life may misread the signs as attitude problems, laziness, or typical adolescent moodiness.
The PHQ-9 is the most widely used depression screening tool in clinical settings and has been validated for use in adolescents ages 12 and older. The original validation study, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (Kroenke et al., 2001), found 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity at a cutoff of 10 for detecting major depressive disorder. The instrument is freely available via PHQscreeners.com. Scores in teens should always be interpreted with professional guidance — developmental context, stressors, and co-occurring conditions can all shape what a score means.
The World Health Organization identifies depression as one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents worldwide. Left untreated, adolescent depression carries significant risks: worsening severity, academic failure, relationship breakdown, and — most critically — suicidal ideation and behavior.
Item 9: The Most Important Question on This Screening
The PHQ-9's final question asks about thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This is not optional — it is clinically non-negotiable for any teen screening. According to the CDC, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and 3rd for ages 15–24. Any answer other than "not at all" on item 9 is a clinical priority — independent of the total score.
If you answered item 9 with anything other than "not at all," please reach out now. Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or go to your nearest emergency room. These conversations are confidential, and asking for help is the right thing to do. SAMHSA's mental health resources can also connect you with local support.
Take the PHQ-9 Depression Screening
Answer each question based on how you've been feeling over the past two weeks.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
A PHQ-A-based depression screening adapted for adolescents with age-appropriate language and teen-specific resources.
Teens or parents of teens who want to check whether depressive symptoms warrant professional evaluation.
Teen depression is common and treatable — early screening can prevent years of suffering. This tool is for informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.
Reviewed by Jason Ramirez, CADC-II
Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II) · 11 years of clinical experience
What Is the Teen Depression Screening?
How Is the Teen Depression Test Scored?
What Do My Depression Screening Results Mean?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this depression test appropriate for teenagers?
Yes. The PHQ-9 is widely used with adolescents ages 12 and older in clinical settings. Research supports its validity as a depression screening tool for teens. However, it is a screening instrument — not a diagnosis. A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate any teen showing signs of depression.
How does depression in teens differ from adult depression?
Teen depression often looks different from adult depression. Adolescents may show more irritability than sadness, experience academic decline, withdraw from friends, sleep excessively, or have unexplained physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches. Mood swings that seem extreme or persistent may also be signs worth discussing with a professional.
What should a parent do if their teen scores high?
A high score is a signal to have a calm, supportive conversation with your teen and to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician or a mental health professional. Avoid dismissing their feelings or overreacting. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. If your teen is in immediate danger, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Can a teen take this test on their own?
Yes. This screening is designed to be self-administered. Teens can take it privately in their browser — no data is stored or transmitted. However, if results suggest moderate or higher depression, we strongly encourage involving a trusted adult or healthcare professional.
Are there crisis resources specifically for teens?
Yes. Teens can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), or the Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth: call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678). All of these services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
What is the PHQ-A and how does it relate to the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-A (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents) is an adaptation of the PHQ-9 developed specifically for teens, with language tailored to adolescent experiences and an additional question about school functioning. In most clinical settings, the standard PHQ-9 is considered valid for adolescents 12 and older and is the more widely used instrument. Both tools use the same 0–27 scoring range and the same severity thresholds: 1–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe. A qualified clinician will interpret either tool in the context of a full clinical evaluation.
PHQ-9 Depression Self-Check
A widely used, validated screening questionnaire that helps you reflect on depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Your answers stay in your browser and are never stored.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Reviewed by Jason Ramirez, CADC-II with 11 years of clinical experience in substance abuse counseling.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Before you begin
This self-check uses the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated screening instrument developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, and Kroenke and placed in the public domain.
Please understand:
- This is not a diagnosis and does not replace professional evaluation.
- Results are educational only — they describe symptom levels, not clinical conditions.
- Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose or treat conditions.
- Your answers are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted.
- If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline now.
Your Next Steps
Talk to someone you trust
A parent, school counselor, coach, older sibling, or any adult you feel safe with. You don't have to figure this out alone. Showing someone your results can be an easy way to start the conversation.
Prefer texting? That works too.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7. Sometimes typing is easier than talking.
LGBTQ+ teens
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. Trained counselors who understand what you're going through. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — free, 24/7, confidential
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 — free referrals, 24/7
This screening tool is for educational purposes only — it is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression. Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.
Compiled by Jason Ramirez, CADC-II. Clinical content drawn from CDC, NIMH, and SAMHSA. For depression evaluation, consult a licensed mental health professional or your primary care provider.
Last reviewed: March 2026