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.
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.
What Is the Teen Depression Screening?
How Is the Teen Depression Test Scored?
What Do My Depression Screening Results Mean?
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
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.
Reviewed by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II).
Last reviewed: March 2026