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PHQ-9 Depression Test

The PHQ-9 is a nine-item depression screening tool scored 0 to 27, used in primary care and VA mental health settings. Scores of 5 to 9 indicate mild symptoms, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe, and 20 or higher severe depression. Item nine specifically screens for suicidal ideation.

If you are in crisis

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (US, 24/7)
  • Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 (free, 24/7)
  • SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)

What Is the PHQ-9 Depression Screening?

How Is the PHQ-9 Scored?

What Do My PHQ-9 Results Mean?

PHQ-9 scores range from 0 to 27. Score 1–4: minimal depression. Score 5–9: mild depression. Score 10–14: moderate depression. Score 15–19: moderately severe depression. Score 20–27: severe depression.

Reviewed by Jason Ramirez, CADC-II

Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II) · 11 years of clinical experience

Published: Updated:
What is this?

The PHQ-9 is a validated 9-question depression screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Who needs it?

Anyone wanting to understand their depression symptoms — results should always be reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Bottom line

This 2-minute screening produces a standardized score you can share with your doctor or counselor — it is not a diagnosis.

Reviewed by Jason Ramirez, CADC-II

Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II) · 11 years of clinical experience

Published: Updated:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PHQ-9 test?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a clinically validated 9-question screening tool used by doctors and mental health professionals to assess the severity of depression. Developed by Drs. Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams, it was published in 2001 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine and has become one of the most widely used depression screening instruments in primary care worldwide. It measures how often you have experienced symptoms like low mood, sleep changes, and loss of interest over the past two weeks.

How is the PHQ-9 scored?

Each of the 9 questions is scored 0–3 (Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day). Total scores range from 0–27: 1–4 is minimal depression, 5–9 is mild, 10–14 is moderate, 15–19 is moderately severe, and 20–27 is severe depression. The original 2001 validation study (Kroenke et al., JGIM) reported 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depressive disorder at a cutoff score of 10.

Is the PHQ-9 questionnaire accurate?

The PHQ-9 has strong clinical validity. The original validation study reported 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity at a cutoff score of 10 for detecting major depression. Subsequent large-scale meta-analyses have broadly supported these figures, though accuracy can vary across populations. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A positive screen should be followed up with a licensed mental health professional for a proper evaluation.

Can I use the PHQ-9 test online for free?

Yes. This tool provides the full PHQ-9 questionnaire at no cost. Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted to any server.

What should I do if my PHQ-9 score is high?

A high score (10 or above) suggests it may be helpful to speak with a doctor or mental health professional. This screening tool is a starting point for a conversation, not a final answer. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Can this tool diagnose depression?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression through a comprehensive evaluation that considers your full medical history, symptoms, and circumstances.

How often should I take the PHQ-9?

Some people find it helpful to complete the PHQ-9 periodically (e.g., every 2–4 weeks) to notice patterns over time. You can share results with your healthcare provider to support ongoing conversations about your mental health.

Is my data stored or shared?

No. All scoring happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your answers are never sent to any server, stored in any database, or shared with anyone. When you close or reset this page, your responses are gone.

ValidatedPublic Domain

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.

🔒 100% Private⏱ ~2 Minutes📋 9 Questions

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

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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.

Clinical References

Related Screening Tools & Guides

PHQ-9 Score Guide

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GAD-7 Score Guide

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Am I Depressed? Quiz

Guided depression self-check with context

Talk to Your Doctor

How to start a conversation about mental health

PHQ-9 vs. GAD-7

Key differences between depression and anxiety screens

PHQ-2 to PHQ-9 Escalation

When a 2-question screen triggers the full PHQ-9