The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screener in the world, developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams and validated in hundreds of clinical studies since 2001. It asks about the last two weeks. Answer honestly, not how you wish you felt.
The Questionnaire
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
0 / 9 answered
One of your answers matters more than the total score. If you are having thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself, that deserves attention now, not someday: please look at the crisis resources on this page, or reach out to someone you trust today. You do not have to wait until it feels "bad enough".
0 / 27
Your answers do not suggest significant depressive symptoms right now. If something still feels off, a screener cannot capture everything: trust that signal.
Your answers suggest mild symptoms. This is often the best moment to act: patterns are easier to change before they settle. A free 15-minute consultation is a low-stakes way to look at what is going on.
Your answers suggest moderate symptoms. This level usually does not resolve on its own, and it responds well to structured treatment. Talking to a professional is a reasonable next step, not an overreaction.
Your answers suggest moderately severe symptoms. Please take this seriously: this level of symptoms deserves professional support, and evidence-based treatment works. Reaching out this week is a good decision.
Your answers suggest severe symptoms. Please do not carry this alone. Contact a mental health professional as soon as you can, and if you feel unsafe at any moment, use the crisis resources on this page.
Interpretation
| Score | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal |
| 5–9 | Mild |
| 10–14 | Moderate |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe |
| 20–27 | Severe |
The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a clinical evaluation by a qualified professional can diagnose depression. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser: nothing is sent, stored, or seen by anyone but you.
If you feel unsafe right now, the crisis resources page lists free 24-hour lines.
Questions About This Test
No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening tool that estimates the severity of depressive symptoms over the last two weeks; a diagnosis requires a clinical evaluation by a qualified professional. At Baseline Psychotherapy, results like these are a starting point for the assessment, never the conclusion.
The PHQ-9 was developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams in 2001 and has since been validated across cultures and languages, which is why clinicians and researchers worldwide use it as the standard depression screener.
Nothing leaves your device. The score is calculated in your browser, nothing is stored or transmitted, and closing the page erases everything.
Get Started
If your score suggests it is time to act, the first step is a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation. No referral needed, no waitlist. You will hear back directly from J.R. Hernandez.