PHQ-9 Test: Free Online Depression Screening
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ashwani Dhar, MD · Reviewed June 2026
In short
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used, validated nine-question screening tool for depression. It asks how often, over the last two weeks, you have been bothered by symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest, sleep changes, and low energy. Each item is scored 0 to 3, for a total of 0 to 27 — a higher score suggests more depressive symptoms. It is a screen, not a diagnosis.
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Confidential. PHQ-9 + GAD-7 + safety screen, with plain-English guidance.
What the PHQ-9 measures
Developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams in 2001, the nine items map directly onto the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. It takes about two minutes to complete.
Item 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of self-harm. Any response above zero should prompt immediate support — call or text 988 (U.S.) — regardless of the total score.
What your PHQ-9 score means
The standard severity bands are: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. A score of 10 or higher is the common screening cutoff, with roughly 88% sensitivity and specificity for major depression (Kroenke et al., 2001); scores of 15 or more usually signify major depression.
A score is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression, taking your history and functioning into account.
PHQ-9 score interpretation
| Score | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal |
| 5–9 | Mild |
| 10–14 | Moderate |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe |
| 20–27 | Severe |
A score is an educational indicator, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 is a validated nine-item questionnaire that screens for depression by asking how often you have experienced common symptoms over the last two weeks. Each item scores 0–3 for a total of 0–27.
What PHQ-9 score indicates depression?
A total of 10 or higher is the usual cutoff for a positive depression screen, and scores of 15 or more usually signify major depression. However, a score alone is not a diagnosis — a clinician confirms that.
Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening and severity measure, not a diagnostic test. It helps flag whether a fuller evaluation by a professional may be worthwhile.
Is this PHQ-9 test free and confidential?
Yes. The OpenAccess Navigator check is free, takes about five minutes, and can be completed anonymously.
Read more: Depression
Small, doable steps when energy is low.
References
- 1. Kroenke et al., 2001 — The PHQ-9: Validity of a Brief Depression Severity Measure (J Gen Intern Med)
- 2. Pfizer — PHQ & GAD-7 screeners (official)
- 3. NIMH — Depression
This page is for education and general wellness only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are screening tools; results are educational indicators, not a diagnosis. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.), or call 911.