Free self-check
Free Depression Self-Check (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is the same short questionnaire many doctors and therapists use to screen for depression. Answer nine questions about the last two weeks and get your score right away.
- Free and anonymous. No sign-up, no email.
- Private. Your answers stay in your browser. We never save or send them, and no ad tracking runs on this page.
- About 2 minutes. 9 questions about the last two weeks.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission is required to reproduce, translate, display, or distribute it. This self-check is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from a licensed professional.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the PHQ-9?
- The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a nine-question screening tool for depression, widely used in primary care and mental health settings. Each answer is scored 0 to 3, for a total from 0 to 27.
- What do PHQ-9 scores mean?
- Scores of 0 to 4 suggest minimal symptoms, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe, and 20 to 27 severe. A score of 10 or higher is the range where talking with a mental health professional is generally recommended.
- Is this a diagnosis?
- No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose depression, taking your full history and situation into account.
- Do you save my answers?
- No. The self-check runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are never stored or sent to Harvest or anyone else, and no advertising tracking runs on this page.
- What should I do with my score?
- If your score is in the moderate range or higher, or your symptoms are getting in the way of daily life, consider talking with a therapist or doctor. Harvest offers therapy for depression in Denver and by Telehealth and accepts Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna.
Also available: the free anxiety self-check (GAD-7)