Free & private screening
Free depression test (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is the 9-question depression screening tool used by clinicians worldwide. It takes about 2 minutes, scores instantly, and your answers never leave your device. A screening is not a diagnosis - it is a starting point.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD, Supervisory Psychiatrist. Last reviewed July 2026.
How is the PHQ-9 scored?
| Score | Severity | What clinicians recommend |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | Minimal | Monitor; treatment not typically indicated |
| 5-9 | Mild | Watchful waiting; rescreen in 2 weeks |
| 10-14 | Moderate | Treatment plan recommended (therapy, medication, or both) |
| 15-19 | Moderately severe | Active treatment with medication and/or therapy |
| 20-27 | Severe | Immediate treatment; consider referral to psychiatrist |
What is the PHQ-9?
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a 9-item screening instrument for major depressive disorder. It was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke and is in the public domain. It is the most widely used depression screening tool in primary care, psychiatry, and behavioral health settings worldwide. Each item corresponds to one of the nine DSM-5 criteria for major depression.
What does a PHQ-9 score of 10 mean?
A score of 10 or higher on the PHQ-9 is the standard threshold for a positive depression screen. At this cutoff, the PHQ-9 correctly identifies 88% of people with major depression (sensitivity) and correctly rules it out in 88% of people without it (specificity). A positive screen is not a diagnosis - it indicates that a full clinical evaluation is warranted.
Is the PHQ-9 the same test my doctor uses?
Yes. The PHQ-9 is the standard depression screening used in clinical practice. When you take it here, you are answering the exact same questions in the exact same format your doctor or psychiatrist would use.
How is this different from the combined depression & anxiety test?
Our combined test includes both the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in a single session. This standalone page focuses solely on depression, with deeper context about PHQ-9 scoring and what your results mean.
Related
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Both are available 24/7.