The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used and well-validated questionnaires for understanding symptoms of low mood, and I use it often in my own practice as a starting point for exactly that conversation. A score from this tool is not a diagnosis, and it cannot replace an actual conversation with a professional who knows your full picture. But it can be a useful, honest starting point, whether you are simply curious, wondering if what you are feeling has a name, or already thinking about reaching out for support.
This tool does not collect your name, email address, or any personal information. Your answers are calculated in your browser only and are never saved or sent anywhere, unless you choose to print or save your own copy of your results at the end.
Wherever this check-in leaves you, you do not have to sit with it alone. If it feels right, you are welcome to book a session with me directly. If you would rather read a little more first, my blog, Insights and Perspectives, is there whenever you are ready.
Questions People Often Ask
What is the PHQ-9, and where does it come from?
The PHQ-9 was developed in 2001 by Kroenke and colleagues, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, as a brief way of measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. I use it often in my own practice, but I did not create it. It's a validated, freely available clinical tool used by mental health professionals worldwide.
Does a high score mean I have depression?
No. A score like this reflects how strongly certain symptoms have shown up for you recently; it is not a diagnosis. Only a full conversation with a qualified professional, who can look at your whole picture, can determine what is actually going on for you.
How often should I take this check-in?
However often feels useful to you. Some people take it once, out of curiosity or because something felt different lately. Others come back to it every few weeks to see whether things are easing or getting harder, which can be a helpful way to track change over time.
What are the limits of a tool like this?
Like any self-report questionnaire, it depends on your own honest recollection of the last two weeks, and it cannot take in your full history or context the way an actual conversation can. It is also worth knowing that tools like this were developed and validated mostly in Western populations, so they may not capture every cultural nuance in how symptoms show up for you.
What happens to my answers?
Nothing leaves your browser. Your answers are calculated right there on your device and are never saved or sent anywhere, unless you choose to print or save a copy of your own results at the end.