What This Screening Measures
This self-assessment is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated screening instrument developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, with support from Pfizer Inc. It is one of the most widely used depression screening tools in clinical practice worldwide.
The PHQ-9 measures the frequency of nine symptoms associated with major depressive disorder over the past two weeks. Each question is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), producing a total score between 0 and 27. Higher scores indicate more frequent and intense depressive symptoms.
It is important to understand what this screening does not do. It does not diagnose depression. A diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a licensed mental health professional, including a review of medical history, symptom duration, functional impairment, and potential co-occurring conditions. The PHQ-9 is a starting point, not a conclusion.
At Wellness Hills Mental Health in Chester, NJ, the PHQ-9 is one of several tools our clinical team uses during intake assessments. It is always interpreted alongside clinical observation, psychiatric evaluation, and a thorough understanding of how symptoms are affecting daily life.
What Your Score Means
PHQ-9 scores fall into five severity ranges. Each range corresponds to a general level of symptom intensity, but what matters most is how those symptoms are affecting your ability to function day to day.
| Score | Severity | What This Typically Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal | Symptoms are absent or occasional. Daily functioning is intact. |
| 5–9 | Mild | Low mood or reduced motivation present but manageable. Daily responsibilities still possible with more effort. |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Depression interfering with routines, relationships, or concentration at work or home. |
| 15–19 | Moderately Severe | Symptoms are frequent and disruptive. Sleep, appetite, energy, and motivation significantly affected. |
| 20–27 | Severe | Depression affecting nearly every area of daily functioning. Professional support strongly recommended. |
A score alone does not determine the right level of care for you. Two people with the same score can have very different clinical needs depending on how long symptoms have been present, whether previous treatment has been tried, whether co-occurring conditions like anxiety or trauma are involved, and how much daily functioning has been affected. That context is what a clinical assessment provides.
When a Screening Becomes a Starting Point
If your score suggests mild, moderate, or severe symptoms, the most useful next step is a professional evaluation. Not because a high score means something is definitely wrong, but because a screening tool cannot capture the full picture on its own.
A clinical assessment at Wellness Hills goes beyond the PHQ-9. Our team evaluates symptom history and duration, daily functioning across work, relationships, and self-care, safety considerations, prior treatment history, including what has and has not worked, and whether co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, trauma, or substance use are also present. This information determines not just whether treatment is appropriate, but which type and intensity of treatment fits your current situation.
Many people who take this screening have been thinking about reaching out for weeks or months. If you scored higher than you expected, that does not mean you waited too long. It means today is a reasonable day to take the next step.
About the PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission is required to reproduce, translate, display, or distribute the PHQ-9. PRIME-MD is a trademark of Pfizer Inc.
This screening is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or depression treatment. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Our Editorial Policy
Our editorial standards keep our mental health content accurate, compassionate, and evidence-informed. Articles are developed using credible sources, reviewed for medical accuracy when needed, and regularly updated.
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