Take a free PHQ-9 depression screening online. Get your score and recommendations. Private, no signup, clinically validated tool.
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the gold standard depression screening tool used by healthcare providers worldwide. Nine questions. Two minutes. A score that gives you clarity on where you stand. Our assessment runs entirely in your browser — your responses are never stored or seen by anyone.
PHQ-9 score interpretation: 1-4 Minimal depression — normal range. 5-9 Mild depression — watchful waiting or counseling may help. 10-14 Moderate depression — treatment likely beneficial, consult provider. 15-19 Moderately severe — active treatment recommended. 20-27 Severe depression — immediate professional evaluation. This is a screening tool not a diagnosis.
Normal sadness: tied to specific events, lifts with time, does not impair function. Depression: persistent 2+ weeks, not always tied to an event, impairs work or relationships, changes sleep and appetite, may involve hopelessness or worthlessness. Depression is a medical condition with highly effective treatments — not a character flaw or weakness.
Clinical depression requires symptoms most days for at least 2 weeks including depressed mood or loss of interest in activities plus at least 4 other symptoms such as sleep changes, appetite changes, fatigue, concentration difficulty, feelings of worthlessness, or thoughts of death. Sadness alone without these additional symptoms is not clinical depression.
A score of 10 or above suggests moderate depression warranting professional evaluation. Start with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist. Effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, medication, or both. Most people see significant improvement within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment.
Online screening tools like PHQ-9 are safe and can be an important first step to understanding your mental health. They are not diagnostic — only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately by calling or texting 988.
Yes — every FreeFixo tool, including the Free Online Depression Self-Assessment — PHQ-9 Questionnaire, is 100% free with no paywall, no premium tier, and no usage limits. You do not need to create an account, enter a credit card, or share an email.
The Free Online Depression Self-Assessment — PHQ-9 Questionnaire uses the same formulas, rates, and reference data that financial planners, professionals, and government sources publish. Results are estimates intended for planning and education — for situations involving large sums or legal consequences, confirm with a qualified professional before acting.
No signup is ever required. The Free Online Depression Self-Assessment — PHQ-9 Questionnaire runs entirely in your browser — your inputs are never sent to a server, and we do not store, track, or share your data. Open it, get your answer, close the tab.