Depression Screening: What Your PHQ-9 Score Really Means
If you took a PHQ-9 and you are staring at a number, you are not alone. The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used depression screeners in healthcare. It is quick, evidence-based, and it helps clinicians understand how often you are experiencing core depression symptoms. It does not replace a full evaluation, but it is a strong starting point for a conversation and a plan. (PMC)
If you are thinking about harming yourself or others, or you marked “several days” or more on item 9 (thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself), call or text 988 now. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support across the U.S. You can also chat via web. (SAMHSA)
At MindBodySoul Comprehensive Mental Health in Decatur, GA, we use the PHQ-9 to guide care, monitor progress, and match you with services that fit your goals. If your score worries you, or if you just want to talk it through, you can book a visit or contact us.
What is the PHQ-9 score meaning?
The PHQ-9 is a 9-question checklist that maps to the medical criteria for depression. Each item asks how often you have experienced a symptom over the past two weeks, scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Your total score can range from 0 to 27. Clinicians use it to screen for depression, to estimate symptom severity, and to track change over time. (PMC)
PHQ-9 score ranges, explained
Use the table as a guide, then read the guidance below for next steps. Ranges reflect common, evidence-based cutoffs used in clinical practice.
| PHQ-9 Total | Typical Severity Label | What that can mean |
| 0–4 | Minimal or none | Symptoms are not in the clinical range right now. Keep caring for your mental health and retest if concerns rise. |
| 5–9 | Mild | Early or situational symptoms. Self-care steps and brief counseling may help. Retest in a few weeks. |
| 10–14 | Moderate | This is the common threshold to consider active treatment, such as psychotherapy and, for many, medication. |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe | Clinically significant symptoms. A comprehensive treatment plan is recommended. |
| 20–27 | Severe | High symptom burden. Prioritize a full evaluation and a coordinated treatment plan. |
These categories and the commonly used threshold of 10 or higher are supported across multiple validation studies. Your clinician still weighs your history, safety, and functioning before making a diagnosis or plan. (PMC)
Use the table as a guide, then read the guidance below for next steps. Ranges reflect common, evidence-based cutoffs used in clinical practice.
PHQ-9 Total: 0–4
Typical severity label: Minimal or none
What that can mean: Symptoms are not in the clinical range right now. Keep caring for your mental health and retest if concerns rise.
PHQ-9 Total: 5–9
Typical severity label: Mild
What that can mean: Early or situational symptoms. Self-care steps and brief counseling may help. Retest in a few weeks.
PHQ-9 Total: 10–14
Typical severity label: Moderate
What that can mean: This is the common threshold to consider active treatment, such as psychotherapy and, for many, medication.
PHQ-9 Total: 15–19
Typical severity label: Moderately severe
What that can mean: Clinically significant symptoms. A comprehensive treatment plan is recommended.
PHQ-9 Total: 20–27
Typical severity label: Severe
What that can mean: High symptom burden. Prioritize a full evaluation and a coordinated treatment plan.
These categories and the commonly used threshold of 10 or higher are supported across multiple validation studies. Your clinician still weighs your history, safety, and functioning before making a diagnosis or plan. (PMC)
A closer look at item 9
Item 9 asks about thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself. Any response other than “not at all” deserves attention. It does not mean you will act on those thoughts, but it is a signal to talk to a professional now and to make a safety plan. If you need immediate support, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. (SAMHSA)
Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening and severity tool. Diagnosing depression involves a clinical interview that considers how long symptoms have been present, medical conditions or medications that could mimic depression, and how symptoms affect daily life. That said, the PHQ-9 is highly useful for flagging concerns and tracking progress during treatment. (PMC)
What to do next, based on your score
Everyone’s situation is unique. Use these next steps as general guidance, then schedule with our team in Decatur for a plan tailored to you.
PHQ-9 of 0–4: keep doing what works
- Maintain routines that protect mood, like sleep, movement, and social connection.
- If something still feels off, consider a brief check-in with a therapist.
- Re-screen if symptoms increase.
- Explore care options: Therapy Services
PHQ-9 of 5–9: early support helps
- Mild symptoms often respond to lifestyle changes and brief therapy.
- Consider a short course of counseling to build coping skills.
- Retest in 2 to 4 weeks to monitor change.
- Start here: Therapy Services and Psychiatric Services
PHQ-9 of 10–14: talk about active treatment
- This range commonly triggers a discussion about structured psychotherapy and, for many, antidepressant medication.
- If anxiety or attention problems are part of the picture, a full evaluation keeps care on target.
- Next step: Psychiatric Services and Therapy Services
PHQ-9 of 15–19: build a coordinated plan
- Consider a combination of medication and therapy, with closer follow-up.
- If you have had limited relief from medications, ask about advanced options.
- Learn about advanced care: NeuroStar TMS Therapy and SPRAVATO (esketamine)
PHQ-9 of 20–27: prioritize comprehensive treatment
- Severe symptoms can make daily life much harder. A rapid, coordinated plan matters.
- Depending on your assessment and safety needs, your clinician may combine medications, evidence-based psychotherapy, and advanced treatments, along with frequent check-ins.
- Get started now: Book an appointment or Contact us
Good news: PHQ-9 scores tend to move with effective treatment, so you and your clinician can see progress over time. That is one reason the tool is used so widely in primary care and psychiatry. (PMC)
What treatment might look like at MindBodySoul
We take a whole-person approach that blends medical expertise with supportive therapy.
- Psychiatric care: Diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and ongoing follow-up with our mental health team in Decatur. Psychiatric Services
- Therapy that fits your goals: From cognitive and behavioral approaches to supportive therapy, you and your therapist choose a plan that makes sense for you. Therapy Services
- Advanced depression care: For people who have not had enough relief from medications, we offer NeuroStar TMS and SPRAVATO (esketamine). Your clinician will talk through benefits, safety, and insurance steps. NeuroStar TMS and SPRAVATO
- Access that works for you: In-person visits in Decatur, with telehealth available across Georgia.
- Most insurance accepted: Call our front desk for current plans and coverage details.
Not sure where to begin? Start with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation or book online.
Ready to talk?
- Schedule now: Book Online
- Questions first: Contact our team
- Explore services: Psychiatric Services, Therapy Services, NeuroStar TMS, SPRAVATO
Sources:
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: Validity of a Brief Depression Severity Measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001. U.S. National Institutes of Health. (PMC)
- National Institute of Mental Health, Depression overview and patient resources. (National Institute of Mental Health)
- SAMHSA, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline information and FAQs. (SAMHSA)
- Selected reviews on PHQ-9 scoring and severity categories. (PMC)
