No. While the PHQ-9 is a clinically validated tool used by professionals worldwide, it is a screening tool, not a final diagnosis. Think of it as a "mental health thermometer"—it can tell you if you have a "fever" (symptoms), but a licensed therapist or doctor is needed to determine the underlying cause and provide a formal diagnosis.

Yes. Many people don't realize that depression often shows up as physical symptoms like constant exhaustion, changes in appetite, or trouble sleeping. The PHQ-9 measures these physical markers alongside emotional ones.

If your score indicates mild to severe symptoms, we recommend booking an initial consultation. Bringing your score to your first session can be a great "conversation starter" to help your therapist understand exactly where you are struggling.

Yes. Developed by Dr. Kurt Kroenke (a Professor of Medicine at Indiana University and world-renowned researcher with over 300 peer-reviewed publications), the PHQ-9 is one of the most trusted instruments in modern medicine.

Research involving thousands of patients (including studies by Kroenke et al. and Arroll et al.) shows that a score of 10 or higher is roughly 88% sensitive in identifying Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). While a meta-analysis of 29 studies confirmed its high accuracy, it also noted that only about 50% of those who "score high" in a primary care setting actually have clinical MDD—which is why a follow-up conversation with a therapist is the essential next step.