Depression Screening — GP-reviewed
PHQ-9 Patient Health
Questionnaire
The most widely used depression screening tool in Australian general practice. 9 questions, 2 minutes. Results stay on your device — nothing is sent anywhere.
🔒 Private
Free forever
Printable for your GP
Spitzer et al. 2001
What is the PHQ-9?
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was developed by Spitzer, Kroenke and Williams (2001) at Columbia University as a brief, self-administered depression screening tool derived from the full PRIME-MD diagnostic instrument. It is one of the most validated and widely used depression measures in primary care worldwide, and is used routinely by GPs across Australia.
The PHQ-9 directly corresponds to the nine DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder, making it clinically meaningful as both a screening instrument and a measure of depression severity over time.
PHQ-9 Score Interpretation
0–4: Minimal
No significant depression indicated. Monitor if symptoms persist.
5–9: Mild
Mild depressive symptoms. Watchful waiting and lifestyle review may be appropriate.
10–14: Moderate
Moderate depression. Clinical intervention is typically recommended — discuss with your GP.
15–19: Moderately severe
Active treatment is usually indicated. Active follow-up and treatment planning with your GP.
20–27: Severe
Severe depression. Immediate treatment and close follow-up required. Contact your GP or call Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
Note: PHQ-9 Question 9 assesses suicidal ideation. Any response above "not at all" to Question 9 warrants immediate clinical attention regardless of total score.
PHQ-9 vs DASS-21 vs K10 — Which Should I Use?
Australia has three widely-used depression screening tools, each with slightly different purposes:
PHQ-9
Depression-specific. Directly maps to DSM-5 criteria. Best for tracking depression severity over time. Used most by GPs.
DASS-21
Measures three dimensions: depression, anxiety, and stress separately. Best when you want to understand all three.
K10
Measures general psychological distress. Used by Services Australia (Medicare). Best for accessing mental health support funding.
GAD-7
Anxiety-specific. Best paired with PHQ-9 for a complete picture of mood and anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PHQ-9 free to use?
Yes. The PHQ-9 is in the public domain and free to use for clinical and research purposes. No licence or payment is required to administer or complete it. This online version at Helplines.com.au is free and no account is needed.
Do my results get sent anywhere?
No. Your results are calculated locally in your browser and never sent to any server. Nothing you enter here is stored, tracked, or shared. This page uses Google Analytics to count page visits but that does not include your questionnaire responses.
What does a PHQ-9 score of 10 or above mean?
A score of 10 or above is the most widely used clinical cut-off for major depressive disorder in primary care. It means your symptoms are at least moderate in severity. This does not mean you definitely have depression — a GP or mental health professional needs to make a proper clinical assessment. However, a score of 10+ is a strong indicator that you should discuss your mental health with your GP.
How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan in Australia?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) gives you access to up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year under Medicare. You get it from your GP. Print your PHQ-9 results and take them to your GP appointment — it helps your GP understand your symptoms quickly and makes the appointment more productive. See our
complete MHTP guide for everything you need to know.
Can the PHQ-9 diagnose depression?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It can indicate whether you are likely experiencing depressive symptoms and how severe they may be, but a formal diagnosis requires a clinical assessment by a qualified health professional. Use this tool to start the conversation with your GP, not to conclude it.
What is Question 9 about?
Question 9 asks about thoughts of death or self-harm. Any response other than "not at all" to this question is taken seriously by clinicians regardless of your total score. If you are experiencing these thoughts, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Sources & References
- Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB. (1999). Validation and utility of a self-report version of PRIME-MD. JAMA, 282(18), 1737–1744. doi:10.1001/jama.282.18.1737
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2023). RACGP guidelines for preventive activities in general practice, 10th edition. racgp.org.au
- Manea L, Gilbody S, McMillan D. (2012). Optimal cut-off score for diagnosing depression with the PHQ-9. CMAJ, 184(3), E191–E196. doi:10.1503/cmaj.110829
- PHQ-9 is in the public domain. Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues.
- Content reviewed for clinical accuracy. Digital Treasure Pty Ltd, 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: The PHQ-9 tool on this page is for general educational and screening purposes only. It is not a diagnostic instrument and does not replace professional medical assessment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 (both 24/7). In an emergency, call 000.