PHQ-9 - Patient Health Questionnaire
Template by Reflective
Best for Depression En
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used, evidence-based tool for screening and measuring the severity of depression symptoms. This nine-question assessment helps individuals and healthcare professionals understand how depression may be affecting daily life, including mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and interest in activities. The PHQ-9 is commonly used in therapy and medical settings to track symptoms over time and guide treatment decisions. By completing this simple questionnaire, individuals can gain insight into their emotional well-being and take an important step toward managing their mental health. If you’re struggling with persistent sadness, fatigue, or loss of interest in activities, the PHQ-9 can help determine whether further support or intervention may be beneficial.
Share PHQ-9 - Patient Health Questionnaire with your client
Share PHQ-9 - Patient Health Questionnaire with your client using the Reflective app so they can take the screener between sessions. Simply enter their email, and they’ll be able to fill in the worksheet from the convenience of their phone. Sign up for a Free trial.
How does Reflective work?
Share exercise with client via Reflective
Client receives email with app link and connection request
Client clicks link to download app
Client accepts your connection and exercises you shared
Client uses app to fill in exercises, gets reminders
How to Use the PHQ-9 with Clients
The PHQ-9 is a validated, self-reported screening tool designed to assess depression severity based on DSM-5 criteria. It consists of nine questions that measure the frequency of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks, with scores indicating mild, moderate, or severe depression. This tool is commonly used in clinical settings to establish a baseline for depressive symptoms, inform treatment planning, and monitor changes over time.
When using the PHQ-9 in therapy, begin by explaining its purpose and reassuring clients that it is not a diagnostic tool but a structured way to assess their symptoms. The questionnaire can be administered during intake, at regular intervals throughout treatment, or when changes in mood are reported. This can be easily scheduled and assigned from within Reflective. A score of 5-9 suggests mild depression, 10-14 indicates moderate depression, and 15 or higher may signal a need for more intensive intervention. Reviewing responses with clients can help normalize their experiences, encourage open discussions about mood patterns, and support collaborative goal-setting. By integrating the PHQ-9 into sessions, therapists can track progress, adjust treatment approaches as needed, and empower clients with a clearer understanding of their mental health journey.
