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Free Depression Screener · North Carolina Adults
Do I Have Depression?
Quick Facts: PHQ-9 Depression Screener
- ✓ Based on the validated PHQ-9, used by clinicians worldwide to measure depression severity
- ✓ Takes 2–3 minutes and provides an instant score with clinical interpretation
- ✓ This screener does not replace a professional diagnosis — consult a provider for treatment
- ✓ Pinnacle BHW offers same-day telehealth evaluations for depression in North Carolina
- ✓ Most major insurance plans accepted, including NC Medicaid and BCBS
The following screener is based on the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), a validated tool used by clinicians worldwide to measure the severity of depression symptoms. Rate each item based on how often you have been bothered over the last 2 weeks.
What This Depression Screening Covers
Major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States. About 8.3% of the adult population — have experienced at least one major depressive episode.
Yet many people with depression never receive treatment, often because they do not recognize their symptoms or believe treatment can help.
Depression is more than having a bad day or a sad mood. It is a medical condition that affects mood, energy, cognition, sleep, appetite, and the ability to experience pleasure — often for weeks, months, or years at a time.
Some people feel profoundly sad; others feel numb, exhausted, or disconnected from life without being able to explain why.
Depression is highly treatable. With an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Which may include medication management, psychotherapy, or both — the majority of people with depression experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Depression Symptoms This Test Looks For
Depression can present differently from person to person.
While persistent sadness is the most recognized symptom, many people with depression experience primarily cognitive symptoms. Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or feeling mentally slow — or physical symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained aches, or sleep disturbances.
Mood & Emotional Symptoms
- •Persistent sadness, emptiness, or low mood
- •Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- •Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- •Excessive guilt or worthlessness
- •Irritability or increased frustration
- •Thoughts of death or self-harm
Physical & Cognitive Symptoms
- •Fatigue or loss of energy
- •Changes in sleep (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- •Changes in appetite or weight
- •Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- •Psychomotor slowing or agitation
- •Unexplained physical aches or headaches
How the PHQ-9 Is Scored
The PHQ-9 uses a simple additive scoring system. Each of the 9 questions is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), for a maximum total of 27. The score is divided into five clinical severity ranges that guide treatment decisions.
A score of 10 or higher typically warrants further clinical evaluation for major depressive disorder.
| PHQ-9 Score | Severity | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal depression | Monitor; evaluate if symptoms worsen |
| 5–9 | Mild depression | Monitor; consider professional evaluation |
| 10–14 | Moderate depression | Professional evaluation recommended |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe depression | Full evaluation strongly recommended |
| 20–27 | Severe depression | Urgent professional evaluation recommended |
Scoring based on: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. "The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure." Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2001;16(9):606-613.
Depression Screener (PHQ-9)
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
0 of 9 answered
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4. Feeling tired or having little energy
5. Poor appetite or overeating
6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way
This screener is based on the PHQ-9 developed by Drs. Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams and is used for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool. Depression symptoms can overlap with anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, ADHD, thyroid conditions, sleep disorders, and other medical issues. A licensed provider performs a full clinical evaluation before any diagnosis is made.
Source: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. "The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure." Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2001;16(9):606-613.
Immediate Support Matters
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or feel that you may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are in crisis or need immediate emotional support, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
When to Seek Help for Depression
If low mood, fatigue, loss of motivation, or hopelessness have lasted more than two weeks, you may be experiencing depression. These symptoms are making a significant impact on your daily life. A psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Depression is not a phase that simply passes on its own — it is a medical condition that responds to treatment.
You should also seek help if you are using alcohol or substances to cope with your mood, if your sleep or appetite has significantly changed, or if you are having any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, no matter how fleeting they may seem.
At Pinnacle Behavioral Health and Wellness, our licensed psychiatric providers offer same-day depression evaluations via telehealth across North Carolina. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression
How reliable is the PHQ-9 depression test?
The PHQ-9 is one of the most extensively validated depression screening tools available. In the original validation study by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams (Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2001), the PHQ-9 demonstrated strong criterion validity with a sensitivity and specificity both above 88% for detecting major depression. It is used in primary care, psychiatry, and research settings worldwide, and is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association. It is a screener — not a diagnosis — and must be interpreted by a licensed clinical provider.
What is the difference between feeling sad and having clinical depression?
Sadness is a normal human emotion in response to life events like loss, disappointment, or stress. Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) is different: it persists for two weeks or longer, is present most of the day nearly every day, and causes significant impairment in work, social, or daily functioning. Depression also involves a cluster of symptoms beyond sadness — including fatigue, cognitive difficulties, changes in sleep and appetite, and in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or death.
Can depression and anxiety occur at the same time?
Yes — comorbid depression and anxiety are extremely common. Research estimates that more than half of people with major depression also have a co-occurring anxiety disorder. When both are present, treatment needs to address both conditions. At Pinnacle BHW, our providers conduct comprehensive evaluations that screen for co-occurring conditions to ensure treatment is appropriately targeted.
What depression treatments are available at Pinnacle BHW?
Our licensed psychiatric providers offer comprehensive depression evaluation and treatment including medication management (SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, and others when clinically appropriate), referrals for therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and coordinated treatment planning. Appointments are available via telehealth across North Carolina, and same-day scheduling is often possible for new patients.
What should I do if I am having thoughts of suicide or self-harm?
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or feel that you may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are in crisis or need immediate emotional support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. For non-emergency concerns, you can also call Pinnacle BHW at 336-828-2599 to speak with our team about next steps.
Common Signs of Depression in Adults
Ready to Get Help for Depression?
Same-day depression evaluations are available across North Carolina via telehealth. Our licensed psychiatric providers accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Same-Day Appointments Available
Most patients seen within 24 hours • All major insurance accepted • Licensed providers