The PHQ-9 is a simple, evidence-based tool we use to check in on your mood and track symptoms over time.
It’s not a diagnosis — and it’s not permanent. It’s a snapshot that helps us understand what you’re feeling, and how it’s affecting your day-to-day life.
🧠 What the PHQ-9 measures:
It includes 9 questions based on symptoms of depression, each rated from:
0 = Not at all
1 = Several days
2 = More than half the days
3 = Nearly every day
Scores range from 0 to 27.
🧾 Score breakdown:
Total Score | Meaning | What it might suggest |
0–4 | Minimal or no symptoms | No current intervention needed |
5–9 | Mild symptoms | Monitor, support, and check for triggers |
10–14 | Moderate symptoms | Consider therapy, labs, and a lifestyle care plan |
15–19 | Moderately severe | Strongly consider therapy and/or medication support |
20–27 | Severe | Immediate support and a multi-pronged approach |
🩺 How we use your score:
We don’t just look at your number once. We compare it over time — before and after changes to your:
Routine
Medications
Sleep
Supplements
Therapy
Stress or relationships
Even a 5-point drop can be a meaningful sign of improvement.
💬 How we talk about it:
We look at what’s driving the score (burnout, grief, hormones, trauma, life events — not just serotonin)
We help separate the signal from the noise (e.g., fatigue from thyroid vs. mood vs. inflammation)
We always ask how these symptoms are showing up in your life — not just your answers on a form
🔄 If your score is high:
We might suggest:
Labs (e.g., thyroid, B12, iron, inflammation, hormones)
Trauma-aware therapy, CBT, or medication (if helpful)
Sleep or circadian rhythm repair
Targeted supplements (e.g., omega-3s, magnesium, methylated B vitamins)
Movement or nervous system support
A plan that matches your energy, not your ideal schedule
📈 If your score is improving:
We continue what’s working — and track over time
We might reduce or taper unnecessary meds or supplements
We re-focus on function and fulfillment, not just symptom absence
We check for patterns (seasonal, hormonal, relational, stress-driven)
💡 The bottom line:
The PHQ-9 is a tool — not a diagnosis.
It doesn’t define you. It helps guide what happens next.
You’re not expected to fix this alone. And you’re not “failing” if your score goes up before it goes down. We’re here to support you through it — with curiosity, science, and care.