About Your Score
Each of your answers has a score of 0-3. Click "Your Answers" above to see your score for each question.
Not at all = 0
Several days = 1
More than half the days = 2
Nearly every day = 3
Your Total Score helps identify the severity of depression symptoms. A higher score indicates more symptoms of depression.
Interpreting your score:
Total Score (out of 27):
- 0-4: Minimal Depression
- 5-9: Mild Depression
- 10-14: Moderate Depression
- 15-19: Moderately Severe Depression
- 20-27: Severe Depression
Important Note About Question 9: If you answered anything other than "Not at all" to Question 9 (thoughts of being better off dead or hurting yourself), this always warrants immediate attention regardless of your total score. Please reach out for help right away.
References:
- Tool Name: PHQ-9 Modified for Adolescents
- Source: American Psychiatric Association, adapted from the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/File Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM5_Severity-Measure-For-Depression-Child-Age-11-to-17.pdf
- While the APA version indicates ages 11-17, this screening tool has been primarily validated for adolescents ages 12-17.
Please note: This mental health screening tool is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We recommend taking screenshots or printing your results to share with a doctor or healthcare provider. Mental Health Center Kids, LLC disclaims any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of these screens.
Your Answers
- Overall Score:
✅ RESULTS: You're Doing Well
Your results show that you're experiencing minimal to no symptoms of depression right now. Your score of 0-4 on this screening suggests you're not currently dealing with significant depression concerns. Learn more about your results by clicking on the "About Your Score" tab above.
⚠️ Important to Know
These results are just a starting point - they don't diagnose anything. Only a doctor or mental health professional can do a complete evaluation. It's always okay to talk to someone if you have concerns, even if this screening shows low risk.
💪 Taking Care of Yourself
Here are some ways to maintain good mental health:
- Get 8-10 hours of sleep each night
- Stay active - play sports, dance, or just move your body
- Spend time with friends and family who make you feel good
- Take breaks from social media and screens
- Do things you enjoy and that make you happy
- Talk about your feelings with people you trust
- Eat regular meals and stay hydrated
📋 What You Can Do
🗣️ Keep the Conversation Going
- Talk to parents, teachers, or school counselors about how you're feeling
- Share what's on your mind with friends you trust
- Remember it's always okay to ask for help
🎯 Build Your Skills
Check out our worksheets at Mental Health Center Kids to stay proactive and learn helpful strategies for managing stress, emotions, and daily challenges. You can complete these worksheets on your own, or with a parent or counselor.
📱 Helpful Resources
- Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
- Peer counseling by teens for teens (6pm-10pm PT)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Teen Resources
- Learn about common mental health challenges facing teens
- Find stories and support from other young people
- Mental health resources made for teens
- Learn about managing emotions and stress
- Text HOME to 741741
- Free 24/7 support when you need it
⏰ Stay Aware
If things change or you start feeling differently, talk to someone you trust. You can retake this screening in a few weeks to check in with yourself.
If you ever think about hurting yourself or others, text or call 988 right away for 24/7 help from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
⚠️ RESULTS: Mild Depression Identified
Your results suggest you may be experiencing mild symptoms of depression. Your score of 5-9 on this screening indicates you might be dealing with some mood symptoms that deserve attention. It's worth talking to a doctor or mental health professional who can help you understand what's going on. Learn more about your results by clicking on the "About Your Score" tab above.
❗ Important to Know
These results are just a screening - they don't diagnose anything. Only a mental health professional can do a complete evaluation and help figure out the best ways to support you.
🆘 If You Need Help Right Now
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
- Tell a trusted adult immediately if you're thinking about hurting yourself
- Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you're in immediate danger
📋 What You Can Do
🗣️ Talk to Someone
- Tell a parent or guardian about how you're feeling
- Talk to your school counselor
- Speak with your doctor
- Share with a trusted teacher or coach
Keep in Mind: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most days
- Not enjoying things you used to love
- Sleeping too much or can't sleep
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Can't concentrate at school
- Feeling worthless or really guilty
If you notice these getting worse, don't wait - reach out for help.
📱 Helpful Resources
- Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
- Peer counseling by teens for teens (6pm-10pm PT)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Teen Resources
- Learn about depression from teens who've been there
- Find stories and support from other young people
- Resources specifically for teen mental health
- Learn about treatment and getting better
- Text HOME to 741741
- Free, confidential 24/7 support
💭 Remember: You're not alone in this. Depression is common and treatable. Many teens who get help feel much better. You deserve to feel better, and with the right support, you can.
🎯 Tools That Can Help
At Mental Health Center Kids, we have worksheets that can help you learn coping skills and work through difficult emotions. You can use these resources on your own or with someone you trust.
🚨 RESULTS: Moderate Depression Identified
Your results suggest you may be experiencing moderate symptoms of depression. Your score of 10-14 on this screening indicates you're dealing with mood symptoms that need professional attention. It's important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional who can help figure out the best way to support you. Learn more about your results by clicking on the "About Your Score" tab above.
❗ Important to Know
These results are just a screening - they don't diagnose anything. Only a mental health professional can do a complete evaluation and help figure out the best ways to support you.
🆘 If You Need Help Right Now
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
- Tell a trusted adult immediately if you're thinking about hurting yourself
- Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you're in immediate danger
📋 What You Can Do
🗣️ Talk to Someone
- Tell a parent or guardian about how you're feeling
- Talk to your school counselor
- Speak with your doctor
- Share with a trusted teacher or coach
Keep in Mind: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most days
- Not enjoying things you used to love
- Sleeping too much or can't sleep
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Can't concentrate at school
- Feeling worthless or really guilty
If you notice these getting worse, don't wait - reach out for help.
📱 Helpful Resources
- Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
- Peer counseling by teens for teens (6pm-10pm PT)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Teen Resources
- Learn about depression from teens who've been there
- Find stories and support from other young people
- Resources specifically for teen mental health
- Learn about treatment and getting better
- Text HOME to 741741
- Free, confidential 24/7 support
💭 Remember: You're not alone in this. Depression is common and treatable. Many teens who get help feel much better. You deserve to feel better, and with the right support, you can.
🎯 Tools That Can Help
At Mental Health Center Kids, we have worksheets that can help you learn coping skills and work through difficult emotions. You can use these resources on your own or with someone you trust.
🚨 RESULTS: Moderately Severe Depression Identified
Your results suggest you may be experiencing moderately severe symptoms of depression. Your score of 15-19 on this screening indicates you're dealing with significant mood symptoms that need professional support. Please reach out to a doctor or mental health professional who can provide proper evaluation and treatment. Learn more about your results by clicking on the "About Your Score" tab above.
❗ Important to Know
These results are just a screening - they don't diagnose anything. Only a mental health professional can do a complete evaluation and help figure out the best ways to support you.
🆘 If You Need Help Right Now
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
- Tell a trusted adult immediately if you're thinking about hurting yourself
- Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you're in immediate danger
📋 What You Can Do
🗣️ Talk to Someone
- Tell a parent or guardian about how you're feeling
- Talk to your school counselor
- Speak with your doctor
- Share with a trusted teacher or coach
Keep in Mind: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most days
- Not enjoying things you used to love
- Sleeping too much or can't sleep
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Can't concentrate at school
- Feeling worthless or really guilty
If you notice these getting worse, don't wait - reach out for help.
📱 Helpful Resources
- Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
- Peer counseling by teens for teens (6pm-10pm PT)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Teen Resources
- Learn about depression from teens who've been there
- Find stories and support from other young people
- Resources specifically for teen mental health
- Learn about treatment and getting better
- Text HOME to 741741
- Free, confidential 24/7 support
💭 Remember: You're not alone in this. Depression is common and treatable. Many teens who get help feel much better. You deserve to feel better, and with the right support, you can.
🎯 Tools That Can Help
At Mental Health Center Kids, we have worksheets that can help you learn coping skills and work through difficult emotions. You can use these resources on your own or with someone you trust.
🚨 RESULTS: Severe Depression Identified
Your results suggest you may be experiencing severe symptoms of depression. Your score of 20-27 on this screening indicates you're dealing with significant mood symptoms that need professional support right away. Please reach out to a doctor or mental health professional who can provide proper evaluation and treatment. Learn more about your results by clicking on the "About Your Score" tab above.
❗ Important to Know
These results are just a screening - they don't diagnose anything. Only a mental health professional can do a complete evaluation and help figure out the best ways to support you.
🆘 If You Need Help Right Now
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
- Tell a trusted adult immediately if you're thinking about hurting yourself
- Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you're in immediate danger
📋 What You Can Do
🗣️ Talk to Someone
- Tell a parent or guardian about how you're feeling
- Talk to your school counselor
- Speak with your doctor
- Share with a trusted teacher or coach
Keep in Mind: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most days
- Not enjoying things you used to love
- Sleeping too much or can't sleep
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Can't concentrate at school
- Feeling worthless or really guilty
If you notice these getting worse, don't wait - reach out for help.
📱 Helpful Resources
- Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
- Peer counseling by teens for teens (6pm-10pm PT)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Teen Resources
- Learn about depression from teens who've been there
- Find stories and support from other young people
- Resources specifically for teen mental health
- Learn about treatment and getting better
- Text HOME to 741741
- Free, confidential 24/7 support
💭 Remember: You're not alone in this. Depression is common and treatable. Many teens who get help feel much better. You deserve to feel better, and with the right support, you can.
🎯 Tools That Can Help
At Mental Health Center Kids, we have worksheets that can help you learn coping skills and work through difficult emotions. You can use these resources on your own or with someone you trust.