# PHQ-9 depression: what your score means

_Mood should be asked about at postnatal visits. A PHQ-9 score of 10 or more after birth is worth talking through with a clinician, and any thought of..._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/postpartum-depression/screening

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Mood should be asked about at postnatal visits. A PHQ-9 score of 10 or more after birth is worth talking through with a clinician, and any thought of harm needs help the same day.

**PHQ-9 score worth discussing:** 10 or more
_Out of 27._

**Postpartum depression: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| New mothers: mood should be asked about at postnatal visits | A mood questionnaire such as the PHQ-9 or EPDS | PHQ-9 depression screening | Mental health screening, KES 100 |

## PHQ-9 depression: what your score means: your questions answered

**Q: What is recommended for new mothers?**

A: Mood should be asked about at postnatal visits.

**Q: What does a a PHQ-9 score of of 10 or more mean?**

A: Talk to a clinician.

**Q: What is recommended for anyone with thoughts of harm?**

A: Get help the same day.

**Q: Which test is used?**

A: A mood questionnaire such as the PHQ-9 or EPDS.

**Q: What if the result is not normal?**

A: A talk with a clinician or counsellor. Support at home and in the community. Talking therapy, and medicine that is safe with breastfeeding if needed. Regular check-ins until you feel like yourself.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Postnatal care at public facilities includes checks on the mother; mention your mood at every visit.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: Not sure what is due for you? The PHQ-9 depression screening can be taken after birth. Your score comes with a clear next step, and any answer about self-harm brings up crisis support straight away. It costs KES 100. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)
- [Postpartum depression among women in Kenya, cohort study (PMC6167779)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6167779/)

## More on this condition

- [Postpartum depression: signs, risks and checks in Kenya](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/postpartum-depression)
- [How to lower your risk of postpartum depression](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/postpartum-depression/prevention)