# PHQ-9 depression questionnaire: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_PHQ-9 depression questionnaire: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/phq-9-depression-questionnaire

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

> A PHQ-9 depression questionnaire checks for symptoms of depression over the last two weeks. In Kenya it is recommended for anyone who has been feeling low, when you are worried about your mood, or as a clinician advises.

**PHQ-9 depression questionnaire at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Anyone who has been feeling low. | When you are worried about your mood, or as a clinician advises. | 0 to 4 minimal, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe, 20 to 27 severe; any thoughts of self-harm need help the same day. | Part of the My Wellness Health mental health screening. |

## PHQ-9 depression questionnaire: common questions

**Q: What does the PHQ-9 depression questionnaire check for?**

A: Symptoms of depression over the last two weeks.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Anyone who has been feeling low.

**Q: How often?**

A: When you are worried about your mood, or as a clinician advises.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: 9 questions, each scored 0 to 3.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: 0 to 4 minimal, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe, 20 to 27 severe; any thoughts of self-harm need help the same day.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Part of the My Wellness Health mental health screening.

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

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Mental health screening, KES 100) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

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)

## Other screening tests

- [GAD-7 anxiety questionnaire in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/gad-7-anxiety-questionnaire)
- [PSS-4 stress scale in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/pss-4-stress-scale)