About Depression Test Online
Free, confidential depression screening based on the PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 — widely used questionnaires developed by leading researchers.
Sources verified: August 15, 2026
Our Mission
Depression is a common mental health condition, affecting many people worldwide. Yet many go years without understanding what they're experiencing. Our mission is to provide free, accessible depression screening based on widely used questionnaires — helping people take a first step toward understanding their mental health.
Research Foundation
Our screening tools were developed by leading researchers and studied in many peer-reviewed publications
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used depression screening questionnaire. Its original validation study and later peer-reviewed research describe its use across varied healthcare settings and populations.
Dr. Kurt Kroenke
Professor of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Lead developer of the PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 depression screening instruments. Pioneer in developing brief, validated screening tools for primary care settings.
Key Publication:
Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613.
Dr. Robert L. Spitzer
Professor
Columbia University
Co-developer of the PHQ-9 and contributor to widely used diagnostic standards.
Key Publication:
Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., & Williams, J. B. (1999). Validation and utility of a self-report version of PRIME-MD: the PHQ primary care study. JAMA, 282(18), 1737-1744.
Dr. Janet B.W. Williams
Professor
Columbia University
Co-developer of the PHQ-9 and PRIME-MD. Contributor to structured interview and assessment instruments.
Key Publication:
Williams, J. B., et al. (2002). The STRUCTURED CLINICAL INTERVIEW FOR DSM-IV (SCID). The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry.
Note: These researchers developed the original PHQ-9 screening instrument. Our platform provides a digital implementation of their publicly available screening tool for educational purposes.
PHQ-9: Widely Used Questionnaire
The PHQ-9 is widely used and studied as a depression screening questionnaire:
- Supported by peer-reviewed research across diverse populations
- Used in many settings globally
- Translated into over 80 languages
- Referenced by major health organizations including WHO
Our Approach
We prioritize research-backed tools, privacy, and accessibility:
Research-Backed Tools
We provide the PHQ-9 and PHQ-2, an EPDS perinatal self-screen, and a clearly labeled educational teen mood self-check adapted from PHQ symptom items.
Learn about our assessmentsComplete Privacy
Your responses are processed locally in your browser and are not sent to our servers. Progress and results may be saved on this device using local storage. The site has no advertising, affiliate links, accounts, or cookie-based tracking.
Read our privacy policyClear Limitations
We clearly separate screening from diagnosis and explain what scores can and cannot tell you.
Comprehensive Resources
Beyond screening, we provide educational information about common symptoms and support options.
Explore depression resourcesContent Standards
We maintain rigorous standards for all content:
- Validated instruments are distinguished from educational site adaptations
- Information sourced from NIMH, CDC, WHO, and peer-reviewed journals
- Content regularly updated to reflect current evidence
- Clear distinction between screening and diagnosis is maintained
Our Commitment
We are committed to providing accurate, helpful, and judgment-free information about depression. Our goal is to help people understand their symptoms and connect with support that fits their needs.
Professional & Research Resources
For more information about depression research and professional support:
PHQ Screeners Official Website
Free access to PHQ instruments and scoring guides
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Comprehensive depression information from the US government
American Psychiatric Association
Resources about depression and mental health
World Health Organization - Depression
Global perspective on depression and mental health
Ready to Understand Your Symptoms?
Take a free, confidential PHQ-9 depression screening — a widely used questionnaire
Start Free Depression ScreeningImportant Disclaimer
Our screening tools are for educational purposes only. They cannot diagnose depression — only a qualified professional can do that after an appropriate evaluation. If you're concerned about your symptoms, consider reaching out to a qualified provider.