About this worksheet
The PHQ-9 was designed for repeated administration, not a single score. A one-shot PHQ-9 says where the client is today; a weekly tracker says where they're going, and that's the number that matters. This sheet is a simple 8-row log — week, date, total (0–27) — with the standard severity bands (0–4 none, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe) shown at a glance. Two reflection prompts follow: what changed the weeks it went down, what was happening the weeks it went up. A footer reminds clinicians that item 9 (self-harm / suicide) is a safety trigger rather than a trend point — a non-zero response always gets a same-session conversation, regardless of the total. Fits measurement-based care requirements for most insurers and outcome-tracking practices.
When to use it
- Measurement-based care in depression treatment.
- Response monitoring during antidepressant trials and titrations.
- Insurance documentation and outcome tracking.
- IAPT-style stepped-care review points.
- Discharge planning — trend over the last 4 weeks matters more than the last score.
How to use it
- 1
Same day, same context each week
Ratings drift with time-of-day and recent events. Consistent context makes the trend cleaner.
- 2
Track the trend, not the score
Movement of 5+ points is clinically meaningful. Individual scores are noisy.
- 3
Ask both reflection questions
'What changed when it dropped' surfaces working ingredients. 'What was happening when it rose' surfaces triggers.
- 4
Item 9 gets separate attention
Any non-zero response to item 9 warrants direct conversation regardless of the total. Do not let a low total obscure a non-zero item 9.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PHQ-9 free to use clinically?+
Yes — the PHQ-9 is in the public domain (developed by Pfizer, released free for clinical and research use). No license fee.
How often should the PHQ-9 be readministered?+
Weekly during active treatment is common; every 2–4 weeks in maintenance is typical. More often than weekly usually doesn't add signal above noise.
Is this worksheet free?+
Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.
Worksheet — PHQ-9 Weekly Tracker — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.
