Phq 9 Screening Template

## What's Included

The Phq 9 Screening Template provides a comprehensive, structured layout designed to facilitate efficient and accurate depression screening in clinical settings. It includes the full PHQ-9 questionnaire with each of the nine diagnostic criteria as individual fields, allowing clinicians to record patient responses on the frequency of symptoms over the past two weeks. Additional sections capture patient demographics, screening date, and overall severity scoring to assist in clinical interpretation. The template also incorporates a summary section for clinical impressions and recommended next steps, such as referrals or treatment plans.

Beyond symptom tracking, the template offers space for documenting functional impairment related to mood symptoms, ensuring a holistic view of the patient's mental health status. Clear instructions and scoring guidelines are embedded to support consistent administration and scoring. This structured format streamlines data collection, supports clinical decision-making, and can be integrated into electronic health records for continuity of care.

## Who This Template Is For

This template is ideal for mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and primary care providers who routinely screen for depression in outpatient or inpatient settings. It is particularly useful for clinicians conducting initial assessments, ongoing symptom monitoring, and treatment evaluations in behavioral health, primary care, and integrated care environments.

## How to Use

Begin by entering patient demographics and the date of screening at the top of the form. Administer the PHQ-9 questionnaire by asking the patient to rate the frequency of each symptom over the past two weeks, selecting from “Not at all” to “Nearly every day.” Input the patient’s responses into the corresponding fields to automatically calculate the total score. Use the scoring guidelines to interpret the severity of depressive symptoms and document this interpretation in the designated summary section.

Following scoring, assess and record the impact of symptoms on daily functioning, and note any clinical observations or patient-reported concerns. Based on the total score and clinical judgment, outline recommended interventions such as psychotherapy referral, medication evaluation, or safety planning. Ensure all documentation is completed promptly to maintain accurate clinical records and facilitate communication with multidisciplinary care teams.

## Customize with MentalNote

MentalNote’s AI-powered platform enables clinicians to generate tailored PHQ-9 screening documents automatically within Microsoft Word, saving time and reducing errors. By inputting minimal patient information, MentalNote can populate the entire template with structured fields, scoring calculations, and clinical prompts customized to your practice’s needs. This seamless integration supports standardized documentation workflows and enhances clinical efficiency, allowing mental health professionals to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork.