PHQ-9 scores
PHQ-9 Score
Severity
Interventions
0–4
Normal
5–9
Mild
Assess improvement (4-6) weeks; repeat PHQ-9 at
follow-up, consider adjusting treatment plan if not
improving in last 4 weeks
10 – 14
Moderate
Treatment plan, considering counseling, follow-up
and/or pharmacotherapy
15 – 19
Moderately Severe
20 – 27
Severe
None
Active treatment with pharmacotherapy and/or
psychotherapy
Immediate initiation of pharmacotherapy and, if
severe impairment or poor response to therapy,
expedited referral to a mental health specialist for
psychotherapy and/or collaborative management
GAD-7 scores
GAD-7 Score
Severity
0-4
Non-minimal
5-9
Mild
10-14
Moderate
15-21
Severe
Interventions
None
monitor symptoms, consider psychoeducation, repeat
GAD-7 at follow up
consider adjusting treatment plan if not improving in
last
4 weeks
Further evaluation recommended: For active treatment
plans consider adjustment
Adjust treatment plan; focused assessment of safety
plan
therapy evaluation/ re-evaluation:
emergent need then consider referral to higher level of
care