Nine questions that might tell you something real

You’ve probably taken a dozen online quizzes that claim to read your mind. “What kind of pizza are you?” or “Which movie villain matches your personality?” This isn’t that. The Depression Test from Inquiry Health LLC is a clinical screening tool, plain and simple. It’s built around the PHQ-9, a standard questionnaire doctors and therapists use to assess depression severity. Nine questions. That’s it. No gamification, no cheerful animations, no “you got 8 out of 10!” results.

Opening the app feels a bit like stepping into a quiet room. There’s no splash screen, no tutorial, no “let’s get started” fluff. Just a clean interface asking you to rate how often certain things have bothered you over the past two weeks. Things like “little interest or pleasure in doing things” or “feeling tired or having little energy.” Each question has four options, from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” It’s direct. Some might find it uncomfortably blunt, but that’s the point—this isn’t trying to make you feel better about taking it.

The results screen gives you a score from 0 to 27, a severity label (minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe), and a few practical suggestions. It doesn’t diagnose you. It doesn’t offer therapy. It tells you where you stand and, if your score is high, strongly recommends talking to a professional. There’s also a simple graph that tracks your scores over time, which is useful if you’re checking in weekly. No social features, no community forums, no notifications begging you to return. It respects your privacy and your space.

With over half a million installs and a 3.94 rating, it’s clearly helping people. The complaints are mostly about the lack of depth—some want more questions, more analysis, more hand-holding. But that’s missing the point. This app is a tool, not a therapist. It’s for the person who wants a quick, evidence-based check-in without any of the noise. If you’re already seeing a professional, it can help you track your progress between sessions. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is serious, it’s a starting point.

One tip: take it honestly, not how you think you should feel. The PHQ-9 is only as useful as the answers you give it.