Care Pathway
Depression Care Pathway
Understand depression, screen yourself, and connect with evidence-based treatment in New Hampshire.
Understand
Depression (major depressive disorder) is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. It goes beyond ordinary sadness — it is a persistent state lasting at least two weeks that affects mood, energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, and the ability to feel pleasure. The DSM-5-TR requires five or more symptoms during the same two-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia).
Depression is not a character flaw or a failure of willpower. It has biological, psychological, and social roots — genetics, brain chemistry, thinking patterns, stressful life events, and social isolation all contribute. The good news: it is one of the most treatable conditions in mental health. Therapy (especially CBT and behavioral activation), medication, exercise, and social connection all have strong evidence behind them.
In New Hampshire, roughly 1 in 5 adults report symptoms consistent with a depressive disorder. The state's rural geography and workforce shortages can make finding care harder, but community mental health centers, telehealth, and crisis services cover every region.
Screen Yourself
PHQ-9 Depression Screener
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a validated, 9-item self-report tool that mirrors the DSM-5-TR criteria for major depression.
Scoring: Scores range from 0–27. A score of 5–9 suggests mild depression, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. A score of 10 or higher is the standard cutoff for clinical follow-up. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis — use results as a starting point for a conversation with a provider.
Take the PHQ-9 Depression ScreenerYour results stay on your device. Screener responses are never sent to a server or stored anywhere outside your browser.
Find Help in New Hampshire
Browse the resource directory
Pre-filtered search for depression-related resources across New Hampshire.
Find a therapist
Search NH providers who specialize in depression treatment.
Crisis resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
NH Rapid Response Access Point: 833-710-6477 (24/7)
Emergency: Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
Self-Help Tools
Worksheets
Wellness tools
Learn More
What to expect in treatment
Depression treatment typically involves psychotherapy (CBT, behavioral activation, or interpersonal therapy), medication (SSRIs or SNRIs for moderate-to-severe cases), or a combination. Exercise, sleep hygiene, and social connection play meaningful supporting roles. Most people who receive evidence-based treatment improve. Recovery may take weeks to months; a PHQ-9 rescreen every 2–4 weeks helps track progress.