Clinician tool

PCL-5 PTSD measure

Administer the PCL-5 anchored to an identified index event, score the total and the DSM-5 symptom clusters, and track each client's trajectory across trauma-focused treatment. Positive screens warrant a structured interview (CAPS-5).

For clinical use by licensed professionals.This page is an administration and scoring aid for use within a clinical assessment — it is not a self-diagnosis tool, and a score alone never establishes or rules out a diagnosis. If you're here for yourself rather than a client, use the self-guided screeners and talk with a licensed provider about the result.

Stays on this device. Everything you enter here is saved only in this browser (IndexedDB) and is never sent to Meridian or any server — it works offline. Because entries can include client information, use a private, encrypted device, and clear or export to your EHR when you're done. This is a scratchpad, not the medical record of truth.

AI-assisted — clinician review required.Prompts, checklists, and any suggested language here are a scaffold, not clinical advice. Confirm accuracy, apply your professional judgment, and follow your agency's policies and NH statute before anything enters the record.

This administration

Client code

Initials or chart code only — never a full name or DOB.

Date administered

Context note (optional)

e.g. session 6, post med change

Score & interpretation

0 of 20 items answered

0 / 80

Answer every item for a valid total and severity interpretation.

To save: answer all items and enter a client code.

Trend across sessions

Loading saved administrations…

Using the PCL-5 in measurement-based care

PCL-5 severity bands
Score	Severity	Published guidance
0–30	Below the PTSD cutoff	The total score is below the 31–33 range used as a provisional cutoff for probable PTSD. PTSD is less likely by the total-score rule, though subthreshold symptoms may still warrant follow-up. Check the DSM-5 symptom clusters below — the cluster rule and the total-score cutoff can occasionally disagree.
31–49	At or above the PTSD cutoff	A total of 31–33 or higher is the best-established estimate of a positive PTSD screen. Further assessment with a structured interview (e.g. CAPS-5) is recommended. Review the provisional-diagnosis panel below for the DSM-5 cluster picture.
50–80	High symptom burden	The score reflects a high level of PTSD symptom burden. Prompt clinical assessment and trauma-informed care are strongly indicated. (This upper band marks symptom severity for triage; the validated diagnostic threshold remains the 31–33 cutoff.)

Interpreting change: Per the National Center for PTSD: a 5-point change is the minimum threshold for reliable change (not measurement noise), and a 10-point or greater change represents clinically meaningful improvement or worsening.
Re-administration cadence: Re-administer monthly, or every 1–2 weeks during trauma-focused treatment (CPT, PE, EMDR). Keep the index trauma consistent across administrations so scores stay comparable.
Administration notes: Anchor all 20 items to a single identified index event before administering — scores are not comparable if the referent event shifts between sessions.
The 31–33 cutoff is a positive screen, not a diagnosis; confirm with a structured interview (CAPS-5) before diagnosing PTSD.
The provisional-diagnosis rule (clusters B–E endorsed at 2+) and the total-score cutoff can disagree — document both.
Source: Weathers FW, Litz BT, Keane TM, Palmieri PT, Marx BP, Schnurr PP. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD, 2013. A provisional PTSD diagnosis requires ≥1 item in cluster B and ≥1 in cluster C, plus ≥2 in cluster D and ≥2 in cluster E, each rated moderately (2) or higher. Public instrument developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Meridian Mental Health

Clinical screening form

For clinical use — retain with the record

PCL-5 — PTSD Checklist for DSM-5

In the past month, how much were you bothered by these problems — in response to a specific stressful experience?

Client name

Date of birth

Aug 20, 2026Date administered

Clinician

Meridian does not collect client-identifying information on screen — complete this section by hand.

#	Item	Not at all	A little bit	Moderately	Quite a bit	Extremely
1	Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
2	Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
3	Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
4	Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
5	Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
6	Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
7	Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
8	Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
9	Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world (for example: I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
10	Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
11	Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
12	Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
13	Feeling distant or cut off from other people	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
14	Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
15	Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
16	Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
17	Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
18	Feeling jumpy or easily startled	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
19	Having difficulty concentrating	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
20	Trouble falling or staying asleep	(0)	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)

Functional impact

If you endorsed any problems, how much have they interfered with your work, relationships, or day-to-day functioning in the past month?

Not difficult at allSomewhat difficultVery difficultExtremely difficult

Total score / 80

Severity

(0/20 answered on screen — score by hand)

DSM-5 symptom clusters (rated ≥ 2 counts as endorsed)

Cluster	Criterion	Items	Met?
B	Intrusion	1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (need 1)	—
C	Avoidance	6, 7 (need 1)	—
D	Negative alterations in cognitions and mood	8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (need 2)	—
E	Alterations in arousal and reactivity	15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 (need 2)	—

Provisional PTSD: score all items to evaluate.

Severity key
Score	Severity	Guidance
0–30	Below the PTSD cutoff	The total score is below the 31–33 range used as a provisional cutoff for probable PTSD. PTSD is less likely by the total-score rule, though subthreshold symptoms may still warrant follow-up. Check the DSM-5 symptom clusters below — the cluster rule and the total-score cutoff can occasionally disagree.
31–49	At or above the PTSD cutoff	A total of 31–33 or higher is the best-established estimate of a positive PTSD screen. Further assessment with a structured interview (e.g. CAPS-5) is recommended. Review the provisional-diagnosis panel below for the DSM-5 cluster picture.
50–80	High symptom burden	The score reflects a high level of PTSD symptom burden. Prompt clinical assessment and trauma-informed care are strongly indicated. (This upper band marks symptom severity for triage; the validated diagnostic threshold remains the 31–33 cutoff.)

Weathers FW, Litz BT, Keane TM, Palmieri PT, Marx BP, Schnurr PP. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD, 2013. A provisional PTSD diagnosis requires ≥1 item in cluster B and ≥1 in cluster C, plus ≥2 in cluster D and ≥2 in cluster E, each rated moderately (2) or higher. Public instrument developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This form is a scoring aid, not a diagnosis. A score alone never establishes or rules out a clinical diagnosis — interpret alongside clinical judgment. Printed Aug 20, 2026 from Meridian Mental Health.

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