It can be hard to know if what you're feeling is truly depression, especially if you've been living with these feelings for a long time. A depression screening can help you get the help you need, whether you have depression or not. Here are ways you can get a free or low-cost depression screening:

• Talk to your health care provider.
• Ask your county mental health office.
• Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) members can get free depression screenings. Ask your primary care provider or find mental health providers near you by contacting your coordinated care organization (CCO).
• If you do not have or do not know your CCO, call OHP client services at 800-273-0557.

What to expect during a depression screening

During a depression screening, you can expect the following:

• You’ll answer a series of nine questions called the PHQ-9. You’ll either fill out the questionnaire directly or a health care provider will ask you the questions.
• The questions will cover your mood, appetite, energy levels, sleep patterns and overall well-being.
• The health care provider may also ask about your personal and family history of depression or other mental health issues.
• The health care provider may do a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be affecting your mood.

What to know about a depression screening

Keep these factors in mind about going through a depression screening:

• Honesty is important. Don’t give the answer you “think” the health care provider wants to hear; be honest about how you’re really feeling.
• A screening is not a diagnosis. If the questionnaire suggests you may have depression, the health care provider will take this into account. But they will also consider other things, like medicines you take, if you use alcohol or drugs, and what’s currently happening in your life in order to make a diagnosis of depression.

What do the depression screening results mean?

If your health care provider does not think you have depression, they will talk to you about things you can do to help feel better and healthier.

If your health care provider does think you have depression, they will discuss treatment options. Starting treatment for depression as soon as possible is important to help reduce your symptoms.

Your health care provider may suggest you see a mental health provider for your depression.