Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC

 Specialists in psychological assessment, therapy, and counseling for 

anxiety, depression, and trauma throughout Florida. 

Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)

What is the PHQ-9?

The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) is a brief self-report measure used to assess depressive symptoms as outlined in DSM-IV-TR. The PHQ-9 has been demonstrated to be sensitive to increases in depressive symptoms and has also been shown to reliably assess symptoms of depression compared to symptoms of other mental health disorders.

How is the PHQ-9 used?

While the PHQ-9 is helpful for making diagnoses of depressive disorders, it is also a reliable and valid measure of depression severity. The PHQ-9 is useful for quickly assessing the presence and severity of depressive symptoms during clinical intakes and is also sensitive enough to change that it can be used to track patient progress throughout treatment.

Can the PHQ-9 be trusted?

In short, yes. The PHQ-9 has excellent psychometric properties for both the detection of depressive symptoms and differentiating between symptom severity. PHQ-9 scores of 5, 10, 15, and 20 represented mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression, respectively. 

Please note that the PHQ-9 is not the intellectual property of Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC. References for the PHQ-9 are included in at the bottom of this page.   

depression phq-9 online
Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash

It is very important to note that this questionnaire does not replace the need for formal diagnostic assessment and that this screening measure is primarily used to inform clinical decision making. To be clear, you cannot substantiate a diagnosis of Depression or other depressive disorder with the PHQ-9 alone. However, it is helpful to determine whether or not a diagnosis of depression needs to be considered and to track treatment progress for those already diagnosed with depressive disorders.

Take the PHQ-9 Online

For the following questions, please consider the presence of each symptom over the past two weeks.

Little interest or pleasure in doing things?

Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?

Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?

Feeling tired or having little energy?

Poor appetite or overeating?

Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down?

Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?

Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or so fidgety or restless that you have been moving a lot more than usual?

Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way?

If you are experiencing any thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else, you are encouraged to reach out to your local Emergency Room, Hospital, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  Please note that Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC is not an appropriate resource for crisis intervention.

Jessica Candelo LMHC Orlando Therapist

Jessica Candelo, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

ABOUT ME

My name is Jessica Candelo, LMHC, but you can call me Jess, if you’d like. I am a Marine Corps veteran and a mom which both play into my experiences and understanding of life. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, parenting stress, military related stressors and/or traumas, and addictions. I focus on providing a safe and comfortable environment, paired with evidence-based therapies to suit the needs of my clients and meet their personal goals of recovery and growth. It’s not easy and sometimes we just want to throw in the towel, but that does not have to be the final answer. Together we can work through what you’re experiencing and move toward a place of healing.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that cultivating a healthy and strong therapeutic relationship is very important in the overall process of change. Our first session is geared towards getting to know each other as well as identifying and establishing the needs and focus of the treatment plan moving forward. It is my goal to ensure you feel safe, heard, and understood throughout each session so that a collaborative and well-established treatment plan is enacted.

MY APPROACH

I try to provide a genuine, light-hearted, and humanistic environment to every session. To be honest, I try to make sure every session feels like a normal conversation by utilizing everyday language and rhetoric; I might even through in some humor where appropriate because laughter can often feel like a breath of fresh air. Overall, I want you to feel like you can voice your needs and concerns without fear of judgement all while finding suitable, potential solutions. Life is hard to navigate at times but I’m here to help.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma-Focused
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification 
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Rachel Creamer, Ph.D.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Rachel Creamer. I specialize in providing evidenced-based care to those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. Seeking therapy takes tremendous courage. You are taking the first step toward positive change. We will work together to help you reach a fulfilling and values-driven life. 

OUR FIRST SESSION

The goal of our first session is to better understand what brings you to therapy and to get to know you better. In the first session we will also talk about your goals for treatment and ways to accomplish these goals. We will also focus on learning skills to help you start making positive changes today. 

MY APPROACH

Therapy can bring about great positive change. Fostering a safe and compassionate space for clients is the foundation for allowing growth in therapy. Therapy is collaborative. While I am the expert on evidence-based treatment, you are the expert on you. We will work together on reaching your treatment goals and creating a more gratifying life. 

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Couples Therapy (Gottman method)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Nicholas James Psychologist Orlando Florida

Nicholas James, Ph.D.

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Nicholas James, Ph.D. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, and caregiver strain. I focus on matching evidence-based therapies to the needs of my clients to meet their personal goals of recovery and growth.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that change occurs through personal reflection, cultivating strengths and resources, and incorporating growth into everyday life. It is my goal that each session is collaborative and integrates needs, beliefs, and your background into a person-centered treatment plan.

MY APPROACH

I try to bring a genuine, humanistic atmosphere to every session. My therapeutic approach is centered in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporates additional evidence-based practices to address unique needs that arise during therapy.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma Focused
  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Acceptance & Commitment (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification
  • Humanistic
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) 
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Benson Munyan Psychologist Orlando Florida

Benson Munyan, PhD, ABPP

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Benson Munyan. I am a board-certified clinical psychologist. I specialize in working with those experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something. Whatever the origin of your story, you are here. There is no time like the present to change our tomorrow.

OUR FIRST SESSION

From our very first session, skills are introduced, demonstrated, and assigned as practice assignments between meetings. I collaboratively set each session agenda with my clients, ensuring we have time for following up since the last session, troubleshooting any problems with skills or homework, and working on new problems or material.

MY APPROACH

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, life is hard. And sometimes, it downright sucks. There, I said it. I believe we should be able to use everyday language in therapy, and that participating in therapy as our most genuine selves empowers us to better understand the challenges we’re facing as well as potential solutions.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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