Google is taking advantage of its position as a top web browser to offer help to depressed users.

The tech titan has just released a new feature that offers a questionnaire to American users who Google the phrase “clinical depression”.

Under the initial definition of the condition, a link that reads “Check if you’re clinically depressed” leads the user to the PHQ-9, a clinically validated screening survey that can help diagnose varying levels of depression.

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The feature was released in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness in hopes that the questionnaire will encourage more US citizens to pursue treatment and counseling. According to the organization, one in five Americans suffer from depression, but only about 50% receive treatment.

“Clinical depression is a treatable condition which can impact many aspects of a person’s life,” wrote the organization in a statement. “We believe that awareness of depression can help empower and educate you, enabling quicker access to treatment. And while this tool can help, it’s important to note that PHQ-9 is not meant to act as a singular tool for diagnosis.

“We hope that by making this information available on Google, more people will become aware of depression and seek treatment to recover and improve their quality of life.”

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1 COMMENT

  1. I’m happy to see that Google is trying to help guide people struggling with depression. However, always seek professional advice for help with treatment and diagnosis. I am a licensed therapist and you DO NOT need lab tests or imaging. It does not exists to diagnose depression. The PHQ-9 is a tool we use, but there is much more to assess to diagnose.

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