Kessler K6 Distress Scale

Six questions about recent emotional distress.

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Your result

K6 total6 / 24
Distress levelMild

Scores of 13 or more suggest serious distress and are worth discussing with a clinician soon. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact local emergency services or a crisis line (in the US, call or text 988).

LowMild5Moderate10Severe136

Medical disclaimer: This tool is for education and is not medical advice. Read more.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Kessler K6 Distress Scale do?

Six questions about recent emotional distress. Enter your values and the result and chart update instantly.

How accurate is it?

It uses published, widely used formulas. Results are estimates for education and planning, not a diagnosis. Talk to a qualified clinician about decisions affecting your health.

Is my information stored or shared?

No. All calculations run in your browser and nothing you type is sent to a server or saved.

What can I search to find this tool?

People find it by searching for: psychological distress test; k6 score; how distressed am i.

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