Summary
A 48-year-old applicant was denied a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) due to a long history of mental health issues. The applicant received treatment from 1991 to at least September 2016 for diagnoses including post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder type II, and borderline personality disorder. Specific concerns included a history of suicidal ideation and attempts in 2003, 2008 (leading to hospitalization), and 2011.
In February 2018, the applicant was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, cluster B personality disorder, and histrionic and/or borderline personality disorder, with a poor prognosis. A DOD-approved psychologist concluded that these conditions impaired her ability to protect national security and noted a poor prognosis for stability.
The denial was based on the applicant's ongoing mental health concerns, including a poor prognosis for stability and a history of suicidal ideation. The judge found that her psychological conditions impaired her judgment and reliability, posing a risk to national security. The applicant's minimization of her mental health issues and reliance on Alcoholics Anonymous over consistent psychotherapy were also considered significant risks.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder, which raise concerns about her judgment and reliability.
- A DOD-approved psychologist assessed the applicant and concluded that her mental health conditions impair her ability to protect national security, with a poor prognosis for stability.
- The applicant's minimization of her mental health issues and reliance on Alcoholics Anonymous instead of consistent psychotherapy were viewed as significant risks.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)raisedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual’s Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)raisedAn Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition That May Impair Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(c)notedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment PlanWhile the applicant sought treatment, her history of non-compliance and minimization of her condition undermined this mitigation.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment Program for a Condition That Is Amenable to Treatment, and the Individual Is Currently Receiving Counseling or Treatment with a Favorable Prognosis by a Duly Qualified Mental Health ProfessionalThe applicant's reliance on AA over psychotherapy and lack of a favorable prognosis from a mental health professional negated this mitigation.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedThe Past Psychological/psychiatric Condition Was Temporary, the Situation Has Been Resolved, and the Individual No Longer Shows Indications of Emotional InstabilityThe applicant's borderline personality disorder is not considered temporary and continues to pose a risk.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 3, 2018
- Answer filedJul 16, 2018
- Hearing heldFeb 14, 2019
- Decision dateMar 27, 2019
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Mental Health Concerns Under Guideline I
- Impact of Psychological Conditions on Judgment and Reliability
- Importance of Consistent Treatment and Prognosis in Security Clearance Evaluations