Summary
This case concerns a 34-year-old senior consultant whose eligibility for a security clearance was reviewed under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons raised concerns about her mental health history, including a past diagnosis of possible Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline or Antisocial Personality Disorder, linked to high-risk behaviors such as identity assumption, self-harm, thoughts of harming others, and taking out a $20,000 loan in her mother’s name without permission. In December 2018, a licensed psychologist diagnosed her with Other Specified Personality Disorder (mixed personality features) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Despite these disqualifying conditions, the applicant demonstrated ongoing compliance with her treatment plan. A qualified mental health professional provided a favorable prognosis, corroborating her character and professional stability.
Based on these mitigating factors, the applicant was granted eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated ongoing compliance with a treatment plan for psychological conditions.
- A qualified mental health professional provided a favorable prognosis regarding the applicant's mental health.
- The applicant's character and professional stability were corroborated by her psychologist's assessment.
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 ¶ 29(b)appliedThe 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 Professional
- AG ¶ 29(a)appliedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment Plan
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedFeb 22, 2019
- Answer filedApr 5, 2019
- Hearing heldJul 11, 2019Applicant waived her right to 15 days of notice.
- Decision dateAug 9, 2019
Cite for
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Ongoing Treatment in Security Clearance Cases
- Evaluation of Mental Health Professionals' Opinions in Clearance Decisions