Summary
A 32-year-old technical report writer was denied a security clearance under Guideline I, Psychological Conditions, due to a history of significant mental health issues. The Statement of Reasons detailed three hospitalizations: in October 2010 for suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, and an emotional breakdown; in February 2011 for psychiatric treatment, a suicide attempt, suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, and medication adjustments; and in November 2014 for psychiatric treatment, depression, anxiety, a general mental breakdown, and medication adjustments.
In May 2019, a psychologist evaluated the applicant and diagnosed Major Depressive Disorder recurrent, moderate; PTSD, chronic; and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. While the applicant received ongoing treatment from Dr. F for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder from January 2016 to the present, and from LPC J for Major Depressive Disorder Moderate, PTSD, and General Anxiety from November 2017 to the present, there was a lapse in therapy. In December 2020, the applicant informed Dr. F that she was not seeing a therapist, and he strongly encouraged her to resume counseling.
The judge ultimately denied the clearance, finding that the applicant's history of multiple hospitalizations for suicidal ideation and depression, coupled with a failure to consistently follow treatment recommendations from her psychiatrist, meant her psychological conditions were not sufficiently mitigated at the time of the decision.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a history of multiple hospitalizations for suicidal ideation and depression.
- The applicant failed to follow treatment recommendations from her psychiatrist.
- The judge concluded that the psychological conditions were not sufficiently mitigated at the time of the decision.
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)raisedVoluntary 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 Plan.The applicant failed to demonstrate ongoing compliance with treatment recommendations.
- 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 Professional.The applicant had not been receiving therapy since July 2020.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual’s Previous Condition Is Under Control or in Remission, and Has a Low Probability of Recurrence or Exacerbation.The judge found the prognosis to be guarded.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedThe Past Psychological/psychiatric Condition Was Temporary, the Situation Has Been Resolved, and the Individual No Longer Shows Indications of Emotional Instability.The applicant's psychological issues were ongoing and not resolved.
- AG ¶ 29(e)rejectedThere Is No Indication of a Current Problem.The applicant's history of suicidal ideation and self-harm raised ongoing concerns.
Key rule quoted
“Once a concern arises regarding an applicant’s security clearance eligibility, there is a strong presumption against the grant or maintenance of a security clearance.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJan 9, 2020Corrected from 2019 to 2020 during the hearing.
- Answer filedMar 14, 2020
- Hearing heldMar 24, 2021Conducted via video teleconference.
- Decision dateMay 12, 2021
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Ongoing Treatment Compliance for Mitigating Psychological Concerns
- Presumption Against Granting Security Clearance When Concerns Arise