Summary
A 38-year-old software engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) due to a history of mental health issues. From 2014 to 2017, the applicant experienced suicidal ideations, self-harm, and hallucinations. These conditions, which arose during his time in the Army, were identified as disqualifying under AG ¶ 28(a), AG ¶ 28(b), and AG ¶ 28(c).
While the applicant demonstrated some improvement in his mental health after leaving the Army, the judge found that the security concerns were not sufficiently mitigated. Although mitigating conditions AG ¶ 29(a) through AG ¶ 29(e) were considered, the applicant had not received mental health treatment since 2017.
Ultimately, the judge determined there was insufficient evidence of ongoing treatment or sustained mitigation of the psychological conditions. The denial emphasized the need for continued therapy to address the past issues and ensure the applicant met the government's stringent standards for trustworthiness in handling classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of suicidal ideations, self-harm, and hallucinations that raised security concerns under Guideline I.
- The applicant had not received mental health treatment since 2017, which contributed to the judge's concerns about his current mental state.
- The judge found that the applicant's psychological conditions were not sufficiently mitigated by his past treatment or current stability.
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 PlanThe applicant had not received treatment since 2017.
- 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 was not currently receiving treatment.
- 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 ExacerbationThe judge found insufficient evidence of ongoing treatment or control of the applicant's conditions.
- 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 history of mental health issues was significant and ongoing.
- AG ¶ 29(e)rejectedThere Is No Indication of a Current ProblemThe applicant's lack of ongoing treatment raised concerns about his current mental health.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The Government reposes a high degree of trust and confidence in persons with access to classified information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 5, 2021
- Answer filedJul 29, 2021
- Hearing heldSep 9, 2022continued to September 12, 2022
- Decision dateDec 7, 2022
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Ongoing Mental Health Treatment for Mitigating Security Concerns
- High Standards for Trustworthiness in Handling Classified Information