Summary
A 38-year-old employee of a DOD contractor was granted a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) despite a history of major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. The Statement of Reasons detailed several instances of mental health treatment. In September 2017, the applicant underwent a five-day inpatient stay at a VA Medical Center, where diagnoses included major depressive disorder, suicidal ideation, and chronic PTSD.
Outpatient treatment at the VA Medical Center continued from September 2017 to April 2019 for these conditions. Additionally, in December 2017, the applicant had a three-day inpatient admission to a hospital for depression and suicidal ideation, receiving a diagnosis of severe, recurrent major depressive disorder without psychotic features, and was discharged in good condition. A June 2021 evaluation by a licensed psychologist noted a history of persistent depression and emotional dysregulation, exacerbated by significant psychological stressors.
The administrative judge determined that the applicant had successfully mitigated the security concerns. This was evidenced by consistent therapy, the mental health condition being assessed as in full remission by a qualified psychologist, and the applicant's engagement in healthy activities and community involvement, all demonstrating stability. Consequently, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated ongoing compliance with a treatment plan for psychological conditions.
- The applicant's mental health condition was assessed as being in full remission by a qualified psychologist.
- The applicant engaged in positive lifestyle changes and community involvement, indicating 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)appliedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment Plan
- 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(c)appliedRecent 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
- AG ¶ 29(d)appliedThe Past Psychological/psychiatric Condition Was Temporary, the Situation Has Been Resolved, and the Individual No Longer Shows Indications of Emotional Instability
- AG ¶ 29(e)appliedThere Is No Indication of a Current Problem
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 7, 2022
- Answer filedSep 4, 2022
- Hearing heldSep 13, 2023conducted by video-teleconference
- Decision dateNov 28, 2023
Cite For
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Ongoing Therapy and Lifestyle Changes in Security Clearance Cases
- Evaluation of Mental Health Conditions in the Context of Security Clearance Eligibility