Summary
A 41-year-old technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) due to unresolved mental health issues, including anger management problems and suicidal ideations. The Statement of Reasons detailed a history of angry outbursts, including at work, and suicidal ideations occurring periodically from high school to the present day, specifically between approximately 1998 and 2018.
Key incidents included a 2004 letter of reprimand and referral for mental health treatment after the applicant told an Air Force supervisor he thought about killing him. In approximately November 2018, the applicant attempted suicide. These issues were found to significantly impact the applicant's judgment and reliability.
Despite the application of several mitigating conditions, the clearance was denied. The judge determined that the applicant's psychological conditions remained unresolved and impaired his judgment and reliability. The denial emphasized the lack of demonstrated ongoing compliance with a treatment plan and the absence of evidence of a favorable prognosis from a qualified mental health professional.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a history of unresolved psychological conditions that impair judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's past suicidal ideations and anger management issues were significant enough to raise security concerns.
- The applicant did not demonstrate ongoing compliance with a treatment plan or provide evidence of a favorable prognosis from a qualified mental health professional.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual's Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedAn 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)appliedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 28(d)appliedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan Related to a Diagnosed Psychological/psychiatric Condition
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with TreatmentThe applicant did not demonstrate ongoing and consistent compliance with the treatment plan.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant was not currently receiving counseling or treatment with a favorable prognosis.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual’s Previous Condition Is Under ControlThe applicant did not provide a recent opinion indicating his condition was under control.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedThe Past Psychological/psychiatric Condition Was TemporaryThe applicant did not establish that his psychological conditions were temporary or resolved.
- AG ¶ 29(e)rejectedThere Is No Indication of a Current ProblemThe applicant's mental health issues were ongoing and unresolved.
Key rule quoted
“Once a concern arises regarding an applicant’s security clearance eligibility, there is a strong presumption against granting a security clearance.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedDec 12, 2022
- Answer filedDec 30, 2022
- Hearing heldApr 5, 2023
- Decision dateMay 26, 2023
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Impact of Mental Health Issues on Judgment and Reliability
- Importance of Ongoing Treatment and Compliance for Mitigating Psychological Concerns