Summary
A 23-year-old defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons detailed that the applicant first sought mental health treatment around November 2020 following a suicide attempt. She reported experiencing suicidal ideation since age seven and had attempted suicide approximately 20 to 30 times. A DOD psychologist diagnosed her with chronic Post-traumatic-stress disorder and Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder. These conditions raised disqualifying concerns under Adjudicative Guidelines paragraphs 28(a), 28(b), and 28(c).
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. She demonstrated ongoing and consistent compliance with her treatment plan for her psychological conditions. She also developed effective coping mechanisms, such as journaling and art therapy, which contributed to her stability.
Furthermore, her strong support system, including family and friends, was recognized as a significant factor in her recovery. Based on these mitigating factors, the Adjudicative Guidelines paragraphs 29(a), 29(b), and 29(e) were applied, leading to the decision to grant the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated ongoing and consistent compliance with her treatment plan for psychological conditions.
- She developed effective coping mechanisms, including journaling and art therapy, which contributed to her stability.
- The applicant's support system, including family and friends, was noted as a significant factor in her recovery.
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 Treatment
- 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(e)appliedThere Is No Indication of a Current Problem
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 27, 2022
- Answer filedJan 3, 2023
- Hearing heldSep 13, 2023rescheduled from August 29, 2023
- Decision dateFeb 28, 2024
Cite For
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of a Support System in Recovery From Mental Health Issues
- Demonstrating Compliance with Treatment Plans as a Factor in Security Clearance Decisions