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ISCR Case ISCR Case No. 25-00709 · CASE

Case record

A decided public DOHA case, shown for research, not advice or a prediction.

Decision Date3/31/2026
Statusdenied
LevelHEARING
TypeSTANDARD ISCR
Participants
Applicant Representation: Pro Se
Government Counsel: Andre M. Gregorian, Esq.
Judge: Benjamin R. Dorsey
Guidelines Evaluated
- IPsychological Conditions · Against Applicant
Questions about ISCR ISCR Case No. 25-00709, answered from its own record: what was alleged, what the judge found, where it says so. Descriptive only; never advice.

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ISCR Case ISCR Case No. 25-00709denied

Case Headnote

ISCR Case No. ISCR Case No. 25-00709

deniedMar 31, 2026· Hon. Benjamin R. Dorsey· hearing

Synopsis

The applicant, a 40-year-old employee of a government contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline I due to a history of psychological conditions, including Bipolar II Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Despite her claims of stability and compliance with treatment, the judge found her inconsistent medication adherence and treatment history raised significant concerns about her reliability and ability to perform sensitive national security duties, leading to a denial of her security clearance.

Why the Applicant Was Denied

The applicant's inconsistent medication compliance raised concerns about her reliability and psychiatric stability.
The judge found that the applicant's treatment history was inconsistent, calling into question her ability to control her symptoms.
The applicant's psychological evaluations indicated impaired functioning in her personal and professional life.

Conditions Referenced

Disqualifying

AG ¶ 34(a)raisedMental Health Conditions
AG ¶ 34(c)raisedInconsistent Treatment

Key Rule Quoted

“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”

Procedural Posture

SOR issuedOct 14, 2025
Answer filedNov 20, 2025
Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
Decision dateMar 31, 2026

Cite For

Inconsistent Medication Compliance as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline I
Impact of Psychological Conditions on Reliability and Trustworthiness
Importance of Treatment Adherence in Security Clearance Evaluations

Editorial summary generated for research. Not legal advice; not a prediction. Verify against the full decision before relying on any quoted language.

Standardized Decision Profile

SEAD-4 Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) · descriptive summary of a decided case

Posture: Decision on RecordDecided: denied

The applicant has a history of psychological conditions, including bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, which have raised security concerns. The judge found that the applicant did not mitigate these concerns due to inconsistent treatment and medication compliance, leading to a denial of security clearance.

1.a Since approximately 2001, Applicant has experienced depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: Suicidal Ideation or Attempt
Response: Admitted
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —
1.b In approximately June 2011, Applicant received mental health treatment from [Dr. B], MD. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: Mood Disorder Diagnosed
Response: Admitted
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —
1.c From November 2015 to August 2017, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center A]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes, feeling hopeless, and having dark thoughts. She failed to take prescribed medications.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: Treatment Non Compliance Psych
Response: Admitted
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —
1.d From March 2019 to May 2019, Applicant received mental health treatment from [Dr. A], MD. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder. She reported manic and depressive episodes, suicidal ideations, and failing to take prescribed medications.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: Treatment Non Compliance Psych
Response: Admitted
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —
1.e From May 2023 to November 2023, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center B]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes. She failed to follow the prescribed treatment plan and failed to take prescribed medications.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: Treatment Non Compliance Psych
Response: Admitted
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —
1.f From January 2024 to at least May 2025, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center C]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She reported manic and depressive episodes, suicidal ideations, and failing to take prescribed medications.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: Treatment Non Compliance Psych
Response: Admitted
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —
1.g Applicant was evaluated by a licensed clinical psychologist in April 2024. Based on her clinical interview, available treatment records, testing observations, and psychological assessments, it was determined that she meets the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. She fluctuates between depressive and manic symptoms, and has impaired functioning in her personal life and at work. Her treatment history is inconsistent at best, calling into question the long-term stability of her symptoms. Her inconsistent medication compliance has resulted in symptom relapse and evidently affected her psychiatric stability. Her inconsistent treatment despite evident functional impairment suggests that her reliability is compromised, especially if she experiences additional depressive and/or manic episodes. Her stability is compromised by her current psychiatric state, as shown by unresolved mood fluctuations. She would benefit from ongoing, long-term medication treatment and adjunctive psychotherapy. Given these findings, it was determined that her capacity to perform sensitive national security duties appears impaired.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: DoD Psychologist Adverse Opinion
Response: Denied
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —
1.h From August 2024 to March 2025, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center E]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes, and suicidal ideations. She failed to take prescribed medications.
Finding: Against Applicant
Type: Treatment Non Compliance Psych
Response: Admitted
Disqualifying (¶28):
(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per…
(b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…
Mitigating applied (¶29): —
Mitigation: —

¶	Allegation	Finding	Type	Response	Disqualifying (¶28)	Mitigating applied (¶29)	Mitigation
1.a	Since approximately 2001, Applicant has experienced depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations.	Against Applicant	Suicidal Ideation or Attempt	Admitted	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—
1.b	In approximately June 2011, Applicant received mental health treatment from [Dr. B], MD. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder.	Against Applicant	Mood Disorder Diagnosed	Admitted	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—
1.c	From November 2015 to August 2017, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center A]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes, feeling hopeless, and having dark thoughts. She failed to take prescribed medications.	Against Applicant	Treatment Non Compliance Psych	Admitted	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—
1.d	From March 2019 to May 2019, Applicant received mental health treatment from [Dr. A], MD. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder. She reported manic and depressive episodes, suicidal ideations, and failing to take prescribed medications.	Against Applicant	Treatment Non Compliance Psych	Admitted	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—
1.e	From May 2023 to November 2023, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center B]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes. She failed to follow the prescribed treatment plan and failed to take prescribed medications.	Against Applicant	Treatment Non Compliance Psych	Admitted	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—
1.f	From January 2024 to at least May 2025, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center C]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She reported manic and depressive episodes, suicidal ideations, and failing to take prescribed medications.	Against Applicant	Treatment Non Compliance Psych	Admitted	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—
1.g	Applicant was evaluated by a licensed clinical psychologist in April 2024. Based on her clinical interview, available treatment records, testing observations, and psychological assessments, it was determined that she meets the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. She fluctuates between depressive and manic symptoms, and has impaired functioning in her personal life and at work. Her treatment history is inconsistent at best, calling into question the long-term stability of her symptoms. Her inconsistent medication compliance has resulted in symptom relapse and evidently affected her psychiatric stability. Her inconsistent treatment despite evident functional impairment suggests that her reliability is compromised, especially if she experiences additional depressive and/or manic episodes. Her stability is compromised by her current psychiatric state, as shown by unresolved mood fluctuations. She would benefit from ongoing, long-term medication treatment and adjunctive psychotherapy. Given these findings, it was determined that her capacity to perform sensitive national security duties appears impaired.	Against Applicant	DoD Psychologist Adverse Opinion	Denied	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—
1.h	From August 2024 to March 2025, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center E]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes, and suicidal ideations. She failed to take prescribed medications.	Against Applicant	Treatment Non Compliance Psych	Admitted	(a) behavior that casts doubt on judgment/stability/reliability/trustworthiness, not covered under any other guideline, indicating an emotional/mental/per… (b) an opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment/stability/reliability/trustwort…	—	—

Descriptive standardized rendering of a decided public case (Guideline I). The verbatim source decision is shown in full below.

Full decision

The complete, official text, footnotes and signatures included, is in the original PDF.

Decision text, by section

DEFENSE OFFICE OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS

HEARING

APPEARANCES

PEALS In the matter of: ) ) ) ISCR Case No. 25-00709 ) Applicant for Securi

DECISION

y Clearance ) Appearances For Government: Andre M. Gregorian, Esq., Department Counsel For Applicant: Pro se 03/31/2026 Decision Dorsey, Benjamin R., Admini

STATEMENT OF CASE

trative Judge: Applicant did not mitigate the psychological conditions security concerns. Eligibility for access to classified information is denied. Statement of the Case On October 14, 2025, the Department of Defense (DOD) issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to Applicant detailing security concerns under Guideline I (psychological conditions). Applicant responded to the SOR on November 20, 2025 (Answer), and requested a decision based on the written record. The Government submitted its written file of relevant material (FORM) on January 21, 2026. A complete copy of the FORM was provided to Applicant, along with information advising her that she had 30 days from her date of receipt to make objections to evidence, and submit material to refute, extenua

FINDINGS OF FACT

e, or mitigate the security concerns. Applicant received the FORM on January 29, 2026, and provided a response dated February 17, 2026 (FORM Response). The case was assigned to me on March 2, 2026. The Government exhibits included in the FORM, marked as Items 1 through 12, and the FORM Response are admitted in evidence, without objection.

In the SOR, the Government alleged the following: (a) Since approximately 2001, Applicant has experienced depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. (b) In approximately June 2011, Applicant received mental health treatment from [Dr. B], MD. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder. (c) From November 2015 to August 2017, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center A]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes, feeling hopeless, and having dark thoughts. She failed to take prescribed medications. (d) From March 2019 to May 2019, Applicant received mental health treatment from [Dr. A], MD. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder. She reported manic and depressive episodes, suicidal ideations, and failing to take prescribed medications. (e) From May 2023 to November 2023, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center B]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes. She failed to follow the pr

escribed treatment plan and failed to take prescribed medications. (f) From January 2024 to at least May 2025, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center C]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She reported manic and depressive episodes, suicidal ideations, and failing to take prescribed medications. (g) Applicant was evaluated by a licensed clinical psychologist in April 2024. Based on her clinical interview, available treatment records, testing observations, and psychological assessments, it was determined that she meets the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. She fluctuates between depressive and

manic symptoms, and has impaired functioning in her personal life and at work. Her treatment history is inconsistent at best, calling into question the long-term stability of her symptoms. Her inconsistent medication compliance has resulted in symptom relapse and evidently affected her psychiatric stability. Her inconsistent treatment despite evident functional impairment suggests that her reliability is compromised, especially if she experiences additional depressive and/or manic episodes. Her stability is compromised by her current psychiatric state, as shown by unresolved mood fluctuations. She would benefit from ongoing, long-term medication treatment and adjunctive ps

ychotherapy. Given these findings, it was determined that her capacity to perform sensitive national security duties appears impaired. 2

(h) From August 2024 to March 2025, Applicant received mental health treatment at [Treatment Center E]. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Insomnia. She reported manic and depressive episodes, and suicidal ideations. She failed to take prescribed medications. (Item 1) Applicant admitted the SOR allegations with additional comments. She denied that her inconsistent medical compliance has impacted her reliability, trustworthiness, or dependability and claimed her ability to perform sensitive national security duties has not been impaired. (Item 2) Applicant is a 40-year-old employee of a government contractor for which she has worked since about August 2021. She graduated from high school in 2003, earned an undergraduate degree in 2007, and earned a master’s degree in 2013. She has never married and has no children. (Items 3-11) Since about 2001, Applicant has experienced depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. She has not acted on these suicidal ideations, but, when she was 20 to 23 years old, she formulated a plan of overdosing on medication and sought assistance from her mother with “pills in hand.” She also called an emergency hotline a few times during an undisclosed timeframe. Beginning in about March 2003, with some disruptions, such as times coinciding with her security interviews in 2010 and 2020, and, for a few years prior to May 2023, she has received mental health counseling from various duly licensed mental health professionals. These periods of treatment include treatment from the following mental health treatment centers or professionals: Treatment Center A from November 2015 to August 2017; Dr. A, a licensed medical doctor (MD) from March 2019 to May 2019; Treatment Center B from May 2023 to November 2023; Treatment Center C from January 2024 to at least May 2025; Treatment Center D from June 2024 to September 2024; and Treatment Center E from August 2024 to March 2025. At times, her mental health treatment has overlapped with multiple providers, occasionally because she was being treated by separate professionals from the same treatment center for talk therapy and for medication management. She has not had any inpatient hospitalizations. (Items 2-11; FORM Response) In about June 2011, an MD, Dr. B, diagnosed Applicant with bipolar II disorder. Other duly qualified mental health professionals that have treated her have diagnosed her with additional disorders, such as anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disor

POLICIES

er, insomnia disorder, panic disorder, and a binge-eating disorder. While she has had periods where her bipolar II symptoms have been less acute, her bipolar II disorder diagnosis and concomitant symptoms have remained consistent over the years. Her recurring bipolar II symptoms generally consist of a multi-week period of depression that includes a depressed mood, being withdrawn, decreased concentration, decreased energy, fluctuating sleep, and increased appetite. These symptoms are often followed by a few days of hypomanic symptoms of increased productivity, hyper-energy, hyper-sexuality, flight of ideas, increased rate of speech, and a willingness to make high-risk decisions. 3

Other symptoms that she has described to her mental health professionals are feeling hopeless and having dark thoughts. (Items 2, 4-11; FORM Response) Throughout Applicant’s mental health treatment, she has been prescribed various medicines to treat her mental health conditions. Despite being counseled about the importance of adhering to her medication regimen, she has repeatedly not complied with her providers’ medication recommendations. For example, her treating mental health professionals noted that she missed medication on the following occasions: for several weeks in January 2017; for months, including in March 2019; for several months beginning in November 2023; for two weeks in November 2024; and for a month in January 2025 (coin

ANALYSIS

iding with suffering from extreme anxiety). Another episode of medicinal noncompliance in March 2025 resulted from a negative reaction to a medication that she reported sent her into mania. Her medical records reflect that she acknowledged that she is bad about taking meds, “expressed reluctance towards medications adherence,” and that she is not a very cooperative patient and is not good with medications. (Items 2, 6-11; FORM Response) In addition to Applicant’s failure to take her prescribed medicine, at times, she has failed to follow her mental health professionals’ treatment plan. Her medical records reflect that the mental-health professional that she consulted from May 2023 until November 2023 at Treatment Center B advised her to undergo both talk therapy and medicine-maintenance treatment while under his care. However, she terminated her talk- therapy sessions in mid-August 2023, after last attending one at the end of the prior month. (Items 2, 6, 9, 11; FORM Response) On April 5, 2024, at the request of the DOD, a licensed clinical psychologist and doctor of psychology (Dr. C), evaluated Applicant. Dr. C issued his report of evaluation on April 26, 2024. His report was based upon a virtual interview, information about Applicant derived from multiple security clearance eligibility investigations from 2010 through December 2022, and portions of the aforementioned mental health records from Treatment Centers A, B, and C, and from Dr. A. His evaluation also referenced the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, effective beginning June 8, 2017. As part of his evaluation, he used Applicant’s results of two psychological online tests that she took during the meeting. One was the Paulhus Deception Scales (PDS), and the other was the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3). He reported some of the same matters in the medical records that were discussed above. He noted that her PDS results indicated that she was presenting herself truthfully. (Items 2-12; FORM Response) Dr. C diagnosed Applicant with bipolar disorder based on her symptoms of fluctuation between depressive and manic symptoms and functional impairment in both her personal and professional life. He cited crying on the way to and from work and requiring special accommodations as evidence of her work impairment. He opined the number of years over which her symptoms and need for medication persisted evidenced the chronic nature of her disorder. However, he also noted that her familial support, 4

positive work history, and honesty and “openness about her symptoms bode well for her in the long-term.” He noted that her prognosis is “fair.” (Items 2, 11; FORM Response) Dr. C noted several conclusions and recommendations. He noted Applicant’s desire to continue treatment while also recognizing her inconsistent treatment history “at best,” which calls into question her ability to control her symptoms. He also wrote that her inconsistent medication compliance has caused “symptom relapse” and “affected her psychiatric stability.” In his professional opinion, given her PDS results and the lack of discrepancies between her reporting and her records, “her judgment and trustworthiness are not affected by her current psychiatric state (emphasis in the original). He continued: However, her inconsistent treatment despite evident functional impairment is suggestive of compromised reliability, especially if she experiences subsequent depressive and/or manic episodes. Further, in my opinion, her stability is compromised by her current psychiatric state, as shown by recent mood fluctuations that do not appear to have completely resolved. She would benefit from ongoing, long-term medication treatment and her overall psychiatric state will additionally benefit from adjunctive psychotherapy. Given these findings [Applicant’s] current capacity to perform sensitive national security duties appears impaired (emphasis in the original). (Item 11) Applicant admitted and acknowledged her aforementioned diagnoses, her attendant symptoms, and “inconsistent medical compliance” over the years. She claimed that she has continued to seek mental health treatment, including weekly therapy sessions and monthly psychiatric appointments and is committed to complying with her treatment plan. She denied that her inconsistent medical compliance has affected her reliability, trustworthiness, or dependability. She referenced letters she provided with her Answer from her current and former colleagues attesting to her strong work performance, that I will discuss in greater detail below. (Item 2; FORM Response) As an attachment to the Answer, Applicant provided a letter dated October 29, 2025, from a mental health professional who treated Applicant at Treatment Center C beginning in January 2024. In the letter, he wrote that Applicant’s current diagnoses are bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and listed her current medications. He wrote that she “has demonstrated medication compliance throughout the duration of her treatment with this practice.” He also wrote that she has been stable with no hypomanic episodes, that she “continues to attend scheduled appointments, and that she actively participates in her treatment plan.” (Item 2) Applicant also provided a letter dated November 10, 2025, from Treatment Center E with the Answer. In the letter, the mental health professional who treated her wrote that, as of the time of her last appointment with him in March 2025,

ANALYSIS

ia. Her medical records reflect that she acknowledged that she is bad about taking meds, “expressed reluctance towards medications adherence,” and that she is not a very cooperative patient and is not good with medications. (Items 2, 6-11; FORM Response) In addition to Applicant’s failure to take her prescribed medicine, at times, she has failed to follow her mental health professionals’ treatment plan. Her medical records reflect that the mental-health professional that she consulted from May 2023 until November 2023 at Treatment Center B advised her to undergo both talk therapy and medicine-maintenance treatment while under his care. However, she terminated her talk- therapy sessions in mid-August 2023, after last attending one at the end of the prior month. (Items 2, 6, 9, 11; FORM Response) On April 5, 2024, at the request of the DOD, a licensed clinical psychologist and doctor of psychology (Dr. C), evaluated Applicant. Dr. C issued his report of evaluation on April 26, 2024. His report was based upon a virtual interview, information about Applicant derived from multiple security clearance eligibility investigations from 2010 through December 2022, and portions of the aforementioned mental health records from Treatment Centers A, B, and C, and from Dr. A. His evaluation also referenced the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, effective beginning June 8, 2017. As part of his evaluation, he used Applicant’s results of two psychological online tests that she took during the meeting. One was the Paulhus Deception Scales (PDS), and the other was the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3). He reported some of the same matters in the medical records that were discussed above. He noted that her PDS results indicated that she was presenting herself truthfully. (Items 2-12; FORM Response) Dr. C diagnosed Applicant with bipolar disorder based on her symptoms of fluctuation between depressive and manic symptoms and functional impairment in both her personal and professional life. He cited crying on the way to and from work and requiring special accommodations as evidence of her work impairment. He opined the number of years over which her symptoms and need for medication persisted evidenced the chronic nature of her disorder. However, he also noted that her familial support, 4

WHOLE PERSON CONCEPT

ged her aforementioned diagnoses, her attendant symptoms, and “inconsistent medical compliance” over the years. She claimed that she has continued to seek mental health treatment, including weekly therapy sessions and monthly psychiatric appointments and is committed to complying with her treatment plan. She denied that her inconsistent medical compliance has affected her reliability, trustworthiness, or dependability. She referenced letters she provided with her Answer from her current and former colleagues attesting to her strong work performance, that I will discuss in greater detail below. (Item 2; FORM Response) As an attachment to the Answer, Applicant provided a letter dated October 29, 2025, from a mental health professional who treated Applicant at Treatment Center C beginning in January 2024. In the letter, he wrote that Applicant’s current diagnoses are bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and listed her current medications. He wrote that she “has demonstrated medication compliance throughout the duration of her treatment with this practice.” He also wrote that she has been stable with no hypomanic episodes, that she “continues to attend scheduled appointments, and that she actively participates in her treatment plan.” (Item 2) Applicant also provided a letter dated November 10, 2025, from Treatment Center E with the Answer. In the letter, the mental health professional who treated her wrote that, as of the time of her last appointment with him in March 2025, she indicated that she was moving out of the area and would seek treatment from another mental health provider that she had already contacted. He did not reference her past failure to comply with his 5

medication regimen, instead writing that she “did not provide any concerns that she would be unable or unwilling to continue prescribed medication treatment.” He wrote that she “expressed over the course of treatment a desire and willingness to be medically treated and was an active participant in her treatment plans.” He opined that when he last treated her, she presented as stable and of sound mind. (Item 2) Applicant provided an undated letter from Treatment Center D written by a mental health professional who began treating her in September 2025. He wrote that she has been receiving ongoing treatment from Treatment Center E since June 2024. In the interrogatory responses that she provided on June 10, 2025, she wrote that she obtained counseling form this provider from June 2024 to September 2024. This

FORMAL FINDINGS

mental health professional wrote that throughout the course of her treatment with Treatment Center E, she has “demonstrated consistent compliance with all prescribed medications and has routinely attended all scheduled appointments.” He wrote that “at this time” she is considered stable, can fulfill her personal and professional responsibilities, and demonstrates “insight, reliability, and active engagement in maintaining their overall mental health and functioning.” (Items 2, 6) Finally, in the Answer, Applicant provided letters from her current and former work colleagues attesting to her high-quality perfor

CONCLUSION

ance, integrity, discretion, and ability to safeguard sensitive information. They note that they are aware of her bipolar II disorder diagnosis, but they have not seen it affect her work performance o