Therapy and SF86

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

I just came across an article that says that we don’t have to disclose seeing a therapist anymore if it’s voluntary and we don’t feel it impedes our jobs. (21E). Do I understand this correctly?

Thanks

2

I know the questions have changed, just read the wording carefully.

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3

Thanks for replying.

21D says:

Have you EVER been diagnosed by a physician or other health professional (for example, a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or nurse practitioner) with psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, bipolar mood disorder, borderline personality disorder, or antisocial personality disorder?

If no, go to 21E:

Do you have a mental health or other health condition that substantially adversely affects your judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness even if you are not experiencing such symptoms today?

(Note: If your judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness is not substantially adversely affected by a mental health or other condition, then you should answer “no” even if you have a mental health or other condition requiring treatment. For example, if you are in need of emotional or mental health counseling as a result of service as a first responder, service in a military combat environment, having been sexually assaulted or a victim of domestic violence, or marital issues, but your judgment, reliability or trustworthiness is not substantially adversely affected, then answer “no.”)

Seem pretty clear to me that if you are being seeing for, say, depression, you don’t need to disclose this. The reason I ask is that in the past you had to disclose every visit to a therapist. (Or so I was instructed.)

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4

I’m not a doctor but that doesn’t stop me from trying to play one on this forum, SO…

It sounds like they are making a distinction between certain diagnoses which affect, shall we say, one’s relationship with reality, and other “mood disorder” type situations. So yeah, it sounds to me like depression would not necessarily be covered, even though it is not in the list following “For example.”

That’s a more detailed question than a couple years ago, as I recall.

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Thanks. That was my understanding, but you guys are more experienced with this, so I wanted to be sure.

The illnesses under 21D seems to be an inclusive list and other reasons for seeking help appear to be okay to omit.