Mental Health & Security Clearances

Mental health is a critical component of readiness, resilience, and long‑term performance in the federal contracting workforce. Yet one of the most persistent misconceptions is the belief that seeking mental health care jeopardizes a security clearance.

In reality, the modern personnel clearance vetting system recognizes that responsible self‑care strengthens national security, and untreated issues — not treatment — are what raise concerns. In this month’s newsletter, we’ll break down some facts, dispel a few myths, and provide clear guidance on what to report and how to stay compliant.

Understanding Mental Health Factors in Security

The security clearance system evaluates mental health through the lens of judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness. It does not penalize individuals for seeking help. Adjudicators look for signs of stability, insight, and responsible behavior — all of which are demonstrated when someone proactively manages their mental health.

Mental health considerations are evaluated under the national adjudicative guidelines using the “whole-person” concept.

Key points:

• Treatment is considered a positive indicator of responsibility.
• Untreated or concealed issues are more concerning than diagnosed, managed conditions.
• The whole‑person concept means no single factor determines eligibility.

What the Data Shows

Despite official guidance, many contractor personnel still fear that therapy or counseling could threaten their clearance. The data tells a different story.

Psychological conditions alone account for relatively few security clearance denials or revocations.

Cases that do raise concerns typically involve untreated conditions, impaired judgment, lack of compliance with treatment recommendations, failure to comply with reporting requirements, or efforts to conceal relevant issues — not participation in treatment itself.

The system is designed to encourage treatment, not discourage it. This misunderstanding can lead to avoidance of care, which increases stress and decreases mission readiness.

How Adjudicators Evaluate Mental Health Considerations

When mental health information is relevant, adjudicators focus on:

• Stability over time
• Consistency in treatment
• Professional recommendations
• Impact on daily functioning
• Demonstrated reliability in work and personal life

Adjudicators focus on whether a condition affects judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness. Proactive treatment and demonstrated stability are generally viewed positively.

Self-Reporting Mental Health Considerations

During completion of the personnel vetting questionnaire and under ongoing personnel security reporting requirements, cleared and covered individuals may be required to report certain mental-health-related situations.

Cleared and covered individuals are required to self-report specific mental‑health‑related situations:

• Court‑ordered mental health evaluations or treatment
• Inpatient hospitalizations (voluntary or involuntary)
• Mental health conditions or behaviors that substantially impair judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness
• Conditions that substantially affect your ability to function safely or responsibly

You are NOT required to report:

• Routine outpatient counseling for stress management, grief support, or relationship issues
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) sessions

Reporting Mental Health Concerns About Others

In high‑trust environments like the federal contracting workforce, everyone plays a role in safeguarding national security. While individuals are responsible for managing and reporting their own mental health information, there are situations where you may observe behaviors in others that raise legitimate concerns about judgment, reliability, or ability to safeguard information.

This is not about diagnosing someone — it’s about recognizing when a colleague’s behavior may indicate a security concern, whether mental‑health‑related or not.

When Should You Report a Concern?

You should report a concern when you observe behaviors that could reasonably indicate a risk to:

• Judgment
• Reliability
• Emotional stability
• Safety
• Ability to protect classified information

Examples include:

• Sudden or extreme changes in behavior or mood
• Statements indicating hopelessness, self‑harm, or harm to others
• Severe emotional distress that interferes with work
• Erratic or unpredictable behavior in secure environments
• Substance misuse that affects functioning

These behaviors are security‑relevant regardless of whether they stem from mental health, stress, personal issues, or other causes.

What You Should NOT Do

• Do not attempt to diagnose the person
• Do not confront them aggressively or speculate about their condition
• Do not share your concerns widely with coworkers
• Your role is to observe and report, not to investigate or intervene clinically.

Why Reporting Matters and How to Report Concerns

Reporting concerns is intended to protect both personnel and national security. Early reporting can help individuals access support, prevent escalation, and reduce risk to the mission. Many issues can be resolved through assistance, counseling, or temporary adjustments.

The goal is to encourage personnel to seek support early, use available resources, and remain compliant with applicable reporting requirements. DCSA emphasizes that the intent is to support personnel, not penalize them.

Reporting is not punitive — it is protective. Early reporting allows:

• Supportive intervention
• Access to resources
• Prevention of escalation
• Protection of the individual and the mission

Reporting requirements can vary by agency, contract, and employer policy. When in doubt, consult your organization’s Facility Security Officer (FSO). They can get the information into the right hands for evaluation and are trained to protect privacy and support any further action that may be needed.

Mental health concerns or behaviors, about yourself or someone else, should be reported to your FSO. They can evaluate the situation, protect privacy, and determine whether further action is needed.

If there is an immediate safety concern, contact emergency services.

Resources and Additional Learning

• Personnel Vetting – Mental Health and National Security Eligibility
• The Facts About Mental Health and Security Clearances
• DCSA Mental Health Treatment Not an Automatic Disqualifier
• DCSA Behavioral Science Branch – Destigmatizing Mental Health
• DCSA What Do I Need to Self-Report
• DCSA Adjudications “Mental Health and Security Clearances” fact sheet
• CDSE Pulse May 2024 – Mental Health and National Security Eligibility
• SAMHSA National Helpline
• SAMHSA 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• APA Crisis Hotlines and Resources
• CDSE Case Studies
• Security Awareness Games
• 32 CFR Part 147 (Adjudicative Guidelines)

As always, if you have any questions…consult your FSO! Your company’s FSO is the best person to help you navigate any questions you have about security compliance, briefing, and reporting requirements. As security professionals, we are here to help you navigate reporting obligations, compliance requirements, and personnel security processes.