What are the mental health questions on security clearance?

The most recent version of the SF-86 clarifies the mental health question by asking: “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?” It further adds: “If your judgment, ...

Does security clearance ask about mental health?

Security clearances are not denied for seeking help. Pro-actively seeking counseling is a positive indicator and often mitigates security concerns. Less than 1% of security clearances are denied or revoked due to psychological concerns.

Can a depression diagnosis affect a security clearance?

Seeking mental health services does not affect one's ability to gain or hold clearance eligibility. Adjudicators regard seeking necessary mental health treatment as a positive step in the security clearance process.

Can you get a security clearance with anxiety?

Over the years, the government has made marginal efforts to educate security clearance holders about the fact that most common mental health conditions – i.e. depression and/or anxiety – do not generally disqualify individuals from obtaining a security clearance unless the condition: makes them a danger to themselves ...

What is question 21 of SF-86?

Question 21 asks if you've received mental health treatment. It ties into the Psychological Conditions section of the adjudicative guidelines used to help to determine a person's reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.

Mental Health Myths for Security Clearance Holders and Applicants

What is an sf85 clearance?

SF-85, for example, requests information regarding illegal drug use, supplying, possession, or manufacture in the last year. Other more sensitive forms request more extensive information on illegal drug activity, possibly extending back for seven to ten years. Credit checks are also done routinely.

Can SF-86 be used against you?

So, submitting your SF-86 with an admission of drug use while employed with your current employer is also telling that employer that you violated their policies. This can result in administrative disciplinary action against the employee, up to and including termination.

Can you do CBD with a security clearance?

Bigley goes so far as to caution clearance holders to not even touch CBD products – even if they claim to be federally compliant. The risks of mislabeling or a false positive drug test are too high.

What disqualifies you from a security clearance?

You were dishonorably discharged from the military. You are currently involved in illegal drug use. You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional. You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.

Can you have CBD with security clearance?

Q: Can using CBD affect my security clearance? A:Yes. Unfortunately, as far as the federal government is concerned, a positive drug test is a positive drug test and using drugs while holding a clearance will usually result in the clearance being pulled or denied.

Does a mental health diagnosis show up on a background check?

Do Mental Illnesses Appear on Background Checks? Typically, no. Diagnosed mental illnesses are a part of a person's medical record and, as such, are protected under law. Doctors are sworn to confidentiality and could risk losing their jobs if they expose any information without a person's explicit consent.

How do you prove depression?

To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least 2 weeks. One of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities. Children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad.

Does depression show up on a background check?

Does mental illness show up on a background check? No, employer background checks don't typically include details of your medical or mental health, as these are kept confidential. There could be an exception where mental health history is directly relevant to the job you're doing.

How do I clear my mental health records?

You cannot erase your mental health records or have a diagnosis permanently deleted from your medical record. You can find a doctor or psychologist (or both) for a second or third opinion. And if they come up with a differential diagnosis, then they can add that information to your medical record.

Do you have to tell your employers you have a mental health diagnosis?

You have the right to disclose at any time during your employment. You also have the right not to disclose. The Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)1 states that employers cannot ask questions that will likely reveal the existence of a disability before making a job offer.

What mental health issues disqualify you from the military?

Personality and Behavioral Disorders

Disturbances of conduct, impulse control disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or other personality or behavior disorders characterized by frequent encounters with law enforcement agencies, and antisocial attitudes or behavior also warrant disqualification from service.

What shows up on a security clearance check?

Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.

How often are security clearances denied?

You may even wonder if you should continue with the process, particularly if you're not getting a paycheck while you wait. But don't lose heart – 20-30% of all interim security clearances are denied, but that is vastly different than the figure of final clearance denials, which hovers around 1%.

What questions do security clearance Investigators ask?

Can you take Delta 8 with a clearance?

If you hold a civilian job with a security clearance and are not serving in the Reserves or National Guard, CBD and Delta-8 THC products may be used if they comply with both federal and state law and your employer's workplace policies.

What happens if you fail a drug test with a security clearance?

Additionally any applicant for a security clearance who tests positive will not be able to reapply for security clearance for 12 months.

Can I smoke Delta 8 in the military?

Is Delta 8 Legal in the Military? No, military personnel are prohibited from using substances that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including Delta 8. If you are caught through either a drug test or actually in possession, you'll have to face the disciplinary actions taken by your respective military branch.

What is the mental health question on SF-86?

The most recent version of the SF-86 clarifies the mental health question by asking: “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?” It further adds: “If your judgment, ...

What disqualifies you from SF-86?

Current illegal drug use. Deemed mentally incompetent by a health professional. Dishonorable discharge from the military or revoked security clearance. A history of financial problems.

How far back does SF-86 go?

The SF-86 form requests information back 7 years for employment and residence; however, to comply with the investigative standards, 10 years is required. Citizenship of yourself and “immediate” family members (spouse, children, mother, father, brothers and sisters).