Mental Health Myths for Security Clearance Holders and Applicants

A number of news reports throughout the past year have dubbed mental health as the next global pandemic. The demand for mental health services and psychiatric care is up, while many states are reporting a lack of qualified care providers or psychiatric facilities. Polls by Gallup show that worry, stress, and sadness were all on the rise prior to 2020 - and have continued to increase.

Seeking proactive mental health care is seen as a positive - including in the security clearance background investigations process. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) have both been very proactive in advising that security clearance holders should not shy away from seeking mental health treatment - and that includes a hospital stay to address psychological issues.