The Department of Defense wants you to know getting help for a psychological issue is a sign of strength. Many people do not reach out for help because they are afraid it will harm their careers. Speaking up can be a sign of good judgment, responsible behavior and a commitment to performance. Service members, contractors and civilians are often required to have a security clearance, so the department has taken actions to eliminate negative stereotypes about psychological health problems and the impact of treatment on careers.
The Department of Defense has made changes to “Questionnaire for National Security Positions,” Standard Form 86 to protect applicants’ privacy and ensure that there will be no negative repercussions because of treatment or counseling for a psychological health issue.
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Question 21 of the form asks, "In the last seven years, have you consulted with a health care professional regarding an emotional or mental health condition, or were you hospitalized for such a condition?"
When to answer “no”
- Answer “no” to this question if you’ve received counseling strictly related to adjustment from service in combat, marital or family issues (not court ordered or related to violence you have committed) or grief issues.
- Answer “no” to this question if you’re a victim of sexual assault who received counseling related to that trauma.
How the Department of Defense protects your privacy
- A security investigator can only ask your health care provider to answer yes or no to the question,"Does the person under investigation have a condition that could impair his or her judgment, reliability or ability to properly safeguard classified information?"
- When the provider's answer is "no," the investigator is not allowed to ask further questions.
- When the provider's answer is "yes," a security investigator may interview the provider and the applicant confidentially to gather additional information to determine the security risk.
- Commanders, supervisors and security managers are not authorized to ask an applicant or anyone else about psychological health care revealed in response to Question 21.
- An applicant cannot be denied an interim security clearance solely due to a "yes" to Question 21.
- Applicants may report any unauthorized questioning about psychological health care to the DoD Inspector General Hotline at 800-424-9098.
If you're ready to seek help for any type of psychological or interpersonal issue, you have a number of possible counseling service options. Contact a Military OneSource consultant at 800-342-9647 to help you identify the kind of help you need and put you in touch with the right services.