{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression","path":"/answers/security-clearance-and-depression","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression","title":"Will depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?","family":"Answers detail","description":"Learn how a history of depression affects top secret security clearance and the importance of responsible treatment.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/security-clearance-and-depression","wordpressId":"6282","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:16Z","dateModified":"2026-06-05T09:31:38Z","lastReviewed":"2025-09-15"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Will depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page answer-page\" data-answer-template=\"conversation\"><header class=\"answer-heading article-heading\"><a class=\"answer-back\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a><h1>Will depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?</h1><div class=\"answer-credits\"><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Written by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</span></span></a><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Medically reviewed by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</span></span></a></div><dl class=\"answer-heading-dates\"><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2024-06-01T00:35:16Z\">June 1, 2024</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2026-06-05T09:31:38Z\">June 5, 2026</time></dd></div><div><dt>Reviewed</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-09-15\">September 15, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></header><nav class=\"answer-nav\" aria-label=\"Answer navigation\"><a href=\"#summary\">Summary</a><a href=\"#question\">Question</a><a href=\"#answer\">Answer</a></nav><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\" data-answer-thread aria-label=\"Reader question and professional response\"><section class=\"answer-overview\" id=\"summary\" aria-labelledby=\"summary-title\"><h2 id=\"summary-title\">Summary</h2><figure class=\"answer-question-image\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/security-clearance-and-depression-20261003.webp\" alt=\"A work bag and notebook beside an office window\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" fetchpriority=\"high\"></figure><p>A government contractor receiving treatment to prevent a recurrence of depression is worried that the condition will lead to denial of a required security clearance. They ask whether responsible use of prescribed medication will count against them.</p><p>The answer explicitly says it does not know how the clearance decision will be made and provides no policy or legal determination.</p><p>It offers reassurance that depression is a treatable illness rather than a personal weakness and that seeking preventative treatment is not a reason for shame.</p></section><div class=\"answer-originals\" id=\"original-conversation\"><div class=\"answer-originals-body\"><section class=\"answer-post answer-question\" id=\"question\" aria-labelledby=\"question-person\"><div class=\"answer-avatar answer-reader\" aria-hidden=\"true\">?</div><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"question-person\">Question</h2><span>Reader · Identity withheld</span></header><p>I am currently employed at a government contractor in which a top secret security clearance is mandatory. I have no issues with getting the clearance except one: I have in the past have had problems with depression and currently am seeking help to prevent a relapse. </p>\n<p>I am also taking prescription medication as ordered.</p>\n<p>I am TERRIFIED that my problems in the past will come back to haunt me. I was able to obtain a Secret clearance in 1997 with no problems. I have never did drugs, committed a felony, declared bankruptcy or have ever betrayed my country in any way. </p>\n<p>This may not be your area of expertise but I need to know; Will I be denied a clearance?</p></div></section><section class=\"answer-post answer-response\" id=\"answer\" aria-labelledby=\"response-person\"><a class=\"answer-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\" aria-label=\"View Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. profile\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"response-person\">Answer</h2><span>Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</span></header><p>I don’t know the answer to your question. I don’t have the right clearance (grin!). But, all kidding aside, it would seem quite unfair for you to be denied the ability to serve based on your having a well researched chronic illness for which you are receiving responsible preventative treatment. </p>\n<p>I would hope that they would not hold this against you. Depression is nothing to be ashamed about. Depression is a treatable illness. It is not a ‘weakness’ any more than having a chronic health problem such as diabetes is a weakness.</p></div></section></div></div></article><div class=\"answer-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-expert answer-expert-card\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9447.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-expert-copy\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann\">Simone Hoermann <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Ph.D.</span></a></h2><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Personality disorders, anxiety, and depression</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-12230.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Depression</h2><p>A place for understanding depression and sharing perspectives on its impact on daily life.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/depression\">Explore community</a></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Author</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\">Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. is a trauma-informed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate mental health challenges.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Medical reviewer</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-related\"><h2>Related questions</h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-my-boyfriend-eventually-hit-me\">Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-i-ever-feel-normal\">Will I ever feel normal?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/spousal-abuse-and-borderline-personality-disorder\">How does borderline personality disorder affect spousal abuse?</a></section></div></div>","text":"HomeAnswersWill depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?AnswersWill depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?Written byMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D.PublishedJune 1, 2024UpdatedJune 5, 2026ReviewedSeptember 15, 2025SummaryQuestionAnswerSummaryA government contractor receiving treatment to prevent a recurrence of depression is worried that the condition will lead to denial of a required security clearance. They ask whether responsible use of prescribed medication will count against them.The answer explicitly says it does not know how the clearance decision will be made and provides no policy or legal determination.It offers reassurance that depression is a treatable illness rather than a personal weakness and that seeking preventative treatment is not a reason for shame.?QuestionReader · Identity withheldI am currently employed at a government contractor in which a top secret security clearance is mandatory. I have no issues with getting the clearance except one: I have in the past have had problems with depression and currently am seeking help to prevent a relapse. I am also taking prescription medication as ordered. I am TERRIFIED that my problems in the past will come back to haunt me. I was able to obtain a Secret clearance in 1997 with no problems. I have never did drugs, committed a felony, declared bankruptcy or have ever betrayed my country in any way. This may not be your area of expertise but I need to know; Will I be denied a clearance?AnswerMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.I don’t know the answer to your question. I don’t have the right clearance (grin!). But, all kidding aside, it would seem quite unfair for you to be denied the ability to serve based on your having a well researched chronic illness for which you are receiving responsible preventative treatment. I would hope that they would not hold this against you. Depression is nothing to be ashamed about. Depression is a treatable illness. It is not a ‘weakness’ any more than having a chronic health problem such as diabetes is a weakness.Subject matter expertSimone Hoermann Ph.D.Personality disorders, anxiety, and depressionView experienceRelated communitiesDepressionA place for understanding depression and sharing perspectives on its impact on daily life.Explore communityAuthorMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. is a trauma-informed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate mental health challenges.View experienceMedical reviewerJesse Hanson, Ph.D.Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…View experienceRelated questionsWill my boyfriend eventually hit me?Will I ever feel normal?How does borderline personality disorder affect spousal abuse?","wordCount":416},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Answers","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Will depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/security-clearance-and-depression-20261003.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/security-clearance-and-depression-20261003.webp","width":1000,"height":667,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A work bag and notebook beside an office window"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck","jobTitle":"Doctor","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-dombeck-phd-530a573/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","jobTitle":"Clinical Affairs Director","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-hanson-phd-7215216/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression","headline":"Will depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?","description":"Learn how a history of depression affects top secret security clearance and the importance of responsible treatment.","wordCount":306,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Answers","inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:16Z","dateModified":"2026-06-05T09:31:38Z","author":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#primaryimage"},"hasPart":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#question"},{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#answer"}]},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#question","name":"Will depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?","text":"I am currently employed at a government contractor in which a top secret security clearance is mandatory. I have no issues with getting the clearance except one: I have in the past have had problems with depression and currently am seeking help to prevent a relapse. I am also taking prescription medication as ordered. I am TERRIFIED that my problems in the past will come back to haunt me. I was able to obtain a Secret clearance in 1997 with no problems. I have never did drugs, committed a felony, declared bankruptcy or have ever betrayed my country in any way. This may not be your area of expertise but I need to know; Will I be denied a clearance?","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#answer"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#question","answerCount":1},{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#answer","text":"I don’t know the answer to your question. I don’t have the right clearance (grin!). But, all kidding aside, it would seem quite unfair for you to be denied the ability to serve based on your having a well researched chronic illness for which you are receiving responsible preventative treatment. I would hope that they would not hold this against you. Depression is nothing to be ashamed about. Depression is a treatable illness. 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me?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-i-ever-feel-normal","label":"Will I ever feel normal?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/spousal-abuse-and-borderline-personality-disorder","label":"How does borderline personality disorder affect spousal abuse?"}],"conversation":{"status":"complete","summary":{"question":"A government contractor receiving treatment to prevent a recurrence of depression is worried that the condition will lead to denial of a required security clearance. They ask whether responsible use of prescribed medication will count against them.","answer":"The answer explicitly says it does not know how the clearance decision will be made and provides no policy or legal determination. It offers reassurance that depression is a treatable illness rather than a personal weakness and that seeking preventative treatment is not a reason for shame."},"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/security-clearance-and-depression","sourceReviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"question":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#question","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#question","html":"<p>I am currently employed at a government contractor in which a top secret security clearance is mandatory. I have no issues with getting the clearance except one: I have in the past have had problems with depression and currently am seeking help to prevent a relapse. </p>\n<p>I am also taking prescription medication as ordered.</p>\n<p>I am TERRIFIED that my problems in the past will come back to haunt me. I was able to obtain a Secret clearance in 1997 with no problems. I have never did drugs, committed a felony, declared bankruptcy or have ever betrayed my country in any way. </p>\n<p>This may not be your area of expertise but I need to know; Will I be denied a clearance?</p>","text":"I am currently employed at a government contractor in which a top secret security clearance is mandatory. I have no issues with getting the clearance except one: I have in the past have had problems with depression and currently am seeking help to prevent a relapse. I am also taking prescription medication as ordered. I am TERRIFIED that my problems in the past will come back to haunt me. I was able to obtain a Secret clearance in 1997 with no problems. I have never did drugs, committed a felony, declared bankruptcy or have ever betrayed my country in any way. This may not be your area of expertise but I need to know; Will I be denied a clearance?"},"answer":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#answer","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression#answer","html":"<p>I don’t know the answer to your question. I don’t have the right clearance (grin!). But, all kidding aside, it would seem quite unfair for you to be denied the ability to serve based on your having a well researched chronic illness for which you are receiving responsible preventative treatment. </p>\n<p>I would hope that they would not hold this against you. Depression is nothing to be ashamed about. Depression is a treatable illness. It is not a ‘weakness’ any more than having a chronic health problem such as diabetes is a weakness.</p>","text":"I don’t know the answer to your question. I don’t have the right clearance (grin!). But, all kidding aside, it would seem quite unfair for you to be denied the ability to serve based on your having a well researched chronic illness for which you are receiving responsible preventative treatment. I would hope that they would not hold this against you. Depression is nothing to be ashamed about. Depression is a treatable illness. It is not a ‘weakness’ any more than having a chronic health problem such as diabetes is a weakness.","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck"}},"summaryScope":"Editorial overview of the original question and response; original review dates apply to the source conversation."},"presentation":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-03","template":"answer-conversation","imageGeneratedAt":"2026-10-03"},"seo":{"title":"Will depression affect my chances of getting | MentalHealth.com","description":"Learn how a history of depression affects top secret security clearance and the importance of responsible treatment.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/security-clearance-and-depression","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/answers.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Answers","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"answers"}},"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Simone Hoermann, Ph.D.","url":"/people/simone-hoermann","profileId":"6419","topic":"mood","focus":"Personality disorders, anxiety, and depression","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"navigation":[],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/depression","basis":"topic match"},"collections":[]}