Mental Health and Clearances
FAQ About Accessing Mental Health Services
Will I lose or fail to gain a SECURITY clearance just because I sought mental health care?
“No. Seeking mental health care is a positive course of action and a sign of sound judgment. It is the most common way to mitigate mental health issues and is recognized as a positive step during the personnel vetting process.” (1) Defense Counter Intelligence & Security Fact Sheet: MENTAL HEALTH AND SECURITY CLEARANCES
Will I be medically discharged?
The vast majority utilizing mental health services are not medically discharged. A review of 2019 data showed that 1.2% of Regular Air Force members were medically discharged, of which less than half (0.46%) had a mental health condition. Some diagnosed mental health conditions can lead to fitness for duty determination through the formal disability medical evaluation board process. For the DoD list of disqualifying conditions see DoDI 6130.03-V2. (2)
Will I be administratively discharged?
The vast majority utilizing mental health services are not administratively discharged. A review of 2019 data showed that 0.14% of Regular Air Force members were administratively separated related to a mental health condition (excluding BMT discharges). Airmen may be discharged based upon a mental condition which a commander has determined interferes with assignment or duty performance, but which does not make them eligible for disability processing. Prior to initiation of discharge the member must have been formally counseled concerning deficiencies and afforded an opportunity to overcome them.
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See the following guidance for more information: AFI 36-3206, Administrative Discharge Procedures for Commissioned Officers, AFI 36-3207, Separating Commissioned Officers, AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, and AFI 36-3209 Separation and Retirement Procedures for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Members
Will I be able to deploy?
Yes, however you must meet the stability requirements unique to the Area of Operation (AOR) you are traveling to. Each geographic combatant command establishes minimum medical stability guidelines unique to the medical resources available in the region. When indicated, medical waivers can be submitted. From 2012-2020, 85% of AFCENT deployment and permanent change of station general medical waivers were approved, with 6% of waivers denied related to recent mental health conditions.
Will I be disqualified for a special duty status (i.e. AUoF, Flying, PRP, SOD)?
Not necessarily. Some military occupations and positions have enhanced medical qualification standards related to mission essential tasks. It is useful to read the guidance unique to your special duty status. For some conditions, a duty status may be temporarily suspended pending resolution of the mental health condition. As noted in DAFMAN48-123, members assigned to flight duties or Special Operational Duty (SOD) require administrative and operational controls to certify medical qualifications for duty on a recurring basis. A review of 2019 data showed that 1.5% of AFGSC active duty PRP Airmen were decertified for any reason and 0.39% were decertified for mental health concerns.
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See the following guidance for more information: AFI 31-117 Arming and Use of Force (AUoF); DoDM 5210.42_AFMAN13-501 Nuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program (PRP)
Will my Commander know?
Typically no. Most mental health encounters do not lead to Commander notification. All medical and mental health records are protected by the Privacy Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws/regulations. There may be exceptions that require a mental health provider to disclose information to your Commander. Some exceptions include, serious risk of harm to self, others or the mission; if you are admitted to inpatient care, enrolled into substance abuse treatment, under the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) or referred for a Command Directed Evaluation (CDE). In most cases you and your therapist will discuss the reason and nature of the notification.
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Will I be placed on a mobility or duty restricting profile?
Possibly. Certain serious conditions, like psychotic or bipolar disorders, require a profile to be entered on AF Form 469. Other mental health conditions may require a temporary profile if the condition impairs and/or prevents a member from performing at least some requirements of military service and/or duties expected to be a part of his/her air force specialty code (AFSC) and/or current assignment. The intent of a mobility profile is to ensure the member is able to complete the medical intervention without disruptions in order to return to full duty. An example of a duty restricting profile may be a temporary recommendation to a Commander for Do Not Arm pending stability on a new medication or resolution of distracting mental health symptoms. Once stable on a medication, or symptoms largely resolved, the temporary profile would be removed. However, if a mental health profile extends beyond 365 days the member’s record must undergo review by the local airmen medical readiness optimization (AMRO) board, which will determine if the case should be referred for a medical evaluation board.
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See the following guidance for more information: AFI 48-133 Duty Limiting Conditions
1. Defense Counter Intelligence & Security Fact Sheet: MENTAL HEALTH AND SECURITY CLEARANCES
2. DoDI 6130.03-V2 Medical Standards for Military Service