DoD Prioritizes Mental Health Support and Dispels Security Clearance Misconceptions

Many defense professionals fear that seeking professional assistance for a mental health concern could negatively impact their careers or harm their ability to gain or maintain a security clearance. Often, this is based on a long-standing stigma related to mental health conditions, as well as specific questions many encounter when attempting to get a security clearance. Fortunately, the Department of Defense (DoD) is taking significant strides to prioritize the mental health of its personnel. However, even with a progressive shift, there remains a persistent web of myths surrounding the impact of mental health care on security clearances. If you’re concerned that seeking mental health care could harm your defense career, here’s what you need to know. DoD's Proactive Mental Health Approach The DoD has long touted the importance of mental health care for defense professionals and military members. Recently, the DoD went further than it had before, releasing DoD Instruction 6490.08. In the ......