Security Clearance and Behavioral Health

Emergency Contacts

GMU Crisis Service:
703-993-2380, option 1
or
GMU Police: 703-993-2810
or
911
@caps_gmu
  • As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month concludes, we want to emphasize the importance of staying informed, open-minded, and unafraid when talking about suicide.

CAPS is thrilled to introduce Kognito, an advanced platform designed to train users on suicide prevention and offer support on how to navigate mental health related discussions. It's now accessible to all Mason community members. Learn how you can positively influence the well-being of your loved ones and friends. 

To get started, visit caps.gmu.edu/trainees/kognito/

#suicidepreventionmonth #mentalhealthmatters #youarenotalone #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
  • Join us for a day of self-care and community support at our IMALIVE Mental Health Fair. Let's break the stigma and prioritize our mental well-being together! Don't miss this chance to have some fun while expanding your knowledge on mental health! 

To sign up as a volunteer for this event, please visit https://cglink.me/2d7/r2218284 

For ADA accommodations, contact CAPS at 703-993-2380

#MentalHealthMatters #IAMALIVE #MentalHealthFair #GMU_CAPS #gmucampus
  • Understanding Anxiety: Unveiling the Invisible Struggle 🧠✨Anxiety can make you feel alone and overwhelmed. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate small achievements, and remember, anxiety doesn't define you. 

🌟 Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We are here to support you, reach out to us!

#AnxietySymptoms #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyJourney #SelfCare #MasonCAPS #GMU_CAPS #gmucampus
  • 🌈 It’s Bisexuality Awareness Week! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ

Let's celebrate love in all its beautiful forms! πŸ©·πŸ’œπŸ’™ This Bisexuality Awareness Week, let's spread love, acceptance, and understanding. Bisexuality is a beautiful part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

#BisexualityAwarenessWeek #LoveisLove #Youarevalid #LGBTQ #SpreadLove #Bivisibility #Bisexuality #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
  • 🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌟 Join us in honoring the rich history and contributions of the Hispanic community. Swipe for a treasure trove of educational resources and to learn about this vibrant community. Let's learn, grow, and celebrate together! 🌎

 #HispanicHeritageMonth
As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month concludes, we want to emphasize the importance of staying informed, open-minded, and unafraid when talking about suicide. CAPS is thrilled to introduce Kognito, an advanced platform designed to train users on suicide prevention and offer support on how to navigate mental health related discussions. It's now accessible to all Mason community members. Learn how you can positively influence the well-being of your loved ones and friends. To get started, visit caps.gmu.edu/trainees/kognito/ #suicidepreventionmonth #mentalhealthmatters #youarenotalone #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Join us for a day of self-care and community support at our IMALIVE Mental Health Fair. Let's break the stigma and prioritize our mental well-being together! Don't miss this chance to have some fun while expanding your knowledge on mental health! 

To sign up as a volunteer for this event, please visit https://cglink.me/2d7/r2218284 

For ADA accommodations, contact CAPS at 703-993-2380

#MentalHealthMatters #IAMALIVE #MentalHealthFair #GMU_CAPS #gmucampus
Join us for a day of self-care and community support at our IMALIVE Mental Health Fair. Let's break the stigma and prioritize our mental well-being together! Don't miss this chance to have some fun while expanding your knowledge on mental health! To sign up as a volunteer for this event, please visit https://cglink.me/2d7/r2218284 For ADA accommodations, contact CAPS at 703-993-2380 #MentalHealthMatters #IAMALIVE #MentalHealthFair #GMU_CAPS #gmucampus
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Understanding Anxiety: Unveiling the Invisible Struggle 🧠✨Anxiety can make you feel alone and overwhelmed. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate small achievements, and remember, anxiety doesn't define you. 🌟 Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We are here to support you, reach out to us! #AnxietySymptoms #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyJourney #SelfCare #MasonCAPS #GMU_CAPS #gmucampus
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
🌈 It’s Bisexuality Awareness Week! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ

Let's celebrate love in all its beautiful forms! πŸ©·πŸ’œπŸ’™ This Bisexuality Awareness Week, let's spread love, acceptance, and understanding. Bisexuality is a beautiful part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

#BisexualityAwarenessWeek #LoveisLove #Youarevalid #LGBTQ #SpreadLove #Bivisibility #Bisexuality #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
🌈 It’s Bisexuality Awareness Week! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ

Let's celebrate love in all its beautiful forms! πŸ©·πŸ’œπŸ’™ This Bisexuality Awareness Week, let's spread love, acceptance, and understanding. Bisexuality is a beautiful part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

#BisexualityAwarenessWeek #LoveisLove #Youarevalid #LGBTQ #SpreadLove #Bivisibility #Bisexuality #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
🌈 It’s Bisexuality Awareness Week! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ

Let's celebrate love in all its beautiful forms! πŸ©·πŸ’œπŸ’™ This Bisexuality Awareness Week, let's spread love, acceptance, and understanding. Bisexuality is a beautiful part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

#BisexualityAwarenessWeek #LoveisLove #Youarevalid #LGBTQ #SpreadLove #Bivisibility #Bisexuality #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
🌈 It’s Bisexuality Awareness Week! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ

Let's celebrate love in all its beautiful forms! πŸ©·πŸ’œπŸ’™ This Bisexuality Awareness Week, let's spread love, acceptance, and understanding. Bisexuality is a beautiful part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

#BisexualityAwarenessWeek #LoveisLove #Youarevalid #LGBTQ #SpreadLove #Bivisibility #Bisexuality #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
🌈 It’s Bisexuality Awareness Week! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ Let's celebrate love in all its beautiful forms! πŸ©·πŸ’œπŸ’™ This Bisexuality Awareness Week, let's spread love, acceptance, and understanding. Bisexuality is a beautiful part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. #BisexualityAwarenessWeek #LoveisLove #Youarevalid #LGBTQ #SpreadLove #Bivisibility #Bisexuality #gmu #gmucaps #gmucampus
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌟 Join us in honoring the rich history and contributions of the Hispanic community. Swipe for a treasure trove of educational resources and to learn about this vibrant community. Let's learn, grow, and celebrate together! 🌎

 #HispanicHeritageMonth
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌟 Join us in honoring the rich history and contributions of the Hispanic community. Swipe for a treasure trove of educational resources and to learn about this vibrant community. Let's learn, grow, and celebrate together! 🌎

 #HispanicHeritageMonth
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌟 Join us in honoring the rich history and contributions of the Hispanic community. Swipe for a treasure trove of educational resources and to learn about this vibrant community. Let's learn, grow, and celebrate together! 🌎

 #HispanicHeritageMonth
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌟 Join us in honoring the rich history and contributions of the Hispanic community. Swipe for a treasure trove of educational resources and to learn about this vibrant community. Let's learn, grow, and celebrate together! 🌎

 #HispanicHeritageMonth
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌟 Join us in honoring the rich history and contributions of the Hispanic community. Swipe for a treasure trove of educational resources and to learn about this vibrant community. Let's learn, grow, and celebrate together! 🌎 #HispanicHeritageMonth
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

Mason students may need to obtain security clearances for work with federal agencies and government contractors.Β  Security clearances are a routine part of federal work involving national security, intelligence, law enforcement, and foreign service.Β  As explained below, the use of counseling services and other psychological services does not preclude a Mason student from obtaining a security clearance.

Common Myths

Myth: If I go to see a mental health provider, I will lose or be denied my security clearance.

Fact: Actively seeking professional care for mental health issues does NOT jeopardize eligibility for a security clearance.

  • The Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) only asks about aspects of mental health related to judgment, reliability, and stability. The form asks whether one has been:
    • Declared mentally incompetent by a court or ordered to see a mental health professional;
    • Hospitalized for a mental health condition;
    • Diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or certain personality disorders; or
    • Impacted by a mental health condition, such that it substantially and adversely impacts your judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness.
  • Between 2006-2012, significantly less than 1% (145 of 85,000 cases) had security clearances denied or revoked due to mental health reasons alone.
  • In FY 2014, 18 individuals had security clearances denied or revoked due to psychological issues; none were solely because they sought mental health services.
Myth: A mental health provider (e.g., psychologist) will decide whether or not I obtain or maintain my security clearance.

Fact: The mental health evaluation is part of the data gathered across the investigative process. Mental health providers serve as consultants and provide recommendations; they do not have decision-making authority. Instead, decisions are rendered by the adjudicators at the Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF).

Frequently Asked QuestionsΒ 

I’m noticing things have been β€œoff” for me lately. Should I go see someone?

Studies suggest seeking treatment shortly after the onset of symptoms is less likely to have negative career impacts than seeking treatment later on. By self-referring for treatment, this may help prevent a β€œcommand-referral.” For members of the U.S. Military, there are fewer duty limitations and provider disclosures to commanders if you self-refer for care.

I marked β€œyes” on Question 21 of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86). What happens now?
In general, seeking out treatment and adhering to treatment recommendations are favorably viewed behaviors. Click on the following image to expand the flow chart of the decision-making process.

Can security managers, commanders, or supervisors ask me questions about any mental health counseling that I reported on the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)?

No. Security managers, commanders, and supervisors areΒ NOT authorized to ask you questions about mental health counseling that you have reported on the SF-86. Any unauthorized questioning can be reported to the DoD IG Hotline at 1-800-424-9098.

Additional Information

View our informational flyer here:Β Security Clearance and Behavioral Health.