The Question You're Actually Asking

If you’re reading this, you already know something’s not right.

Maybe it’s the sleep.
Maybe it’s the anger that comes out of nowhere.
Maybe it’s just the weight of carrying things you can’t talk about.

And there’s one thing stopping you from calling someone:
You’re worried it’ll show up somewhere it shouldn’t.

Here’s the truth: getting help will not automatically cost you your clearance or your career.

In 2017, the Department of Defense updated its security clearance policies specifically to stop this fear from keeping service members from seeking care.

Let’s break down what actually changed—and what it means for you.

What the 2017 Policy Actually Changed

The DoD realized the stigma around mental health was doing more harm than the conditions themselves.

The update made one thing clear:
Seeking help is a sign of responsibility, not weakness.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• Going to therapy does not disqualify you from holding a clearance.
• Mental health is judged by whether you’re managing it, not by whether you have a diagnosis.
• Seeking treatment shows good judgment, not poor judgment.
• Your sessions are confidential under HIPAA, just like any other medical care.

What Clearance Adjudicators Actually Look For

Security clearances are about trust and reliability—not perfection.

Adjudicators look for patterns that might show poor judgment or vulnerability to coercion, such as:

• Untreated conditions that impact decision-making
• Lying on your SF-86
• Behavior that violates regulations
• Financial or legal issues related to mental health

Notice what’s not on that list?
Simply going to therapy.

In fact, getting treatment is viewed as a sign of maturity and self-awareness—exactly what they want to see.

What Actually Happens vs. What You’re Worried About

Worry: “If I see a therapist, my command will find out.”

Reality: Your sessions are private.
Commands are only notified if there’s an immediate safety risk—like harm to yourself or others.
Routine therapy stays between you and your provider.

Worry: “This will show up on my evaluations.”

Reality: Medical records are confidential.
Treatment doesn’t automatically impact evaluations—performance does.
And untreated issues are what actually hurt performance.

Worry: “I’ll just wait until I’m out to deal with this.”

Reality: Waiting makes things worse.
Early treatment improves outcomes—and creates documentation for future VA claims.

SF-86 Disclosure: What You Actually Need to Report

Honesty matters. But here’s what actually requires disclosure:

You must report:

• Any hospitalization for mental health
• Court-ordered treatment
• Diagnoses that required major intervention

You typically don’t need to report:

• Outpatient therapy for stress, adjustment, or relationships
• Voluntary counseling without hospitalization

If you’re unsure, talk to your security manager.
Don’t guess—and don’t lie.

Why Service Members at Naval Station Norfolk Choose Us

At The Lemich Clinic, we specialize in military mental health.
We understand the culture, the mission tempo, and the fear of being misunderstood.

What makes us different:

• We take TRICARE – 100% coverage for active duty and dependents. No out-of-pocket cost.
• We speak military – Our clinicians understand deployment cycles, command structures, and operational stress.
• We’re local – Located near Naval Station Norfolk. No long drives after a 12-hour shift.
• We protect your privacy – Sessions are confidential.
• We provide documentation when needed – Summary letters for commands when clinically appropriate ($40).

The Real Risk to Your Career

Let’s be clear:
The real risk isn’t getting help. It’s not getting help.

When PTSD, depression, or anxiety go untreated, they don’t disappear—they get louder.

And they start showing up in ways that do affect your career:

• Declining performance
• Self-medicating with alcohol
• Disciplinary issues
• Relationship breakdowns
• Thoughts of giving up entirely

Those are the things that destroy careers.
Getting help prevents them.

What To Do Next

If you’re stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, or anywhere in Virginia, and you’re dealing with stress, trauma, or depression—we’re here.

Your mental health is mission-critical.
You wouldn’t ignore a torn ACL.
Don’t ignore this.

The strongest service members are the ones who know when to ask for backup.

In Crisis Right Now?

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Available 24/7. Confidential.
Many responders are veterans themselves.