Mental Health Stigma Persists in Security Clearance Process, Leidos Study Reveals
RESTON, Va., Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, announced today a new study on mental health stigma within the Intelligence Community (IC) and implications for the security clearance investigation process. The research shows that despite positive changes in how the government considers mental health in the application review process, stigma, misinformation and misunderstanding persist.
- The research shows that despite positive changes in how the government considers mental health in the application review process, stigma, misinformation and misunderstanding persist.
- "The security clearance process is essential to protecting our national security, but it should not discourage current and prospective cleared employees from taking care of their mental fitness," said Roy Stevens, Leidos Intelligence Group president.
- The paper, "Mental Health and Security Clearances: Addressing Misperceptions and Stigma," offers qualitative and quantitative data that examines the current state of the security clearance process.
- However, the research found significant levels of mistrust as to how mental health disclosures are evaluated during the clearance process.