Should Mental health Treatment Endanger A Soldiers Security Clearance

The stigma of receiving mental health treatment is well documented, but it is safe to say that, with so many seeking mental health treatment, the stigma is lessened year after year. This does not hold true in all walks of life. For example, Tony Soprano famously depicted a mafia boss who receives treatment, even though a person is his world is not expected to do so. In the real world, the military has had similar expectations. Question 21 on the security clearance renewal form asks the applicant whether or not they have received therapy. There is only one exception for Question 21, if the treatment was due to combat stress a soldier is not required to answer. This stipulation has only been in place since 2008. Not exempt from question 21 is those who are a victim of sexual assault. This comes in light of the recent concerns over sexual assault in the armed forces, and the fact that there are no rules in place to register sex offenders. There is presently an effort to at least have an exception for sexual abuse, but this calls into question the stigma of therapy in general. Question 21 implies that when a person seeks mental health counseling, there is something wrong with them. This is in stark contract to the belief that everyone can benefit from therapy, and that it is a natural and normal expression of the need to cope with everyday stresses.