Can you be in the FBI with anxiety?

Author: Kristopher Padberg  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

Psychological history: Certain psychological conditions, such as severe anxiety or depression, can disqualify an individual from consideration. The FBI looks for candidates who have demonstrated good mental health and the ability to handle high-stress situations.

What disqualifies you from being an FBI agent?

Automatic disqualifiers to becoming an FBI agents
  • Failure to file local, state, or federal income tax returns.
  • Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
  • Engagement in treasonable acts.
  • Failure to register with the Selective Service System, if applicable.
  • Failure to pass a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.

What medical conditions disqualify you from the FBI?

Examples of health problems that may be disqualifying are an untreated hernia, cardiovascular disorders, serious deformities or disabilities of the extremities, mental health disorders, fainting and/or seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, bleeding disorders, pulmonary disorders, and marked speech abnormalities.

Can you be in law enforcement with anxiety?

Depending on the type of anxiety a person may struggle with, different combinations of medications and/or psychological treatment can help. For law enforcement officers, anxiety may be problematic when it intensifies before going into work, or when responding to a specific type of call.

Does mental illness disqualify you from the FBI?

The FBI does not discriminate against people with mental illness, however, if your mental illness prevents you from doing your job properly then the FBI will most likely deny you. In answer to your original question, family problems as well as depression might prevent you from joining the FBI.

How to Easily Overcome Social Anxiety - Prof. Jordan Peterson

Can you get a security clearance with anxiety?

Seeking mental health support does not pose a risk to gaining or keeping a national security clearance but experiencing a mental health crisis could. In fact, seeking support can help you resolve underlying mental health issues that could negatively affect you, your family or your career.

How hard is it to get into FBI?

The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

Do cops take anxiety meds?

Sometimes, working with a therapist or medical professional is not enough to help first responders recover from anxiety, PTSD or depression, and they may be prescribed medication. Sometimes working with a therapist or medical professional is not enough to help officers recover and they may be prescribed medication.

Is anxiety a disability under federal law?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes anxiety disorders as potential disabilities. If your anxiety is severe enough to be considered a disorder, it likely meets the legal criteria for a disability, entitling you to certain protections.

Can you get a gun license if you have anxiety?

What to Know About Gun Ownership If You've Been Diagnosed With a Mental Health Condition. The United States has laws that prohibit certain people from possessing a firearm, including those who are fugitives from justice or convicted felons. These laws also include those with a mental illness.

What fails an FBI background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

Can the FBI look at your medical records?

The Patriot Act and Medical Records

This gives an agency like the FBI that can use both sets of rules—HIPAA and the Patriot Act—alternatives. It can ask a HIPAA-covered entity for medical records, which can be turned over without a patient's authorization under the national security exemption.

What does the FBI look for in applicants?

FBI eligibility

You adhere to the FBI drug policy. You pass a urinalysis and a background investigation. Your student loan repayments are in good standing. You have filed all required annual federal, state and local taxes.

What prevents you from joining the FBI?

Public record must be in good standing with no felony convictions. Adherence with FBI drug policy. Pass urinalysis and background investigation. Student loan repayments must be in good standing.

What age does the FBI stop hiring?

Is there an FBI agent age limit? Yes, candidates must be at least 23 years old and younger than 37 at the time of appointment, with limited exceptions for those with prior federal law enforcement experience.

Can you have tattoos in FBI?

Tattoos/Body Art/Branding:

Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, face, neck, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one ring tattoo on one finger on each hand.

At what point is anxiety a disability?

You can generally get disability for anxiety if your condition leaves you completely unable to work or unable to go through daily life on your own. However, the SSA has very strict criteria for who can get benefits because of anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Will I lose my job if I go to a mental hospital?

You are protected under the FMLA and ADA, allowing you to keep your job while you receive the support and professional treatment you need.

Is anxiety a mental illness?

Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders. They affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. However, anxiety disorders are treatable with a number of psychotherapeutic treatments. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.

Can you work in law enforcement with anxiety?

Living with depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be difficult, but many people prove capable of managing and functioning normally. If you're fortunate enough to live in a state that fosters this mindset, you should be able to be considered as a candidate just like anyone else.

What profession treats anxiety?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A psychologist and certain other mental health professionals can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy).

What is a controlled substance for anxiety?

These benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), clorazepate (Tranxene®), diazepam (Valium®), halazepam (Paxipam®), lorzepam (Ativan®), oxazepam (Serax®), prazepam (Centrax®), and quazepam (Doral®).

Is the FBI well paid?

The average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) salary ranges from approximately $48,000 per year for Operational Support Grade to $145,000 per year for Program Analyst.

What GPA do you need to be a FBI?

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S.-accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Can you quit the FBI?

FBI agents can resign at any time for any reason. Only the agency director is exempt from this policy.

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