Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Francis
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and many individuals may wonder whether their mental health history will show up on a background check. There are various types of background checks that may be conducted, depending on the purpose and scope of the inquiry. In this article, we will explore whether mental health information is included in common background checks and how it may impact individuals in various contexts.
Understanding Mental Health and Background Checks
Mental health is a crucial aspect of one’s overall well-being, and it’s essential to address it as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. However, many people may be concerned about how their mental health status can impact their job opportunities, particularly when it comes to background checks.
Background checks are a standard part of the hiring process for many employers, and they aim to verify an applicant’s identity, work history, criminal record, and other relevant information. However, the question remains: will mental health show up on a background check?
Misconceptions About Mental Health and Background Checks
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to address some misconceptions about mental health and background checks. Some people may believe that disclosing a mental health condition automatically disqualifies them from employment. However, this is not true. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from discriminating against job applicants based on their mental health status.
Additionally, while employers may conduct background checks, they cannot access an applicant’s medical records without their consent. Therefore, mental health information should not be part of a standard background check unless the applicant has disclosed it voluntarily.
Types of Background Checks
To understand whether mental health will show up on a background check, it’s necessary to examine the different types of background checks employers may conduct.
Key Takeaway: Mental health should not show up on a standard background check unless disclosed voluntarily by the applicant. While some employers may still discriminate against individuals with mental health conditions, legal protections are in place to prevent this. Addressing mental health stigma in the workplace requires a multifaceted approach that includes providing mental health resources and accommodations, promoting a workplace culture that values mental health and well-being, and advocating for mental health awareness.
Criminal Background Checks
Criminal background checks are the most common type of background check that employers perform. These checks aim to identify any criminal convictions, arrests, or pending criminal cases. However, having a mental health condition does not necessarily mean that an individual has a criminal record. Therefore, mental health information should not appear on a criminal background check unless it is relevant to a criminal case.
Employment Background Checks
Employment background checks focus on an applicant’s work history and qualifications. They may verify education and employment history, professional licenses, and other relevant information. While mental health information is unlikely to appear on an employment background check, an applicant’s work history may reveal whether they took extended absences for mental health reasons. However, employers cannot discriminate against an applicant for taking time off for mental health reasons.
Credit Background Checks
Credit background checks examine an applicant’s credit history and financial records. They may include information about credit card debt, loans, bankruptcies, and other financial information. Mental health information should not appear on a credit background check.
Voluntary Disclosure of Mental Health Information
While mental health information should not appear on a standard background check, an applicant may choose to disclose their mental health status voluntarily. Applicants who choose to disclose their mental health status may do so to request accommodations under the ADA or to explain gaps in their work history.
When an applicant discloses their mental health status, the employer must keep this information confidential and use it only to provide accommodations or assess job qualifications. Employers cannot use an applicant’s mental health status as a basis for discrimination.
Key takeaway: Mental health information should not appear on a standard background check unless voluntarily disclosed by the applicant. Employers cannot discriminate against job applicants based on their mental health status, and if an applicant chooses to disclose their mental health status, the employer must keep this information confidential and use it only to provide accommodations or assess job qualifications. Addressing mental health stigma in the workplace requires a multifaceted approach that includes promoting mental health resources and accommodations and advocating for mental health awareness and education to reduce stigma.
