TexasCHLforum.com

I'm considering getting my CHL. However I have been diagnosed by a licensed physician as having depression and taking presscribed medications. Should I move forward with the process or wait until I have a certificate from a licensed physician of my ability to ' exercise correct judgement' and that I am if 'sound mind'

Welcome to the forum.

A diagnosis of depression or taking antidepressants is not a disqualification for getting a CHL.

The relevant law is Texas Government Code 411.172(a)(7), (d), (e), and (f):
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/D ... tm#411.172" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

IMHO, I am not a lawyer or doctor and don't play one on TV, if you haven't been judged a danger to yourself or others or admitted to a mental hospital at some point, go for it.

Something like ten percent of the adult population of the U.S. has used antidepressants at some point in their life.

If you do want to get "certified," the physician must be a psychiatrist, and it is a rather expensive proposition. Someone posted the details here if you want to search for them.

- Jim

Thanks for the welcome.


Some time ago I had a 'voluntary psyhchiatric hospitalization' will that have any bearing ?

'Fraid so.

Government Code 411.172(e) The following constitutes evidence that a person has a psychiatric disorder or condition described by Subsection (d)(1):
(1) involuntary psychiatric hospitalization;
(2) psychiatric hospitalization;...

Here's a thread about someone who had a similar situation:
http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=29376" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck.

- Jim

I agree with Jim...

But what is, in my opinion, (and that is not worth a free bowl of soup I'm afraid... ) Is that you should be applauded for seeking to obtain a CHL to carry a firearm, with the knowledge and history of a treatment for your condition...

Once a person can, (or cannot) be cleared by a professional, then once that is achieved, I do not see a reason to not be allowed to proceed with the course...Once you meet the requirements per the law, then I'd go for it...

At least this is obviously not a situation where someone just decides to carry without looking first at the options, and they honestly look at their past and question first if they should proceed...

I wish you good luck, and hope it works out for you...

As long as you were not "committed" ie. court ordered, you should be OK.

Winston Churchill successfully led a country and conducted a war while chronically depressed (he called depression "the black dog") and an alcoholic.

He would not be legally qualified to get a Texas CHL even if he were a U.S. citizen.



- Jim

In the 1960s and 1970s I was a psychologist at State Hospitals and MH Centers. Back then, and probably still is, the "Law" said/says that unless one has been adjudicated as "Incompetent to Stand Trial", convicted of a felony, or Certified by a Psychiatrist(s) (MD with Psychiatric Specialty) as being "harmful to self or others", then the MD's prescribed use of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications and related is not considered to be a "dangerous psychiatric condition". Millions of Americans are taking "NON-psychotropic" serious" Rx's... And, those are not considered to be for "mental illness".

Unless one has been "adjudicated", voluntarily or involuntary committed to a psychiatric facility, then there is no legal issue pointing to one being officially "crazy"...lol. NOW, if one is routinely taking Thorazine, Stelazine, Mellaril, Halopiridol (Haldol), Lithium or related (for bi-polar disorder) or some other serious psychotropic medications, then one's "mental condition" could be considered marginal if not serious.

Just my take on this issue...

Chityworker wrote:Thanks for the welcome.


Some time ago I had a 'voluntary psyhchiatric hospitalization' will that have any bearing ?

How long ago was this?

More then 5 years ago?

'voluntary pshychiatric hospitalization' was over 5 years ago.

Chityworker wrote:'voluntary pshychiatric hospitalization' was over 5 years ago.

Then don't volunteer anything, be honest, if it asks "in the past 5 years" and "it's been more then 5 years" say NO, and you will be telling the truth. I volunteered info and it cost me money and time. That's the best info i can give you.


Be honest on your application, and good luck! Feel free to pm me if you want.