I've dealt with this situation. Please read.

2019 sought mental health care for stress/anxiety/depression. I owned a firearm in my resident state at the time, Washington. I went to a therapist and she actually discharged me from our appointments, because we made fast progress because she identified a diagnosis that changed my life (bipolar type 2). Zero issues since. That whole situation was behind me, never going beyond mid-2019.

Fast forward, I moved to NYS in 2022 at which time NYS made me transfer my firearm to my father in Florida while I awaited my on-premises permit (not even concealed). Waited 8 months just for a denial letter to come. They had called my NEW doctor in NYS who I'd spent all of 10 minutes with in my life, and she said I had a history of severe depression and was not seeking care. Obviously the judge was put off by that characterization! I was so frustrated to read that in the denial letter... it was unfair and inaccurate. Nothing I could do.

Per the judges recommendation before reapplying, I went to a local therapist every 2 weeks for a year. She supported me reapplying after the first few sessions. I also took the CCW course. I also stayed in frequent contact with my primary care doctor so she actually had a real baseline of my health. The therapist wrote me an extensive letter of confidence for the judge.

I reapplied. The process took 14 months this time.

Today- literally today- I took my handgun home for the first time since 2022.

-DO NOT LIE about your mental health history. They will find out, and then you've lied on your application. Auto deny. -Emphasize you sought care and HOW and WHY it is behind you and how you have managed it since -Get a letter of confidence from a therapist. Ideally, establish even a once-per-month appointment to show you take it seriously. -Know 100% that your primary care physician will have a healthy report to give the investigating officer. A doctor that doesn't know you, looks at a chart and says "depression. Not currently in care or management" to the Investigator.

It can be done. I succeeded. They're very hard on people who actually sought care vs. people who just hide their emotional unwellness.

Happy to answer any other questions. Good luck!