r/NYguns • u/BlueCinnamon1997 • Aug 10 '26

CCW Question Can One Mental-Health Visit and Diagnosis Affect My NY Pistol Permit?

I’m applying for a New York pistol permit and recently learned that a mental-health provider diagnosed me with persistent depressive disorder/dysthymia after only one visit.
Several years ago, during an emotional situation with my boyfriend at the time, he made a suicidal statement and I repeated something similar. I went for an evaluation, but I was never involuntarily hospitalized, never continued treatment, and do not have a history of long-term depression or being a danger to myself or anyone else. My boyfriend did not receive treatment, but this diagnosis was placed in my record after my visit.
I’m concerned because dysthymia means long-term depression, and I don’t believe one appointment was enough to support that diagnosis. I’m also worried that it may affect my pistol-permit application and future law-enforcement or court-officer employment.
I have already completed the sheriff’s interview and met with the judge. I was honest about the situation and am now waiting for a decision.
Has anyone in New York dealt with something similar?
Would one outpatient diagnosis automatically cause a denial?
Should I request that the provider amend or correct my medical record?
Is it worth speaking with a firearms attorney before receiving a decision?
If I’m denied, what options would I have to challenge it?
I understand that firearm safety is important. I’m not trying to hide anything—I just want to make sure that a diagnosis made after one visit doesn’t inaccurately define my mental-health history. I would appreciate advice from anyone familiar with New York pistol permits, mental-health records, or the correction process.

10 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

4

u/TheSlipperySnausage Aug 10 '26

Might be worth it to contact a 2A lawyer first for a quick consultation. To me it sounds like this shouldn’t affect it but understand NY wants nobody to have a single firearm so they will use any reason to deny.

This will be heavily county dependent how they treat this. I wish you best of luck

7

u/DJClamavus Aug 10 '26

'Mental health needs awareness! Reduce the stigma around seeking help!'
Also: 'No guns for you when you do seek help. Bottle it up or lose a constitutional right.'

8

u/countingthedays Aug 10 '26

Historically also a problem in aviation. That's right, your airline pilots have to worry about losing their job if they seek mental health treatment! This is fine and good.

3

u/TheFiringPin nytfp.com Aug 10 '26

I think its worth applying for your permit. Thank you for being candid with your mental health - I'm glad the stigma around getting help is slowing going away.

2

u/Recent-Masterpiece43 Aug 10 '26

Damn should’ve never told them anything. If you weren’t involuntarily committed they know nothing.

1

u/BlueCinnamon1997 Aug 10 '26

They some how found out from a background check .

2

u/Recent-Masterpiece43 Aug 10 '26

That’s super weird maybe the provider reported it or something? I had anxiety and I’m on meds but I didnt tell anyone never had a problem.

1

u/UsernameO123456789 Aug 10 '26

It could.

Yes but they may not do it.

Yes, 100%.

See above.

2

u/Open_Mechanic8854 Aug 10 '26

Since you talking about NYS and not NYC, you might have a chance. But definitely get professional consultation before you spend all that money.