"Have you ever seen a doctor or other mental health professional to treat a mental illness." Might be worded slightly longer, but that's essentially what the question is asking.
When I got into a fight at college a four years ago, part of my sentencing was a stint in anger management. The doc said I didn't have anger issues, just thought I needed to exercise better judgement. Wrote a letter to the court reflecting this, done and done.
So, I would answer that question as "No." I saw the guy because the court ordered it, not because I had a mental illness. Is this the way the security guys will look at it, or am I "lying" by answering it that way? I asked my recruiter about it, and his response was to not disclose the anger management anywhere on my application at all. That seemed like bad advice, given that the anger management is part of the court case documents that the investigators will surely see.
You are correct, it is bad advice - they will see the court documents directing you to an anger management program. The actual question is:
"In the last 7 years, have you consulted with a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc.) or have you consulted with another health care provider about a
mental health related condition?"
Notice it doesn't say mental illness, but mental health related condition.
Was the anger management conducted by a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Counselor, Doctor, or Nurse? If it was - then you should answer yes. Then explain in the remarks section. It's best to be more forthcoming than less on your security questionnaire, because they WILL find out. I've answered that question yes (saw a counselor at the Community Counseling Center to help deal with the stress of getting out), and it's not a big deal. If you answer no, it can turn into a big deal because it looks like you're trying to be deceptive.
If it was me, the way I'd explain it would be something to the effect of "Directed to attend Anger Mangagement in conjunction with assault arrest in 2003. After first session, Doctor determined no anger management issues and no further treatment required." But that's just me.