How to Ask a Doctor for an Emotional Support Animal Letter

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) have gained mainstream popularity as companions that greatly benefit people with mental health conditions by allowing them to live happy and functional lives. But even though ESAs aren’t covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, they still need to have documentation to be allowed into public transport and housing.

One of these documents is a doctor-signed letter. What is it and what tips should one follow when asking a doctor to procure it? The answers are waiting below. But first, let’s discuss what an ESA is and which mental health conditions can benefit from the presence of this animal.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

Simply speaking, ESAs are pets. But unlike a typical pet, an ESA is prescribed by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) to a person that has a disabling mental condition. The emotional support animal’s job is to bring comfort to the patient with a mental illness by being present at their side.

Unlike a service animal, an ESA doesn’t have the access rights to public transportations and facilities. However, an ESA is allowed in places with no-pet policies such as condominiums and apartments. They can also be exempted from pet fees.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter?

An ESA letter is an official document that proves a person's legitimate need for an Emotional Support Animal as a treatment for their disability. This document must be signed by a licensed mental health professional from the state the person in need of an ESA resides in. The letter must also contain the doctor’s official letterhead, professional license number, and contact information.

Mental Health Conditions That Benefit from an Emotional Support Animal

Depression
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Chronic stress
Attention deficit disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Learning disabilities
Emotional disorders

5 Tips to Ask Your Doctor for an ESA Letter

1. Schedule an appointment

Don’t go for a walk-in consultation. It’s best to call an LMHP and say that you need help before setting an appointment.

2. Discuss your symptoms

On the day of your consultation, honestly answer all the questions the LMHP will ask about the mental problems you’ve been experiencing. What you’ll say will determine if you’ll be clinically diagnosed with a mental condition.

3. Allow the LMHP to make recommendations first

It’s standard practice for LHMPs to prescribe medications and observe the progress of your treatment first. If your medications won’t work, they’ll suggest other therapy strategies. Listening to your mental healthcare provider before opening the idea of having an ESA will help them see that you’re doing your best to be better, and not using an ESA letter for your own gains.

4. Ask if owning an ESA brings positive results

When nothing works, say something in the tone of: “I’ve heard that having an animal helps in treating people like me. Do you think it would work?” Don’t be pushy about it. LMHPs are getting skeptical about the increasing demand for ESA letters.

5. Discuss having an ESA as an option

An LHMP will voice out their opinions and recommendations regarding ESAs as well as the pros and cons of having one. They’ll also ask if you feel better being around your pet or an animal. Like in #2, you must answer honestly. But be open to other suggestions your LHMP will give.

It may take a long time for a licensed mental health professional to give you an ESA letter. Be patient about it. ESAs are sometimes viewed in a negative light due to irresponsible pet owners using the label for their own benefit.

Know more about emotional support animals here!

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

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