Emotional Support Animal Letters
What Is an Emotional Support Animal Letter?
An Emotional Support Animal Letter (sometimes called an ESA evaluation, ESA letter, or prescription letter) is:
- A written document prepared by a licensed mental health professional
- Based on a clinical assessment of your mental health needs
- A statement that your dog is recommended as part of your treatment because of the emotional support they provide
This letter does not “turn your dog into a service animal,” and it is not a certificate you can buy online without a proper evaluation. It is a professional, clinical recommendation grounded in your actual mental health needs.
While dogs are the most common emotional support animals, in some cases we may also discuss other emotional support animals when clinically appropriate.
How an ESA Letter Can Help
Depending on your specific situation and applicable laws, an ESA letter may:
Support housing requests
In many cases, people with a qualifying mental health condition may request a reasonable accommodation to live with an emotional support animal—even in housing that normally does not allow pets or charges pet fees, as long as certain criteria are met and the request is reasonable for that setting.
Document your need for emotional support
Having a letter from a licensed mental health professional can help explain your situation to landlords, housing providers, or other relevant parties.
It is important to understand that policies vary by setting, and no letter can guarantee approval in every situation. We are happy to discuss what is realistic and appropriate for your circumstances.
How the ESA Evaluation Process Works
Initial Contact
- You reach out to our office and mention you’re interested in an ESA evaluation.
- We provide basic information about the process, fees, and appointment scheduling.
Clinical Assessment
- You meet with a licensed mental health professional (online or in-person, depending on availability).
- We review your mental health history, current concerns, and how your dog supports your wellbeing.
Clinical Decision
- We determine whether an ESA letter is clinically appropriate based on your needs, relevant guidelines, and ethical standards.
- If approved, we prepare the ESA letter with the necessary information.
Follow-Up (As Needed)
- We may update or clarify the letter for specific housing requests when appropriate.
- We can also continue working with you in therapy to support your broader mental health goals.
Our Approach to ESA Evaluations
We take ESA letters seriously. Our responsibility is both to you and to the integrity of the evaluation process. We don’t provide “instant” ESA letters without a meaningful assessment. Our goal is to offer a respectful, compassionate experience—guided by Christian values like honesty, care, and integrity—while keeping the evaluation clinically sound.
Our approach includes:
- A clinical evaluation of your mental health history, current symptoms, and how they impact daily functioning
- A conversation about how your dog supports you, including the specific ways your symptoms are helped or eased
- Reviewing your current treatment plan and how an ESA fits into your overall care and stability
- Determining whether an ESA letter is clinically appropriate and ethically justified, based on your needs and professional standards
If an ESA letter is not clinically indicated, we’ll talk through alternative supports and treatment options that may be more helpful for your situation. Our aim is to help you move forward with clarity, care, and practical next steps.
Is Your Dog a Good Fit as an Emotional Support Animal?
Not every animal is a good fit to serve as an ESA. For emotional support to be safe and sustainable, your dog should generally be:
- Friendly and non-aggressive toward people and other animals
- Manageable in public spaces (on leash, in shared areas, etc.)
- Able to live peacefully in your housing environment
- A genuine source of comfort, stability, or motivation for you
During the evaluation, we may talk about your dog’s temperament and how they fit into your daily life.
What an ESA Letter Does Not Do
It’s also important to be clear about the limits of an ESA letter:
- It does not make your dog a service animal or grant the same public access rights as service dogs (for example, under the ADA).
- It does not guarantee acceptance in every housing or other setting; each provider may have its own process within legal guidelines.
- It does not replace the need for ongoing mental health treatment and support.
We will always be transparent about what an ESA letter can and cannot do so that you are not misled by unrealistic promises.