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Autonomy Counseling Emotional Support Animal Assessment

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Assessment - Established Clients. (Autonomy Counseling cannot write letters for non-clients; we establish a client for at least 2-3 sessions.) 

Who is an ESA for?

Individuals who have an emotional or mental disability can qualify for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). To qualify, the individual must have an emotional or mental disability/diagnosis certified by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or any other mental health expert (LMFT, LMHC, LPC, LP, or LCSW).   Mental health professionals prescribe ESAs to provide comfort and support, but unlike service animals, they do not require training in specific tasks. To be afforded protection under United States federal law, a person must meet the federal definition of disability and must have a note from a medical/mental health professional stating that the person has that disability and that the emotional support animal provides a benefit for the individual with the disability. An animal does not need specific training to become an emotional support animal.

What is the cost?

A Mental Health Assessment is used to determine qualification for an Emotional Support Animal. The package for those who wish to pay out of pocket includes 2 sessions, a review of results, and documentation letter to the entity listed in the release form, if applicable. The total self-pay rate for the package is $399. Most landlords, employers, airlines, etc., prefer a letter dated within six months to 1 year. Therefore, an updated letter may be necessary after that time or at any time a new entity requires a letter. We write ESA letters to the requesting entity directly, not the client. The self pay rate for this service is $99.

What if I live in a college dorm? 

On April 25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development notified its regional offices that public universities must comply with the Fair Housing Act, which includes allowing emotional support animals into college dormitories and residence halls. As of 2015, colleges in the United States are trying to accommodate students with a documented need for emotional support animals. We work with universities to best accommodate a student requiring an ESA. Many universities have their own documentation/forms to be completed by the professional.

Do you have to see the animal(s)? 

We do not assess the animal(s), nor do we guarantee animal behavior in any way. ESAs are not registered service animals (e.g., guide dogs). Instead, they provide emotional support. Different animals can provide different emotional support. For example, one animal may provide protection and safety while another may give a sense of calm and nurturing to ease anxiety/sense of abandonment, etc. We do not guarantee nor assess the temperament of any ESA or animal. Animals designated as ESAs must not have a bite history or temperament issues.   Upon verification, through the face-to-face assessment process, we will provide a letter stating whether a client qualifies. The animal has no registry or ESA registration number; the ESA is prescribed to the patient with a qualifying disability as allowed under the Americans with Disability Act, The Fair Housing Act, the Air Carrier Access Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

​Do I Qualify? 

If you are suffering from anxiety, depression, fear of flying, phobias, compulsive behaviors, PTSD, military trauma, or any of many other qualifying disorders and feel that you would benefit from a prescribed Emotional Support Animal.

How to get started? 

Send us an email requesting an ESA package. We will send you a link to register with our Electronic Health Record (EHR). On there, you can upload any relevant medical history form, current medications, psychotherapy history, current mental health diagnosis paperwork, along with relevant health information on the ESA (shots, spay/neuter records, training, health records/temperament records). Links to the relevant assessments will be given with the face-to-face clinical interview and mental health evaluation.

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