If you need an ESA letter, it is essential that you seek out a reputable, licensed provider. There are many scams out there, and beware of service providers that promise you a letter without a mental health assessment. A professional will make the assessment and provide you with the appropriate documentation to prove your need for a service animal.
Who Can Prescribe an Emotional Support Animal?
Your doctor may discuss the possibility of a service animal, and may ask if you would benefit from it. However, your doctor may not be a licensed mental health practitioner, so you should ask a licensed LMHP who is familiar with the process. The LMHP will analyze your mental health, and will be able to provide an ESA letter for you.
To get an ESA letter, you must first have a physician’s note stating that the animal will help you cope with your condition. Doctors are generally reluctant to write letters unless you can provide proof of your mental health. For this reason, it is not advised to ask your physician for a note unless you are certain that you are suffering from a mental illness or have an underlying physical health condition.
You should be aware that the letter needs to be signed by a licensed mental health professional. A licensed psychologist or therapist can write a letter that explains your need who can prescribe an emotional support animal. However, you should make sure that the therapist has a valid license. Invalid letters will not be accepted.
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