Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Assessment & Letter Service
If you're exploring whether an Emotional Support Animal might be part of your mental health support plan, I’m here to help. I provide ESA assessments for clients who may benefit from the presence of an animal in coping with emotional or psychological challenges. This service is designed to meet California's legal standards while offering compassionate, clinically grounded care.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a domesticated animal that provides therapeutic comfort to individuals experiencing emotional or mental health challenges. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Instead, their calming presence alone can help reduce symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma.
While ESAs must not pose a threat to public health or safety, this does not mean they are granted public access rights. Emotional Support Animals are not permitted in public spaces where pets are typically prohibited, such as restaurants, stores, or public transit, unless explicitly allowed by the property owner.
ESAs can include a variety of species, most commonly dogs or cats, but also rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and others. The determining factor is not the type of animal, but the emotional support it provides, which is not a trained task or service.
Not a Service Animal: Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which grants them public access rights (e.g., restaurants, stores, public transportation).
No Public Access Rights: ESAs are not permitted in public spaces that don’t allow pets, such as restaurants or non-pet housing without a letter.
No Flight Access: Due to recent changes in airline regulations, U.S. carriers no longer accept ESAs as service animals. They may be treated as pets and subject to airline pet policies and fees.
What an ESA Is Not:
Relevant Laws:
California State Law (AB-468):
As of January 2022, California law requires:The provider must have a valid license to practice in California.
The client must be under the provider’s care for at least 30 days.
A clinical assessment must be completed before writing an ESA letter.
Fair Housing Act (FHA):
The FHA allows individuals with valid ESA letters to request reasonable accommodation in housing, including pet-free properties or college/university residence halls.Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
The ADA grants public access protections only to service animals. ESAs are not covered under this act and are not granted access to public spaces.
ESA letters may be clinically appropriate for individuals experiencing:
Chronic anxiety or panic attacks
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Complex trauma
Mood disorders
Difficulty with daily functioning due to emotional or mental health conditions
Who Might Benefit from an ESA:
How the ESA Assessment Works
This is a clinical process. It is not a guarantee of letter issuance.
1. Intake & Rapport: You’ll begin with an intake session where we explore your history, mental health needs, and goals.
2. Clinical Assessment: Over the course of four sessions (spaced across 30 days), we will assess:
Your current symptoms and diagnostic criteria
Functional impairments related to your mental health
How an ESA may or may not provide emotional support in your specific case
3. Legal & Ethical Review: We will also discuss the legal responsibilities and limitations of having an ESA, including:
Where ESAs are legally permitted
Misuse of ESA documentation
Appropriate behavior and care expectations for animals
4. Letter Issuance: If, after assessment, it is clinically appropriate, a letter will be issued that:
Is written in accordance with CA AB-468, FHA, and federal guidelines
States that the client is under my care and meets criteria for needing an ESA
Can be used to request reasonable accommodation in housing (including campus housing)
Who Can Write an ESA Letter:
ESA letters must be written by a licensed mental health provider who:
Holds an active license in the state where the client resides (California, in this case)
Has had an ongoing therapeutic relationship with the client for at least 30 days
My Approach
As a licensed therapist (LMFT) with experience in trauma-informed and attachment-based therapy, I approach ESA assessments with thoughtful clinical care. I also live with a service dog for my own medical disability and understand firsthand how meaningful the bond between humans and animals can be. I am familiar with the ADA, FHA, and the nuances of animal accommodation law. This personal and professional insight informs the work we will do together.
A Note on Misuse and Integrity
Misrepresenting a pet as an ESA, or using a letter outside of its intended purpose, can lead to legal consequences and undermines the rights of individuals who rely on these protections. This service is offered with care, ethics, and legal compliance.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Assessment Package
Investment: $800
Includes four 60-minute therapy sessions over a minimum of 30 days, in compliance with California state law (AB-468).
Comprehensive evaluation of your mental health needs and the potential benefit of an Emotional Support Animal
If clinically appropriate, provision of an ESA letter compliant with California and federal laws
Please Note: Participation in this package does not guarantee the issuance of an ESA letter. The determination will be made based on clinical assessment. Additional sessions may be necessary if further evaluation is required.
Sessions are offered via a secure telehealth platform for adults located in California. At this time, I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance, though superbills can be provided for potential reimbursement at your request. If this is something you may be interested in, please call your insurance in advance to confirm that super bills can be accepted as it is different per plan.
Ready to Begin?
Schedule Your Initial ESA Assessment Today
Choosing a therapist is a big decision. I offer a complimentary 20-minute video consultation so we can explore whether we’re a good fit on your behalf.
Have questions about weekly therapy sessions or working with me? Reach out below to schedule a free consultation or ask questions. We'll explore if this is the right next step for your healing.
