Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter Policy
This page outlines our practice’s standards for evaluating and issuing Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters. These guidelines ensure ethical, clinically appropriate, and legally compliant documentation that protects clients, animals, and housing providers.
What an ESA Letter Is
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a clinical document that verifies:
- The client has a mental health disability as defined under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
- The presence of an ESA helps alleviate one or more symptoms of that disability.
- The letter is written by a licensed mental health professional with an established therapeutic relationship.
An ESA is not a service animal and does not have public‑access rights.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for an ESA letter through this practice, clients must:
- Be an established client engaged in ongoing therapeutic work.
- Participate in a minimum of three sessions specifically focused on evaluating the clinical rationale for an ESA.
- Attend all three sessions with their animal present, so the practitioner can assess the animal’s behavior, temperament, and the therapeutic relationship between client and animal.
- Have a diagnosed mental health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
- Demonstrate that the ESA provides meaningful symptom relief or functional improvement.
Important:
If the only reason someone is seeking services is to obtain an ESA letter, this practice is not an appropriate fit. ESA evaluations are offered only within the context of an existing therapeutic relationship, not as a standalone service.
Required Clinical Relationship
My practice requires:
- A therapeutic relationship of sufficient duration to understand the client’s history, symptoms, and functional needs.
- A three‑session process with the client and animal present each time (virtual is ok).
- An in-depth clinical interview that may include diagnostic clarification, functional assessment, and discussion of risks and benefits.
I do not provide “same‑day,” “one‑session,” or “letter‑only” ESA evaluations.
What an ESA Letter Includes
If clinically appropriate, an ESA letter will contain:
- Practitioner’s name, credentials, license number, and state of licensure
- Date of issuance (letters are typically valid for 12 months)
- Confirmation that the client has a mental health disability
- A statement that the ESA helps alleviate symptoms related to that disability
- Practitioner’s contact information for verification (not for clinical consultation)
The letter will not:
- Disclose specific diagnoses unless the client requests it
- Identify the animal as “certified” or “registered”
- Guarantee housing approval
Legal Framework
ESA letters are governed primarily by:
- Fair Housing Act (FHA) – provides housing accommodations for ESAs
- Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) – state‑level housing protections
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – does not apply to ESAs
Clients should be aware that:
- Housing providers may request verification of the letter.
- Airlines generally do not recognize ESAs under current federal rules.
- Landlords may deny animals that pose safety, health, or property risks.
Ethical and Professional Boundaries
To protect clients and maintain ethical standards:
- ESA letters are issued only when clinically justified.
- No additional fees are charged beyond standard session costs.
- Direct communication with landlords requires a signed Release of Information.
- The practitioner may decline ESA documentation if it is outside scope, clinically inappropriate, or ethically concerning.
- Animals must be safe, well‑behaved, and appropriate for the client’s living situation.
Renewal Requirements
ESA letters typically require annual renewal. Renewals may involve:
- A follow‑up session
- Updated assessment of symptoms and functional needs
- Confirmation that the ESA continues to provide therapeutic benefi
Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for:
- Ensuring their ESA is safe, well‑behaved, and under control
- Understanding housing provider policies
- Providing accurate information during assessment
- Renewing letters as needed