ESA Documentation Policy
Eligibility Criteria
ESA letters may be considered only for clients who:
– Are engaged in an ongoing therapeutic relationship with one of our licensed mental health professionals.
– Have been diagnosed with a mental or emotional disability, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
– Demonstrate a clinical need for the support of an emotional support animal as part of their therapeutic treatment.
We do not issue ESA letters based solely on a one-time assessment or evaluation.
Federal Law Compliance
ESA letters may be provided in accordance with:
– The Fair Housing Act (FHA), which protects individuals with documented disabilities from housing discrimination and may require landlords to accommodate ESAs, even in no-pet housing.
– The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which formerly allowed ESAs on flights. As of January 2021, airlines are no longer required to recognize ESAs as service animals and may treat them as pets.
ESA letters issued by our clinicians are intended only for housing-related accommodations and do not qualify the animal as a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Assessment and Documentation Process
– Clients must participate in a minimum of [Insert Number] therapy sessions for evaluation and diagnostic purposes.
– A clinical assessment will determine the necessity of an ESA.
– If appropriate, a letter will be issued describing the therapeutic benefit of the ESA and its connection to the client’s diagnosis and treatment.
Fees and Validity
– A non-refundable administrative fee of $[Insert Fee] will be charged for preparing an ESA letter. This fee is not covered by insurance.
– Letters are valid for 12 months and may be renewed upon reevaluation.
Limitations
– Letters are issued only for therapeutic purposes and not for travel or leisure use.
– Clinicians reserve the right to decline ESA letter requests if deemed clinically inappropriate or legally non-compliant.
Contact Note
For questions or to initiate the ESA assessment process, please speak with your assigned clinician directly.
