An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides comfort, emotional stability, and therapeutic benefit to individuals experiencing mental-health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, or other emotional conditions.

Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. Their primary role is to offer companionship and reduce the impact of emotional or psychological symptoms. ESAs can be any domesticated animal, and eligibility for an ESA letter must be determined by a mental-health professional through a clinical evaluation.

An ESA may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental-health concerns. An ESA evaluation ensures that:

• The animal is clinically appropriate for your needs.

• The request is legitimate and aligns with established mental-health guidelines.

• Documentation is provided ethically and responsibly.

ESA evaluations are conducted by a mental-health professional and typically take one session. However, in some cases the session may be longer if additional assessment, history, or documentation is required.

During the evaluation, the clinician will determine whether an ESA is clinically indicated based on your mental-health needs and current symptoms.

A licensed professional counselor is typically able to inform you at the end of the evaluation whether you meet the criteria for an ESA letter and provide any related clinical recommendations. However, if your evaluation is conducted by a clinician who is not yet fully licensed, they must first consult with their supervising provider before determining whether an ESA letter is clinically appropriate.

The ESA evaluation fee is $150. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the evaluation or whether an ESA letter is issued.

An ESA letter is not guaranteed, even if you attend and complete the evaluation. The decision is based solely on clinical judgment and eligibility criteria.

If you are determined to be eligible for an ESA letter, please allow 7–10 business days for the letter to be prepared and finalized.

ESA letters typically expire one year from the date they are issued. A new evaluation may be required for renewal.

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