Emotional support animals have become a popular aid for those suffering from mental health issues. These lovable companions can turn a challenging, stressful day into something far more manageable, and the benefit of fuzzy friends is becoming increasingly established in society. Unfortunately, many who want an ESA have no idea how to obtain the legal documentation.
If you are one of the countless people scratching your head about how to get an ESA letter, it is a good thing you landed on our page first. Several scams and sketchy ESA websites online will happily take your credit card information, whether they plan to send you an ESA letter or not.
To prevent people from being ripped off by digital con artists and ensure that those in need have access to all the available tools, we will be covering who can write an ESA letter. Stay tuned to learn who you need to contact, how to avoid ESA letter scams, and what qualifies a person for an emotional support animal.
Who Can Write An ESA Letter
Any licensed mental health professional (LMHP), such as a therapist or psychologist, can write an emotional support animal (ESA) letter. However, some states may have unique requirements for who can write an ESA letter.
When considering how to get an ESA letter, you will need to find a local licensed professional or use a digital service that allows you to get in touch with an LMHP. If you go to one person and they do not give you an ESA letter, feel free to get a second opinion. Not everyone will see the merits of an ESA, while others will be much more open to prescribing one.
ESA Scams to Look Out For
Unfortunately, if there is a way to get people’s financial information online, scammers will take advantage of it. ESA letters are one of the more recent avenues scammers have used to rip people off. In some cases, they will give you a fake letter. In others, they will take your financial information and potentially steal your identity.
Always verify that the medical professionals are credible through search engines and sites like LinkedIn. Similarly, it is worth checking with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company is legitimate.
What Makes Someone Eligible For An ESA
While previous years have had much more relaxed requirements on who can get an ESA, things have taken a more rigid turn in recent times. Due to an increase in people using ESAs to bypass public barriers and get their pets into places they are not allowed, requirements have become stricter.
The following are some (but not all) of the mental afflictions that qualify someone for an ESA:
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
- Several phobias
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD
- ADHD
- Similar mental illnesses
If you do not have any of the listed mental illnesses but still think you can benefit from an ESA, it is encouraged to reach out to a licensed mental health professional. They will not only assist you in getting the help you need, but they can also determine whether an ESA would benefit your life long-term.
The Long and Short of ESA Letters
An emotional support animal is a great tool to aid those experiencing a stretch of hard luck. They can help folks with social anxiety work out of their shell and can make the mental downpours a bit sunnier for those struggling with depression. If you want to get your pet licensed as an ESA, you will need to get a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Because of the number of fraudulent websites online, you must verify the therapists, psychologists, and companies you rely on through the internet. If you are concerned about whether or not you qualify for an ESA letter, refer back to the list of mental health afflictions that qualify you for an emotional support animal.
Also Read: Improving Mental Health Access with Tech
