Emotional Support Animal
(ESA) Letters
Professional Emotional Support Animal evaluations and letters are provided by a licensed therapist when an animal plays an important role in supporting your emotional well-being. An emotional support animal is not the same as a service animal, which requires specialized training to assist in trained services.
When your animal is part of your emotional support
To most people, pets are not just companions. They offer solace in hard times, alleviate the sense of loneliness, and contribute to creating a sense of stability in daily life.
Sometimes, housing providers or other institutions might request documentation confirming that your animal serves as an Emotional Support Animal. In these circumstances, an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional might be required.
I provide Emotional Support Animal assessments and letters to individuals who rely on their animals as a source of emotional support. In one or two sessions, we can discuss your condition and decide whether you need an ESA letter.
You can begin by scheduling a 15-minute free consultation to discuss your needs.
Does this sound familiar?
You may be considering an ESA letter if:
- Your apartment or housing provider requires an ESA letter to allow your pet
- Your home has restrictions on animal breeds
- Your pet plays an important role in helping you manage emotional and mental stress
- You would like to waive your pet deposit fee and pet rent
- You want legitimate documentation from a licensed professional
Why an ESA Letter May Help
An Emotional Support Animal letter provides documentation that your pet plays an important role in supporting your emotional well-being. This documentation can help individuals maintain housing accommodations that allow them to live with their animal.
How I help my clients
Animals can provide powerful emotional support, especially during periods of stress, anxiety, or loneliness. When that connection plays a meaningful role in your well-being, it deserves thoughtful consideration.
During our sessions, we talk about your emotional needs and the role your pet plays in supporting you with your mental health. If appropriate, I can provide an Emotional Support Animal letter confirming that your animal supports your mental or emotional well-being.
For individuals who are not current clients, ESA letters are typically provided after one session. Clients may use their insurance to cover the therapy session fee. However, there is an additional $100 documentation fee for the letter. If you want to pay out of pocket, it’s $200 for the session and letter. Letters can include up to 3 animals, with additional fees for each additional animal. Types of pets I offer letters for are: Dogs, cats, birds, turtles, hamsters/guinea pigs.
ESA letters are written by licensed professionals and can allow your animal to live with you in your home or apartment, often helping waive pet deposits or monthly pet rent. It’s also important to understand that ESA letters are different from service animal certifications, which require specialized training.
What to expect
Understanding your situation
We begin by talking about your current living situation and the role your animal plays in supporting your emotional and mental well-being.
Evaluating your needs
During our sessions, we explore whether an Emotional Support Animal letter is appropriate and helpful for your situation.
Providing documentation
If an ESA letter is appropriate, it can be provided after the required sessions, along with the documentation fee.
How I work
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15-Minute free consultation
We begin with a brief consultation where you can explain your situation and ask any questions you may have about ESA letters.
First appointment
In the first session, we talk about your emotional well-being and the role your animal plays in supporting you.
Follow-up session
If needed, a second session may be scheduled before documentation is provided.
Signs of meaningful progress
Feeling emotionally comforted by the presence of your animal
Wanting documentation that allows your pet to remain in your home
Feeling uncertain about housing requirements related to pets
Seeking professional guidance about ESA documentation
Wanting to ensure your support system remains intact
Client experiences
Frequently asked questions
Do ESA letters need to come from a licensed therapist?
Yes. Emotional Support Animal letters must be written by a licensed mental health professional.
Do you provide in-person sessions?
No, I am virtual only, which allows me to see anybody in the entire state of Texas. I use a secure HIPAA-compliant EHR platform called Simple Practice for our video calls.
Can I receive an ESA letter if I am not already a client?
Yes. New clients can receive ESA letters after one or two evaluation sessions, even if you already have a therapist who does not offer these letters. These are typically completed in a single session, with letters issued within 1–2 business days.
How many animals can be included in the letter?
Letters can include up to three animals. Additional animals may require an additional fee.
Is there a fee for the ESA documentation?
Yes. There is a $100 documentation fee once the evaluation process is complete. This is not the same as your session fee. However, you can use your insurance to cover your session fee and you are only responsible for your copay. If you want to do private pay, my private pay fee is $200 total. Example with Insurance: $30 copay(whatever your copay is) + $100 documentation fee. Example without insurance: $200 private pay fee.
Will the letter allow my animal to live with me in my apartment?
In many cases, ESA documentation allows individuals to keep their animals in housing that normally restricts pets. This should also waive any monthly pet rent associated with housing your animal.
What if my apartment requires additional third-party verification after I provide the ESA letter?
Sometimes, an apartment complex or landlord may want to verify the validity of your letter. If you share my contact information with them, I can confirm its authenticity, provided I have a signed release-of-information consent form on file.
How long is my ESA letter valid for?
Your ESA letter is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
Can I take my animal with me to other places, such as stores, restaurants, etc?
No, the ESA letter does not allow your pet to go anywhere with you, as only Service animals cannot be prohibited from entry in public and private spaces. This ESA letter is specifically written for housing purposes.
Is an Emotional Support Animal the same as a service animal?
No. Service animals require specialized training and certification, while Emotional Support Animals provide comfort and support without formal training.
How long does the process usually take?
Most ESA letters are completed after one or two sessions, depending on the evaluation process. Typically, these can be done within one session, and the letters are provided within 1-2 business days.
Does an ESA letter cover any damage caused by my Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA letter does not cover any damage to the housing or dwelling caused by your animal(s). You are solely responsible for any damage your animal causes to the property or to others.
Ready when you are
“Reaching out takes courage, and you’ve already taken the first step by looking for help.”
You don’t need to have everything figured out. This is simply the next step toward getting support that’s thoughtful, respectful, and grounded in real work. If you’re ready, we’ll begin with a free 15-minute consultation to talk about what you’re looking for and how I can help.
You don’t have to do this alone.