An emotional support animal (ESA), also known as an assistance or support animal, is a companion animal that a medical professional determines provides benefits for individuals with mental health conditions or emotional disorders. These animals, most commonly dogs but sometimes cats or other species, offer support to individuals with verifiable psychological disabilities that significantly impact major life activities, such as anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or panic attacks. Emotional support animals are distinct from service animals.
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Many people are unaware that they may qualify for a service animal or emotional support animal and that a physician’s prescription is no longer required. According to Dr. Aditya in Riseup Psychiatry, federal laws take precedence over state laws regarding service animals. By law, individuals are permitted to train their own emotional support dog, and there is no requirement to have a visible physical disability to qualify. Emotional support animals are not legally required to undergo specific training.
Definitely, the ultimate decision on whether you qualify for an emotional support animal (ESA) should come from a licensed mental health professional. However, you can check now to see if you meet the basic criteria for an ESA. Stop paying $500–$1000 a year in pet deposits and ensure you can keep your pet with you wherever you choose to live. With our ESA letter, these fees are waived! Without it, you could end up paying around $200 per flight. Take your pet with you comfortably and hassle-free—this letter makes it completely free. Imagine the savings!
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You may qualify if you experience one or more of the following conditions:
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Depression
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Panic disorders
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Anxiety
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Cognitive disorders
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Learning disorders
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ADHD
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Autism
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Sleep problems
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Federal law prohibits discrimination based on breed, size, training level, or age of any emotional support or service animal. Individuals with service animals must be granted access to all public accommodations and should never be forced to separate from their pet.
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Want to get your emotional support animal letter in Bloomington? Contact us today at Riseup Psychiatry!
