What Is ESA Certification?

"ESA certification" typically refers to the process of obtaining a letter from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, stating that an individual has a mental health condition and that an emotional support animal (ESA) is part of their treatment plan. This letter is often called an ESA letter or emotional support animal letter.

The ESA certification process typically involves the following steps:

Evaluation by a Mental Health Professional: The individual seeking an emotional support animal must have a consultation with a licensed mental health professional. During this evaluation, the mental health professional assesses the person's mental health condition and determines whether having an emotional support animal could be beneficial as part of their treatment.

Issuance of an ESA Letter: If the mental health professional believes that an emotional support animal would be beneficial for the individual's mental health, they provide an ESA letter. This letter will include information about the person's condition, the therapeutic role of the animal, and a recommendation for reasonable accommodation, such as allowing the animal in housing with a "no pets" policy or on an airplane.

Use of the ESA Letter: The ESA letter can be presented to housing providers, landlords, and airlines to request accommodation for the emotional support animal. Under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, individuals with a valid ESA letter have certain rights to live with and travel with their emotional support animals.

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