Therapist won’t write esa letter: What to Do?

An emotional support animal (ESA) can be a huge comfort for people dealing with many mental health issues. These animals help with symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.

To get certain legal rights like housing accommodations without having to pay pet rent, you need an ESA letter along with ESA certification and Emotional Support Animal Registration. But what if your therapist won’t write an ESA letter? Let’s find out why and how you can get a valid ESA letter.

What Is an ESA Letter?

An ESA letter is a letter written by a licensed therapist or a licensed mental health professional. It says the person requesting the letter has a legitimate mental health condition that is helped by the presence of an emotional support animal. The letter is for many legal protections, including housing under the Fair Housing Act which allows people with ESAs to live with their pets in places that may not allow animals.

Why Therapist Won’t Write ESA Letter

Many people find themselves in a situation where their therapist won’t write ESA letters. While frustrating, here are the reasons why:

• Ethical concerns: Some therapists think people might misuse ESA letters to avoid paying extra for pets in rental properties. These therapists don’t feel comfortable writing letters unless they are sure the person really needs the emotional support.
• Unfamiliarity with ESA rules: Some therapists may not be aware of the legal requirements of writing ESA letters so they avoid writing one.
• Practice restrictions: Some licensed therapists work for clinics or organizations that don’t allow them to write ESA letters due to liability issues.

What to Do if Your Therapist Won’t Write ESA Letter

If your therapist won’t write you an ESA letter, here’s what you can do to get the documentation you need.

1. Talk to your Therapist

First talk to your therapist. Explain how the animal helps with your condition and ask them to reconsider. Many therapists are hesitant to write ESA letters because of potential misuse so your honesty and detailed explanation may change their mind.

2. Get a Licensed Mental Health Professional who Specializes in ESA Letters

If your therapist still refuses, you may need to find another licensed mental health professional who is more familiar with ESA rules. There are licensed psychologists and other professionals who write ESA letters and understand the therapeutic benefits of these animals.

3. Get an ESA Letter Online

You can also get an ESA letter online. Some services connect you with a licensed mental health professional who can evaluate your condition via telehealth and if appropriate provide you with a legitimate ESA letter. Make sure you use a reputable service that follows the Fair Housing Act and local laws as some online services offer fake letters that won’t hold up in court.

Ethical Dilemma: Should Therapists Write ESA Letters?

There is a debate whether therapists should write ESA letters. On one hand these animals provide huge emotional support and therapeutic benefits to people with mental health conditions. On the other hand many therapists are concerned about misuse and feel that ESA letters should only be written after a thorough evaluation.

Can a Psychiatrist Refuse to Write ESA Letter?

Yes, like therapists, a psychiatrist can refuse to write an ESA letter if they don’t feel it’s clinically appropriate. The decision to write an ESA letter is up to the licensed professional, whether it’s a therapist, psychiatrist or licensed psychologist.

Fair Housing Act

One of the biggest benefits of an ESA letter is the protection it provides under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA prohibits landlords from denying housing to individuals with disabilities including those who have an ESA. Landlords can’t charge extra pet rent or deposits for an ESA. But this only applies if you have a valid ESA letter.

Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Animals

Note the difference between service animals and emotional support animals (ESA). Service animals like a guide dog are trained to assist with physical disabilities while ESAs provide emotional support but don’t require the same level of training. But an ESA must be prescribed by a licensed therapist to be legal.

Getting a Legitimate ESA Letter Provider

If your therapist won’t write an ESA letter, make sure to get a legitimate ESA letter provider. Whether in person or online the person writing your letter should be a licensed mental health professional and the letter should follow all ESA rules and regulations. Not getting a legitimate letter can cause problems especially when dealing with landlords or airlines.

How an ESA Letter is Written

The process of writing ESA letters involves evaluating the individual’s mental health condition and determining if an ESA would provide emotional support that improves their quality of life. The licensed therapist must assess your need for emotional support and the role the animal plays in your treatment. Once deemed appropriate the therapist will write the ESA letter, detailing the mental health condition and how the specific animal helps.

What to Do If You Can’t Get an ESA Letter

If you can’t get a letter from your therapist or another licensed mental health professional, there are other options. Consider other forms of treatment like medication, therapy or group support that may help you manage your symptoms without an emotional support animal.

Conclusion

It’s frustrating when your therapist won’t write an ESA letter but you still have options. You can see another licensed therapist or get a legitimate ESA letter online. Just make sure whoever writes your letter is properly credentialed to avoid legal issues. Having a valid ESA letter means your rights are protected under the Fair Housing Act and other laws.

FAQs

1. What if my therapist won’t write me an ESA letter?

   If your therapist won’t write an ESA letter, talk to them or see another licensed therapist who specializes in ESA evaluations.

2. Can a therapist refuse to write a letter?

   Yes, therapists don’t have to write an ESA letter if they don’t think it’s clinically justified.

3. Should therapists write letters for emotional support animals?

   It’s up to the therapist’s discretion and evaluation of the patient’s need for an ESA.

4. Can a psychiatrist refuse to write a letter?

   Yes, just like therapists, psychiatrists can refuse based on clinical opinion.

References

• Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)
• California Assistance Animal Laws (Code Civ. Proc. § 1179.04)