An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can provide crucial comfort and support to individuals facing mental or emotional health challenges. A legitimate ESA letter is essential for legally housing your ESA, even in pet-restricted areas. It’s important to understand what constitutes a valid letter and how to obtain one ethically. This article offers sample letters and guidance, but remember that these are examples only; always consult with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) for a personalized assessment.
These sample ESA letters showcase various approaches to documenting the need for an ESA. Pay close attention to the key elements: the LMHP’s credentials, a clear statement of your diagnosis, and a direct explanation of how the ESA alleviates your symptoms. Remember that acquiring an ESA letter without proper evaluation is unethical and can be legally problematic. Always prioritize your mental health and work with a qualified professional to determine if an ESA is right for you. The following examples are for informational purposes only.
Disclaimer: These sample letters are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used as templates. A genuine ESA letter must be issued by a licensed mental health professional based on a thorough assessment of your individual needs. Attempting to use these samples without such an assessment could be illegal and unethical. These examples provide a reference for the language and elements typically included in a legitimate ESA letter. They should be used as a tool to understand what information an ESA letter contains, not a document to replicate.
A valid ESA letter should include specific details about your condition, the type of support the animal provides, and the mental health professional’s contact information. Be wary of online services that promise immediate ESA letters without a proper consultation. These are often scams and will not hold up legally. Focus on finding a reputable therapist or psychiatrist who can genuinely evaluate your need for an ESA and write a legitimate letter based on that assessment. The relationship between you and your LMHP is critical to the ESA process.
Sample Emotional Support Animal Letters
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Sample Letter 1: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is a current patient of mine and has been under my care since [Date]. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Clinical Social Worker] in the state of [State] (License # [License Number]). I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. Due to this condition, [Patient Name] experiences significant symptoms that substantially limit their ability to engage in major life activities.
I have determined that having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a necessary component of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The presence of their ESA, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], provides essential emotional support and alleviates symptoms of their condition. This animal helps to mitigate their anxiety and promotes a sense of calm and well-being. I believe that [Patient Name]’s ESA is crucial to their ongoing mental health and stability.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 2: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to verify that [Patient Name] is my patient. I am a licensed psychologist (License # [License Number]) in the state of [State]. I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date]. During the course of our treatment, I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis].
Based on my professional judgment, [Patient Name] has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as a necessary part of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The ESA, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], provides therapeutic support to [Patient Name], helping to reduce anxiety, alleviate depressive symptoms, and promote overall well-being.
Please contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 3: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name]. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in [State] with license number [License Number]. I have been providing counseling services to [Patient Name] since [Date].
During our sessions, it has become clear that [Patient Name] experiences significant emotional distress related to [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition impacts their ability to [List specific affected activities, e.g., sleep, focus, socialize].
I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an integral part of [Patient Name]’s therapeutic treatment. The presence of their ESA, [Animal’s Name], a [Type of Animal], offers comfort, reduces anxiety, and provides a sense of security. This support is essential for [Patient Name]’s ongoing emotional well-being and allows them to better manage their symptoms.
Please feel free to reach out if you require further clarification.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 4: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter serves as verification that [Patient Name] is under my care. I am a licensed psychiatrist in the state of [State] (License # [License Number]). I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis], which significantly affects their daily life.
I have determined that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a medically necessary part of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. Their ESA, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], provides essential companionship and reduces symptoms related to their condition. Specifically, the animal helps to alleviate [Specific Symptoms the Animal Helps With, e.g., panic attacks, social isolation].
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 5: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to you today to confirm that [Patient Name] is currently under my professional care. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of [State] (License # [License Number]), and I have been working with [Patient Name] since [Date].
During our sessions, I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition causes [Patient Name] to experience significant challenges in their daily life, specifically [Mention areas affected, such as work, relationships, or self-care].
I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as a critical component of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The ESA, named [Animal’s Name] and is a [Type of Animal], provides essential emotional support, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of calm. The animal’s presence significantly improves [Patient Name]’s ability to manage their symptoms and engage in daily activities.
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 6: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is currently a patient of mine. I am a [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Family Therapist] licensed in [State] (License # [License Number]). I have been providing mental health services to [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition substantially limits their ability to perform major life activities, specifically [List Activities Affected, e.g., maintaining social relationships, attending work/school].
I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a crucial part of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The animal, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], provides therapeutic benefits by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and offering a sense of security. I have determined that the ESA is essential for [Patient Name]’s ongoing emotional well-being.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 7: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name]. I am a [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Psychiatrist] licensed in [State] (License # [License Number]). I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis], which significantly impairs their ability to function effectively in various aspects of their life.
It is my professional opinion that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an essential component of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The presence of their ESA, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], offers significant therapeutic benefits by reducing anxiety, providing companionship, and promoting a sense of safety and security.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 8: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is a patient of mine. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of [State] (License # [License Number]). I have been providing mental health services to [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition substantially limits their ability to engage in major life activities.
Based on my clinical assessment, I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a necessary part of [Patient Name]’s treatment. Their ESA, [Animal’s Name], a [Type of Animal], provides crucial emotional support and helps alleviate symptoms associated with their condition.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 9: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to verify that [Patient Name] is a patient currently under my care. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in [State] with license number [License Number]. I have been working with [Patient Name] since [Date].
During our sessions, I have assessed [Patient Name] and diagnosed them with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition causes significant distress and impacts their ability to perform essential life functions effectively.
I have determined that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a beneficial part of [Patient Name]’s treatment strategy. The presence of their ESA, [Animal’s Name], a [Type of Animal], offers substantial comfort, reduces anxiety, and creates a sense of safety and predictability.
Please feel free to reach out should you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 10: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter serves as confirmation that [Patient Name] is a patient of mine. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in [State] with license number [License Number]. I have been providing mental health services to [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition substantially limits their capacity to perform daily tasks and engage in social activities.
I am of the opinion that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a key component of [Patient Name]’s comprehensive treatment plan. Their ESA, [Animal’s Name], a [Type of Animal], offers therapeutic benefits by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and promoting a sense of well-being and security. I have determined that the ESA is crucial for [Patient Name]’s emotional health.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 11: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my professional care. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in [State] with license number [License Number], and I have been working with [Patient Name] since [Date].
During our sessions, I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition causes [Patient Name] to experience significant challenges in their daily life and relationships.
I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as a vital component of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The ESA, named [Animal’s Name] and is a [Type of Animal], provides essential emotional support, reduces anxiety, and helps to foster a sense of stability and connection. The animal’s presence significantly improves [Patient Name]’s ability to manage their symptoms and engage more fully in their life.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 12: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to verify that [Patient Name] is currently a patient of mine. I am a [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Clinical Social Worker] licensed in [State] (License # [License Number]). I have been providing mental health services to [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition substantially limits their ability to function effectively in daily activities, particularly in [List Activities Affected, e.g., managing stress, sleeping, or maintaining focus].
I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a crucial part of [Patient Name]’s overall treatment. The animal, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], provides therapeutic benefits by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and offering a sense of security and companionship. I have determined that the ESA is essential for [Patient Name]’s ongoing emotional well-being.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 13: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name]. I am a [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Psychiatrist] licensed in [State] (License # [License Number]). I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis], which significantly impairs their ability to manage daily stressors and function effectively in various aspects of their life.
It is my professional opinion that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a vital component of [Patient Name]’s comprehensive treatment plan. The presence of their ESA, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], offers significant therapeutic benefits by reducing anxiety, providing companionship, and fostering a sense of safety and security. This allows them to better cope with their condition and improve their overall quality of life.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 14: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is currently a patient of mine. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of [State] (License # [License Number]). I have been providing mental health services to [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition substantially limits their ability to engage in major life activities, and their symptoms cause significant distress.
Based on my clinical assessment, I strongly believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a crucial and necessary part of [Patient Name]’s treatment regimen. Their ESA, [Animal’s Name], a [Type of Animal], provides essential emotional support and helps to alleviate the challenging symptoms associated with their condition.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or require further clarification.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 15: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to verify that [Patient Name] is a patient currently under my care. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in [State] with license number [License Number]. I have been working with [Patient Name] since [Date].
During our sessions, I have assessed [Patient Name] and diagnosed them with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition causes significant distress and impacts their ability to perform essential life functions effectively, contributing to a diminished quality of life.
I have determined that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a particularly beneficial component of [Patient Name]’s overall treatment strategy. The presence of their ESA, [Animal’s Name], a [Type of Animal], offers substantial comfort, reduces anxiety, and creates a much-needed sense of safety, predictability, and calm.
Please feel free to reach out should you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 16: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter serves as confirmation that [Patient Name] is a patient of mine. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in [State] with license number [License Number]. I have been providing mental health services to [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition substantially limits their capacity to perform daily tasks and engage effectively in social activities.
I am of the opinion that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an integral and essential component of [Patient Name]’s comprehensive treatment plan. Their ESA, [Animal’s Name], a [Type of Animal], offers therapeutic benefits by significantly reducing anxiety, improving mood, and promoting a general sense of well-being and security. I have determined that the ESA is crucial for [Patient Name]’s long-term emotional health and stability.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 17: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my professional care. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in [State] with license number [License Number], and I have been working with [Patient Name] since [Date].
During our sessions, I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition causes [Patient Name] to experience significant challenges in their daily life, including maintaining stable relationships and managing stress levels.
I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as a critical and vital component of [Patient Name]’s comprehensive treatment plan. The ESA, named [Animal’s Name] and is a [Type of Animal], provides essential emotional support, reduces anxiety, and helps to foster a deeper sense of stability and connection within their environment. The animal’s presence significantly enhances [Patient Name]’s overall ability to manage their challenging symptoms and engage more fully in their daily life activities.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 18: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to verify that [Patient Name] is currently a patient of mine and has been under my care for mental health treatment since [Date]. I am a [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Clinical Social Worker] licensed in [State] (License # [License Number]).
I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis]. This condition substantially limits [Patient Name]’s ability to function effectively in various settings, including their home and workplace, and it severely impacts their overall quality of life.
I strongly believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a crucial and necessary component of [Patient Name]’s comprehensive treatment plan. The animal, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], provides therapeutic benefits by reducing anxiety, improving their overall mood, and offering a constant source of companionship and a much-needed sense of security. I have determined that the presence of the ESA is essential for [Patient Name]’s ongoing emotional well-being, helping them to manage their symptoms more effectively and live a fuller, more rewarding life.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further clarification regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information] -
Sample Letter 19: [Date]
[Name of Landlord/Housing Authority]
[Address of Landlord/Housing Authority]RE: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name], to confirm their need for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). I am a [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Psychiatrist] licensed in [State] (License # [License Number]), and I have been providing mental health care to [Patient Name] since [Date].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental Health Diagnosis], which has a significant impact on their ability to perform daily tasks, maintain stable relationships, and function optimally in various aspects of their life. This condition causes considerable emotional distress and negatively affects their overall well-being.
It is my professional opinion, based on my clinical assessment and ongoing treatment of [Patient Name], that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an essential and beneficial component of their comprehensive treatment plan. The presence of their ESA, a [Type of Animal] named [Animal’s Name], offers substantial therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing anxiety, providing consistent companionship, and fostering a profound sense of safety, security, and emotional stability. These factors are critical in helping [Patient Name] effectively manage their challenging symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Please feel free to contact me should you require any further information or have any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Title]
[Contact Information]
In conclusion, obtaining a legitimate ESA letter requires a genuine assessment by a qualified mental health professional. The sample letters provided demonstrate key elements of a valid letter, but should not be used as templates. Prioritize your mental health and follow ethical and legal pathways when seeking an ESA. Remember to always consult with a licensed mental health professional for personalized guidance.
