Having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with mental or emotional disabilities. To legally qualify for certain accommodations, such as living in no-pet housing, a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional is essential. This letter serves as official documentation of your need for an ESA. Understanding the key components and proper format of an ESA letter can significantly increase your chances of approval. Below, we provide six sample letters to guide you.
The following samples demonstrate different scenarios and approaches to writing an ESA letter. Remember that each letter should be tailored to your individual circumstances and reflect your specific needs. It is crucial to consult with a qualified mental health professional who can assess your condition and provide an appropriate recommendation for an Emotional Support Animal. Using these sample letters as a foundation, you can collaborate with your therapist or psychiatrist to create a personalized and effective ESA letter.
Sample ESA Letters
Sample Letter 1: General ESA Recommendation
[Date]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a licensed mental health professional (License Number: [License Number]) and have been treating [Patient Name] since [Start Date]. After careful evaluation, I have determined that [Patient Name] has a mental or emotional disability, namely [Disability – Optional, if permitted by law].
Due to this disability, [Patient Name] benefits significantly from the presence of an Emotional Support Animal. The animal provides therapeutic support that alleviates symptoms associated with their condition. Therefore, I am recommending that [Patient Name] be allowed to keep their Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Type], named [Animal Name].
Sincerely,
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Housing Accommodation
[Date]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
To [Landlord/Housing Manager Name]:
I am a licensed mental health professional (License Number: [License Number]) and have been treating [Patient Name] since [Start Date]. I am writing to you on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name], who resides at [Patient Address] and requires an Emotional Support Animal for their well-being.
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Disability – Optional, if permitted by law] which substantially limits one or more major life activities. As part of their treatment plan, I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal. This animal provides emotional support and alleviates symptoms related to their disability, such as anxiety and depression. The animal is a [Animal Type], named [Animal Name].
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations, including the right to keep Emotional Support Animals, even in buildings with “no pets” policies. I am requesting that you waive any pet fees or restrictions for [Animal Name] to allow [Patient Name] to continue to benefit from its therapeutic support.
Please contact me if you require further information. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Focus on Specific Benefits
[Date]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is under my care as a patient. I am a licensed [Profession – e.g., Psychologist, Therapist, Psychiatrist] (License Number: [License Number]).
[Patient Name] suffers from [Disability – Optional, if permitted by law] which significantly impacts their ability to [Specific Life Activity – e.g., maintain stable relationships, engage in social activities, manage anxiety]. I have found that an Emotional Support Animal is a necessary component of their treatment plan.
Specifically, [Animal Name], a [Animal Type], helps [Patient Name] by [Specific Benefit 1 – e.g., reducing anxiety attacks], [Specific Benefit 2 – e.g., promoting a sense of calm and security], and [Specific Benefit 3 – e.g., facilitating social interaction]. These benefits are essential for [Patient Name]’s overall well-being and ability to function effectively in their daily life.
Therefore, I strongly recommend that [Patient Name] be permitted to keep [Animal Name] as their Emotional Support Animal.
Sincerely,
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Emphasis on Treatment Plan
[Date]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name]. I am a licensed [Profession – e.g., Psychologist, Therapist, Psychiatrist] (License Number: [License Number]) and have been providing mental health services to [Patient Name] since [Start Date].
[Patient Name] is currently being treated for [Disability – Optional, if permitted by law]. Their treatment plan includes [Therapy Type – e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy], medication management, and the use of an Emotional Support Animal.
The Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], a [Animal Type], plays a vital role in [Patient Name]’s treatment by [Specific Benefit 1 – e.g., providing a constant source of comfort], [Specific Benefit 2 – e.g., reducing feelings of isolation], and [Specific Benefit 3 – e.g., improving their ability to cope with stress]. Removing the Emotional Support Animal would significantly hinder [Patient Name]’s progress in therapy and negatively impact their overall mental health.
Therefore, I strongly support [Patient Name]’s need for an Emotional Support Animal and request that any necessary accommodations be made to ensure they can continue to benefit from its therapeutic presence.
Sincerely,
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Brief and Direct
[Date]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is a patient under my care. I am a licensed [Profession – e.g., Psychologist, Therapist, Psychiatrist] (License Number: [License Number]).
Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] has a qualifying mental health condition and benefits from the presence of an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], a [Animal Type].
Sincerely,
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Addressing Potential Concerns (Well-Behaved Animal)
[Date]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name], who I have been treating since [Start Date]. I am a licensed [Profession – e.g., Psychologist, Therapist, Psychiatrist] (License Number: [License Number]).
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Disability – Optional, if permitted by law] and requires the support of an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], a [Animal Type]. This animal provides significant therapeutic benefits that alleviate symptoms associated with their condition.
It is important to note that [Animal Name] is a well-behaved and trained animal. [Patient Name] is responsible for ensuring the animal’s proper care and conduct in all settings. We have addressed potential concerns regarding public behavior and have implemented strategies to ensure [Animal Name] remains calm and well-managed.
I request that you grant [Patient Name] the necessary accommodations to keep their Emotional Support Animal.
Sincerely,
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Licensed Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
These sample letters are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. The most effective ESA letter is one that is tailored to your specific situation and written by a licensed mental health professional familiar with your needs. Always consult with a qualified professional to determine if an Emotional Support Animal is right for you and to obtain a legitimate ESA letter.
