What is an ESA Letter and Who Needs One?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) provides comfort and support to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. However, their presence can significantly alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. An ESA letter, written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), is the official documentation recognizing this therapeutic need. This letter typically allows the ESA to live with its owner, even in housing with “no pets” policies, as protected by certain fair housing laws. It is crucial to understand the legal limitations and responsibilities associated with ESAs and their housing.
Key Elements of a Valid ESA Letter
A legitimate ESA letter must be written on the LMHP’s official letterhead and include their license information, contact details, and the date. The letter should clearly state that the individual has a disability (emotional or mental) and that the presence of the ESA is necessary for their mental health and well-being. It should avoid making overly broad claims or guarantees of specific privileges. Furthermore, the LMHP must have an established therapeutic relationship with the individual seeking the ESA letter. Online services offering instant ESA letters without proper assessment are often scams and lack legal validity. Remember to verify the credentials of any mental health professional providing ESA documentation.
Sample ESA Letters: 13 Examples
Sample 1: General ESA Letter
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a licensed mental health professional, and [Patient Name] has been under my care since [Start Date]. Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] has a mental health disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. I have determined that the presence of an emotional support animal is necessary for [Patient Name]’s mental health and well-being. The animal provides a significant source of comfort and support, which alleviates symptoms associated with their condition.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 2: ESA Letter for Anxiety
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is currently under my care for anxiety disorder. As a result of this condition, [Patient Name] experiences significant anxiety that impacts their daily life and ability to function in certain environments. I have prescribed an emotional support animal to help alleviate these symptoms. The presence of the ESA provides [Patient Name] with a sense of calm and security, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 3: ESA Letter for Depression
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to verify that [Patient Name] is a patient under my care, and I have diagnosed them with depression. Their condition significantly impacts their mood, energy levels, and ability to engage in daily activities. I have determined that an emotional support animal (ESA) is an integral part of their treatment plan, providing emotional support and companionship that alleviates symptoms of depression and promotes overall well-being. The ESA offers a constant source of comfort and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 4: ESA Letter for PTSD
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my professional care and has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD significantly impact their daily life and functioning. As part of their treatment plan, I have recommended an emotional support animal to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and mitigate the effects of traumatic memories. The ESA provides a sense of safety and security, which helps [Patient Name] manage their PTSD symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 5: ESA Letter Addressing Housing
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is currently under my care and is diagnosed with a mental health disability, specifically [Diagnosis, if appropriate and with patient consent]. Due to this condition, I have determined that the presence of an emotional support animal is necessary for their well-being. The animal assists in mitigating the symptoms of their disability, allowing them to live more comfortably and independently. I am writing this letter to support [Patient Name]’s request to reside with their emotional support animal, [Animal Name], at their residence.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 6: ESA Letter for Social Anxiety
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my care and has been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. This condition significantly impairs their ability to engage in social situations and often leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness. I have prescribed an emotional support animal to help them manage their social anxiety. The presence of the ESA allows [Patient Name] to feel more comfortable and secure in social settings, reducing anxiety and promoting social engagement.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 7: ESA Letter Highlighting Animal’s Role
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to verify that [Patient Name] is a patient under my care and has a mental health disability that necessitates the companionship of an emotional support animal. Specifically, [Animal Name] provides a crucial source of comfort and support to [Patient Name], helping to manage symptoms of [Disability]. [Animal Name]’s presence helps to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and provide a sense of security, which is essential for [Patient Name]’s overall well-being and mental health.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 8: ESA Letter for a College Student
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is currently under my care for [Mental Health Condition] which significantly impacts their ability to function successfully in a college environment. As a result of this condition, I have determined that the presence of an emotional support animal (ESA) is a necessary component of their treatment plan. The ESA provides essential emotional support, reduces anxiety related to academic pressures, and promotes overall well-being, allowing [Patient Name] to better manage the demands of college life.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 9: ESA Letter Emphasizing Functional Impact
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my care for a diagnosed mental health disability that substantially limits their ability to perform major life activities. The presence of an emotional support animal is crucial to mitigating the functional impairments caused by this condition. The ESA helps [Patient Name] manage symptoms such as [List symptoms, e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, social isolation], enabling them to engage more fully in their daily life and maintain a higher level of independence and well-being.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 10: Short and Concise ESA Letter
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter certifies that [Patient Name] is my patient and requires an emotional support animal for their mental health. The animal provides necessary comfort and support.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 11: ESA Letter with Specific Animal Type
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is under my care for a diagnosed mental health condition. As part of their treatment, I have determined that having a [Type of Animal, e.g., dog, cat] as an emotional support animal is medically necessary. The presence of a [Type of Animal] provides a calming and supportive presence for [Patient Name], helping to alleviate symptoms related to their condition.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 12: ESA Letter Renewing Recommendation
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter serves as a renewal of my previous recommendation for [Patient Name] to have an emotional support animal. [Patient Name] continues to be under my care, and the presence of their ESA remains a vital component of their ongoing treatment plan. The benefits derived from their emotional support animal continue to be significant in managing their mental health condition and promoting their overall well-being.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Sample 13: ESA Letter for Multiple Conditions
[Date]
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Title]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is currently under my care and has been diagnosed with [Condition 1] and [Condition 2]. These conditions significantly impact their daily life and ability to function effectively. I have determined that an emotional support animal (ESA) is a necessary part of their comprehensive treatment plan. The ESA provides crucial emotional support, reduces anxiety, and helps [Patient Name] manage the combined symptoms of their diagnoses, promoting overall well-being and stability.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[License Number]
Important Considerations Regarding ESA Letters
While these samples provide a template, it is imperative to obtain a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional who has evaluated your individual needs. Landlords are legally allowed to request proof of your disability and the necessity of the ESA. They are not required to accommodate animals that pose a direct threat to the safety or health of others. Be wary of online services offering instant ESA letters without a proper consultation; these are often fraudulent and will not hold up legally. Always prioritize ethical and responsible practices when seeking ESA documentation.
