ESA Treatment Is Not For Everyone

ESA treatment is not one size fits all. Someone who doesn’t have a condition won’t qualify, and someone who is too severe won’t qualify either.

Guidance Teletherapy advocates for a patient’s right to self-determination. Our clinicians work with our patients to create treatment plans that fit their disorder and their lifestyle. One of the ways we do this is through the endorsement and use of treatment by Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). An Emotional Support Animal is a type of assistance animal that alleviates the symptoms or effects of a person's mental emotional disability.

Often our patients wonder if this form of treatment is appropriate for them. Below, we explore some common scenarios of when it is and when it isn’t.

I Do Not Have A Mental Emotional Disability

A common question we receive at Guidance Teletherapy is: can someone be prescribed an ESA letter when they are not disabled? Often these individuals mention how housing pet rent fees, or pet flying fees are expensive, and that avoiding them would save them a lot of money.

Our response is the same for all of these individuals: you will not be approved for an ESA letter if you do not have an actual need for an ESA. Guidance Teletherapy takes Federal ESA rules seriously. We fully understand and advocate for the rights of individuals with mental health related disorders to be granted the reasonable accommodation of an ESA in order for them to function independently.

It is important that if you are reaching out to us, you’re doing so because you believe that you may have a mental health related disorder, and would like the self-determination of utilizing ESA treatment as part of your mental health treatment.

Our clinicians have been trained to provide approval only for valid ESA owners. They abide by Federal ESA rules, as well as the laws and ethics of their profession. Through the use of their clinical expertise and an assessment tool designed to address specific conditions that are most commonly treated by ESAs, they are able to feel secure in their approval process.

I Have A Mental Emotional Disability

If you are unsure whether you qualify, these are the common mental health related disorders that ESAs have been known to work with, and that our clinicians screen for:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Phobias

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• ADHD

If you believe you are suffering from a mental or emotional disability, or have been previously diagnosed with a condition, then you may be a good candidate for an ESA.

Remember, any ESA company that automatically qualifies you, without a true assessment, is not a legitimate one. They increase the stigma against individuals with mental health related disorders that need ESAs. As a legitimate company that works with well trained clinicians, we pride ourselves in our ability to provide much needed care to our patients.

I Have Allergies

If you are interested in exploring the healing experience of animal-human bonding, but know that you are allergic to cats or dogs, then you can still explore other animals as a potential ESA. We have seen ESA reptiles for people with severe animal dander allergies. We have also seen people utilize pigs and birds. All of these animals qualify for emotional support and are covered under ESA Federal Laws.

Otherwise, traditional means of mental health such as a psychiatrist or a therapist, may be a better option for you. Reach out to your doctor or insurance company to find a referral for a provider in your area.

The clinicians at Guidance Teletherapy are only trained in the symbiotic relationship of human-feline and human-canine bonding. We currently do not provide ESA certification for any other comfort animal.

I Have A Severe Mental Emotional Disability

There are some conditions that would also disqualify you for ESA treatment because of their severity. Individuals who are actively having auditory or visual hallucinations, and are not receiving medication, would not be good candidates for ESA treatment. If you suffer from active or pervasive suicidal ideation, and are not taking medication or receiving other assistance, ESA treatment is not right for you. If you have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and have no support system and are not on medication,  ESA is not a good option for treatment.

If an individual with these conditions is seeking ESA treatment through us , we may not approve your request. We must think of both your safety, and the safety of your animal. 

Though any of these conditions could benefit from ESA treatment, they all need long-term managed care. Individuals who have additional forms of support, are on medication, and are complying with recommended treatment standards may also qualify for treatment by ESA. 

Additionally, our clinicians utilize teletherapy. This is not the best mode of communication for severe psychosis and severe mental health related disorders.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental emergency, or you feel you might hurt yourself or someone else, you should call 911 or go straight to an emergency room. You can also reach to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

Once you’ve made contact and are stable, find a mental health provider who can assist you with long-term care. Obtain referrals from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or through your primary care doctor or insurance plan. Once you’re set up with a provider, they can assist you in obtaining an ESA certification, once you’re stable and ready.

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