Dimensional Wellness
A Transformative Journey
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Assessment
Florida, New York, Georgia, & Massachusetts Residents Only
An emotional support animal (ESA) assessment is to determine that you meet the two requirements that deem eligibility for an ESA. These federal requirements include that you meet diagnostic criteria for a mental health disability, and that your condition is alleviated or reduced by the presence of your support animal. If eligibility is confirmed, an ESA letter will be issued within 24 hours.
FAQs about ESA Letters
How long is the intake process & when do I receive my letter?
The intake involves a self completed questionnaire and a video assessment that takes approximately 60 minutes. The point of the assessment is to review symptom presentation to confirm that you meet for a qualifying diagnosis and to discuss the beneficial impact of the animal. If you meet for a qualifying diagnosis, the letter will be issued within 24 hours.
What is a qualifying diagnosis?
A qualifying diagnosis for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter typically includes a mental or emotional disability recognized by a licensed mental health professional. These conditions fall under various categories in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), including: Mood, Anxiety, Trauma-and-Stressor Related, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related, Nuerodevelopmental, and other mental health conditions and disorders. To obtain an ESA letter, the individual must be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional who can verify that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal provides necessary therapeutic benefits for managing symptoms associated with their condition. This evaluation ensures that the ESA is a part of a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at improving the individual's mental and emotional well-being.
Whats the difference between an ESA and a service animal?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and a service animal serve different roles and have distinct legal statuses. An ESA provides comfort and emotional support to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with their condition. ESAs do not require specialized training and are not granted public access rights, although they are protected under the Fair Housing Act, allowing them to live with their owners in housing that typically prohibits pets. In contrast, a service animal is specifically trained to perform tasks directly related to a person's disability, such as guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting those with hearing impairments, or assisting with mobility or medical alerts. Service animals, usually dogs, are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), granting them access to most public places, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation. The critical distinction lies in the level of training and the legal protections afforded to each type of animal.