Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluations
Emotional Support Animals make a great addition to your Therapy plan.
Sometimes life can feel like complete and utter turmoil…
ADHD, anxiety and depression can make your day-to-day feel overwhelming. And…you’re over it.
Like SO over it.
What if you had an emotional support animal to help you find balance, calm the chaos, reduce your stress, help you stick with your routines, focus and get you exercising.
Comfort AND Relief.
“My dog put a smile on my face immediately; it was the first smile I had in a long time. She was a gateway towards my own path of wellness”
Trina Mauchmar, LCSW
Benefits of an Emotional Support Animal
-
Emotional Support
An ESA supports and enhances your mental and emotional-wellbeing. They can help boost your mood, reduce stress, regulate emotions and self-soothe by providing a calming presence.
-
Structure & Routine
ESA’s encourage a structured and healthy lifestyle. They can help you adhere to routines, manage time and provide healthy outlets for excess energy. An ESA can help get you adventuring again.
-
Companionship
An Emotional Support Animal provides non-judgmental companionship, alleviates loneliness and reduces isolation. They can help improve socialization, tame social anxiety and manage rejection sensitivity.
-
Housing
Your ESA is protected in residential properties under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Life can feel a heck of a lot better with your Emotional Support Animal at your side.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
-
To qualify for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in Colorado you must be living with a diagnosed mental health or emotional disorder that is benefitted by the companionship of an assistance animal.
-
We will discuss your individualized needs for an ESA evaluation, talk through the process for me to confirm your mental health diagnosis that we are using to evaluate if you qualify under the Americans With Disabilities Act, review necessary paperwork, and answer any questions you have!
-
I will spend time with you discussing the benefits of your human-animal connection and how your animal helps you manage, improve or alleviate your mental health symptoms. I will provide education around animal ethics, the various types of professional animals, and ESA laws in Colorado.
If you already have already been diagnosed with a qualifying mental health condition, I will consult with your mental health provider, physician, psychiatrist or other professional to confirm your mental health diagnosis and evaluate if you qualify for an ESA under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you are no longer in touch with your provider or are otherwise unable to obtain your records, I can assist you in evaluating symptoms. We will discuss this in your FREE 15 Minute Consultation.
-
YES! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Colorado and I hold an Animal Assisted Social Work Certificate from the University of Denver.
-
It’ll take us 60 minutes to dig into your ESA needs, benefits and eligibility.
-
The cost is $195 for a Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluation which includes 60 minutes with a me (a licensed mental health professional) and a personalized ESA letter for you and your animal. You will not be charged until your ESA letter is provided to you.
-
Unfortunately, no.
-
ESA letters are required yearly because circumstances change. We will meet once per year to re-assess the benefits of your ESA animal. If you are interested in therapy sessions, we can meet more frequently if you like.
-
YES! In order to assess how your animal impacts your daily functioning and mitigates or alleviates your symptoms you must already be a guardian of an animal.
-
Generally, emotional support dogs are recommended for people with ADHD since they have the temperament and activity needed to help ADHD patients deal with their symptoms.
-
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), specific forms and verifications are not legally required. CLICK HERE for official guidance on ESA’s under the Fair Housing Act.
If you choose to accommodate your landlords request I am happy to help you verify your ESA; my evaluation includes me serving as your point of contact for external professionals needing to confirm your Emotional Support Animal needs for one year.
Listen up.
Not all Emotional Support Animal Evaluations are created equally. Many are down right fraudulent scams. Anyone promising you that you that you can take your ESA into public spaces or ensures you that you can fly with your ESA is not legit. Only a Service Animal has public access rights. An ESA does not require certifications, registration, ID cards, patches, vests or other unnecessary add on’s. Anyone providing you with a letter without meeting with a mental health professional actively licensed in Colorado are scamming you. Do your homework OR just schedule a FREE 15 Minute Consultation with me so I can give you all the deets and the tails!
