Emotional Support Animal

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas and Louisiana. I am here to provide evaluations for your emotional support animal. If qualified, I am willing to provide the documentation (letter) for you animal, as well.  

I am often requested to provide these evaluations for housing purposes but please be aware these letters can be used for a multitude of other reasons (flying, public places, etc). In addition to the evaluation, oftentimes a letter will be requested. I provide this letter at NO CHARGE. It is a part of the evaluation and will not be charged separately. 

All ESA request begin with a consultation. Once this phone consult is completed, an evaluation is scheduled. I use this time to familiarize myself with the ESA, as well as, the owner. It will be your responsibility to provide all requested documentation and be available for the entire evaluation (typically last an 1 hour). After the evaluation, I will assess the information provided and determine if an ESA accommodation is appropriate. I also gather collateral information to ensure the information I am being provided is accurate. Once I have gathered all the necessary information, I will draft the ESA letter and provided is via email and via postal service. You will then have the option to provide this letter to the appropriate parties requesting it. 

My process for determining whether an ESA is appropriate for you involves a thorough evaluation, which includes—but is not limited to—answering a variety of questions. You will complete an in-depth intake form that explores your mental health challenges, how your animal helps alleviate symptoms, and how this support improves your daily functioning.

Additional questions will be asked to better understand your needs. If available, I encourage you to share past mental health records to show any history of treatment. If you have not received previous treatment, you may need to meet with me again the following week or as needed, depending on your circumstances.

Please note: Having a mental health condition does not automatically qualify someone for an ESA. To determine appropriateness, there must be a clear connection between:

1. What your animal does for you (including companionship),
    
2. How the animal helps reduce psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety),
    
3. How this reduction in symptoms improves your ability to carry out major life responsibilities.
    

This type of support is technically considered a disability accommodation.

Functional limitations may include difficulties with:

• Concentration and memory
   
• Executive functioning and decision-making
   
• Sustaining energy throughout the day
   
• Communication and social interaction
   
• Multitasking and meeting deadlines
   
• Coping with schedule changes or interruptions
   
• Performance anxiety
   
• Learning and task management
   

My focus is specifically on how your ESA supports your mental health. While animals can also assist with physical conditions (e.g., diabetes, seizures), my assessments concentrate on psychological concerns like anxiety or depression. Your animal should help mitigate the impact of any functional impairments caused by mental health symptoms. This may involve specific tasks or general companionship.

Please note: I do not provide diagnosis, therapy, or treatment for specific mental health issues as part of this evaluation.