EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL: THE RISK FOR THE THERAPIST

 

As Emotional Support Animals (ESA) have become so highly requested, there has been some push-back against therapists who sign these letters frequently. There is a concern that the letters are being provided solely for the ability to access a pet.

In order to reduce this abuse of the therapeutic animal, there have been licensing restrictions put in place by the therapist. That means that you cannot go to a therapist for one session to request a letter in most cases. Most therapists will require 3 months of weekly sessions to assess and properly determine in an ESA is appropriate. 

The risk for therapists is that if the pet is neglected, abused, or destroys the rented apartment, there is an increasing risk that the therapist will be sued for damages. 

Therapists are caring individuals, but signing a letter where there is risk for a lawsuit is a deterrent. In my practice I very rarely provide this letter, and only for long standing clients with a history of consistency, responsibility, and reliability.