Emotional Support Animal Letters
Therapy that meets you where you are—literally and emotionally.
ESA Letters
Supporting your need for comfort and companionship.
At Brighter Paths, we provide Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters to qualified clients who benefit from the therapeutic support of an emotional support animal. For individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions that affect daily functioning, an ESA can offer meaningful emotional comfort and stability as part of an overall treatment plan.
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What is an ESA Letter?
An ESA letter is a formal document written by a licensed mental health professional that confirms an emotional support animal is a clinically appropriate part of your mental health care. When applicable, this letter may support requests for reasonable accommodations under federal housing laws, including protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which can allow an ESA to live with you in housing that otherwise restricts pets.
Emotional support animals are not service animals and do not have public access rights. Their role is to provide emotional comfort and support, primarily within the home environment.
Who Qualifies for an ESA Letter?
An ESA letter may be appropriate for individuals with a mental health condition that substantially impacts daily life and for whom the presence of an emotional support animal provides therapeutic benefit.
Common conditions that may qualify include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorders
- Chronic stress and related emotional conditions
During your evaluation, we will discuss your mental health history, current symptoms, and how an emotional support animal may fit into your treatment goals.
How We Help
Your process begins with a focused 30-minute clinical assessment with a licensed therapist. This session is designed to thoughtfully evaluate your mental health needs and determine whether an emotional support animal is an appropriate and ethical component of your care.
If clinically appropriate, we provide a professionally written ESA letter that meets applicable clinical and legal standards. We also help you understand how ESA letters are used and what to expect when requesting accommodations.
Our clinicians prioritize ethical practice and clinical integrity. ESA letters are provided based on genuine therapeutic need—not convenience—and we are available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process.
Important Considerations
- ESA letters require a legitimate mental health evaluation and are not instant approvals or pet registrations
- Emotional support animals do not have public access rights like service animals
- ESA letters are primarily used for housing accommodations; airline policies vary and should be verified directly
- ESA letters are typically valid for one year and may require renewal based on ongoing clinical need
Service Details & Pricing
This service includes a 30-minute assessment with a licensed therapist to evaluate eligibility for an Emotional Support Animal letter.
Fee: $200 (due at the time of appointment)
If approved, your ESA letter is typically prepared within 1–2 business days following your assessment and provided electronically.
Ready to Learn More?
If you believe an Emotional Support Animal may support your mental health, we invite you to schedule an appointment to explore whether an ESA is an appropriate part of your care. Our team is here to provide clear, ethical, and compassionate guidance, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision every step of the way.
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