Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluation*
What is an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides support and therapeutic benefit to a person with an emotional or psychiatric disability. The companionship of the ESA helps alleviate the owner’s symptoms of the existing disability. Unlike service animals, they are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability. Airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESA’s.
How do you assess a need for an ESA?
Prior to your evaluation, you will be required to complete the WHODAS 2.0 assessment. This is used to measure a person’s health and disability by using 6 domains of functioning: Cognition, Mobility, Self-Care, Getting along, Life activities, and Participation. Your responses will be used in combination with the clinical evaluation to determine if there is a need for an ESA.
How much does it cost?
The total cost of an ESA evaluation is $125 and must be paid prior to the evaluation. ESA evaluations are not covered by insurance.
When will I know if I meet the need for an ESA?
Your therapist will inform you at the end of the evaluation if you meet the need for an ESA. If you do, you can expect to receive your letter by email within 2 business days.
*We provide ESA evaluations and letters for housing only.