Bringing up the subject of mental health may seem awkward at first, but being honest about your feelings and ideas might help your doctor figure out what is bothering you. If you’re already on board and have a lengthy history of outstanding physicians, medications for depression, anxiety, and OCD problems, and lots of expertise in this field, you’re well on your way to figuring out this ESA thing.
Or do you? A history of emotional or mental problems with medications isn’t enough to demonstrate the necessity for an emotional support animal. It might be a decisive factor, but it’s also a good idea to see a therapist or counselor regularly.
Therapists and psychologists are not for everyone. It may seem odd to contact these professionals in addition to normal doctor visits, but here’s why it’s a smart idea: conventional physicians cannot give ESA letters of recommendation.
A licensed health professional (LMHP) is someone qualified to diagnose and treat mental illnesses using medications, recreational treatments, or ESA and service animals. If you already see a doctor and therapist regarding your mental health, it’s generally just a phone call away for them to send your records to an LMHP.
Doctor consultation
Here’s a general how-to guide for folks who want to ask their doctor about nearby LMHPs and emotional support animals:
Make an Appointment For ESA Letter
If you have a preferred doctor or clinic nearby, make an appointment there. If you don’t have a health provider nearby, you should look into finding a registered medical health expert.
Discuss any symptoms you are having.
If this is a routine check-up, give them an update on your mental health. Tell the truth about how well or unwell you’ve been recent. If you have never discussed mental health with your doctor previously, try to approach the matter naturally and be honest: you suspect something is wrong.
Allow the doctor to offer suggestions For ESA Letter
If you have a history of medical and psychological treatments, your doctor may inquire whether you believe they are beneficial. They may wish to adjust medication, test a new one, propose less frequent or more frequent therapy meetings, and so on. Allowing them to offer ideas before going to your plan will show the doctor that you’re trying to make things better rather than taking advantage of an ESA letter.
Inquire whether they have witnessed emotional support animals provide positive effects.
This process is easy to follow. I’ve heard great things about using animals as a therapeutic method; do you agree with this or think it’s a good idea? Try not to come off as demanding while submitting an ESA application. Concerns among physicians over the overall rise in demand for ESA letters are growing.
Consider this a possibility.
Your doctor will share his or her thoughts and/or suggestions regarding emotional support animals with you. They may inquire whether you normally feel better around your dog or cat, and they may provide an example of why or why not this appears to be a good notion.
Request LMHP suggestions.
If you’re speaking with a doctor rather than a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or other), you might want to ask for LMHPs in the area who can assist you with analyzing your mental health and writing you an ESA letter (if that’s the best option and your doctor agrees).
Visit the LMHP and authorize them to contact your doctor.
Make an appointment with the licensed mental health expert you’ve chosen. Explain your emotional and mental health history honestly, and bring up any concerns you or your doctor may have. Many LMHPs will wish to discuss your alternatives with your doctor or stay in touch for simple record access, among other things. This is something you must be comfortable with.
Obtain an ESA endorsement letter
This is something that occurs when you require it. Many physicians and LMHPs will presume you’re attempting to use the letter as an excuse to keep your pet if you’re insistent on getting an ESA. If you’re clear about why you believe an emotional support animal would assist your everyday mental and emotional health, and you’re honest about the fact that you need the letter for no other reason, you can get it swiftly.
Pay the letter fees
The cost of an ESA letter will vary greatly. It is more expensive in certain locations than others (in larger cities with a higher cost of living average).In other locations, ESA restrictions are becoming increasingly stringent, so the letter may cost more. In general, it will cost between $100 and $200, and it will be valid for a year.
Choose an ESA or use your own.
At this stage, you must either have the animal that helps you or choose one that suits your needs and that you can sustain. If you discover that only a dog or a cat will soothe your worries, you may buy or adopt one of these adorable furry creatures and start making your home it’s home as well. Ascertain that your landlord has approved this process and has made any reasonable concessions that are required on their behalf. Whatever animal you choose, make sure it is at ease and well-loved in your home.
