Emotional Support Animal Evaluations
Professional, Ethical Assessments for Mental Health-Related ESA Needs
At Serene Solutions Counseling & Consulting Services, we provide emotional support animal (ESA) evaluations for individuals experiencing mental or emotional health challenges. We understand that the therapeutic presence of an animal can offer meaningful comfort—but not every situation qualifies for ESA documentation.
That’s why our ESA evaluations are conducted with clinical care, professional ethics, and compliance with all relevant legal standards. We serve clients in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Massachusetts via secure telehealth.
What Is an ESA?
An Emotional Support Animal is a domesticated animal that provides comfort or support simply by being present with a person who has a documented psychiatric disability. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks and are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, they may qualify under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) for reasonable accommodations in housing.
Who Might Qualify for an ESA Evaluation?
An ESA may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:
Generalized anxiety or panic disorder
Major depressive disorder
PTSD or trauma-related symptoms
Chronic stress or emotional dysregulation
Adjustment disorders or grief
To qualify, your symptoms must meet the definition of a psychiatric disability under the DSM-5 and substantially limit one or more major life activities. The presence of an ESA must be shown to reduce or alleviate these impairments.
Our ESA Evaluation Process
We follow a structured, multi-step evaluation process to ensure clinical and legal appropriateness:
Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (1–2 sessions)
We explore your mental health history, current challenges, and how the presence of an animal has impacted your well-being.Documentation Review
We may request prior medical or mental health records and will review relevant housing requests or related documents.DSM-5 Diagnostic Determination
A diagnosis is made based on current criteria, and we assess whether the condition qualifies as a disability.Assessment of ESA Impact
We evaluate whether the ESA helps alleviate functional impairments in a meaningful way (e.g., reduces panic attacks, improves sleep, or stabilizes mood).Written ESA Letter (if clinically appropriate)
If all criteria are met, we issue a letter that includes your diagnosis, the functional impact, and how the ESA mitigates your symptoms—compliant with FHA requirements.
Note: We do not certify or assess the temperament of your animal, as that falls outside the clinical scope of practice. We do not provide letters solely for travel purposes, nor do we issue documentation without a thorough evaluation.
Legal & Ethical Considerations
We take ESA evaluations seriously and adhere to state and federal regulations, including:
FHA guidelines for housing accommodations
State laws (e.g., Florida and California statutes requiring an established clinical relationship)
Ethical practices that avoid role conflicts, exaggeration, or fraud
Important Reminders
Having an ESA letter does not guarantee housing approval. Landlords may still assess your request under FHA standards. We recommend discussing all documentation with your legal or housing representative.
It is unethical and illegal to provide ESA letters simply to avoid pet fees, circumvent breed restrictions, or gain access to non-pet-friendly venues. If we determine that an ESA is not clinically indicated, we will not provide documentation.
Pricing
ESA Evaluation + Written Letter (if approved): $250
Includes a 1-hour session and clinical documentation
Conducted virtually in VA, MD, PA, FL, and MA
ESA evaluations are not billable to insurance.
FAQs
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To qualify, you must have a mental health condition that meets the criteria for a psychiatric disability under the DSM-5 and that significantly limits one or more major life activities. Additionally, the presence of an animal must help alleviate symptoms related to that condition in a meaningful way.
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No. Service animals are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Emotional support animals do not require special training and are not recognized under the ADA. ESAs are only protected in certain housing situations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
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You’ll receive a letter from a licensed clinician that includes:
Confirmation of a qualifying mental health condition
A statement indicating the ESA’s role in alleviating symptoms
Documentation compliant with FHA standards
Details necessary for reasonable accommodation requests (e.g., clinician’s license information, practice details, signature)
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No. Our evaluation focuses on your clinical need for an ESA, not the temperament, training, or behavior of your animal. We cannot assess whether a specific animal is appropriate as an ESA.
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No. As of 2021, most airlines no longer recognize ESAs for in-cabin travel. Additionally, ESA accommodations in the workplace are not guaranteed and are reviewed at the discretion of your employer. Our letters are intended for housing purposes only.
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ESA letters are valid for 12 months. Renewals or re-evaluations are required annually to confirm the continued therapeutic benefit and need.
Payment & Non-Approval Policy
At Serene Solutions Counseling & Consulting Services, we value transparency, ethical care, and clear communication. Please carefully review our policy before booking your ESA evaluation:
The cost of an ESA evaluation is $250. This fee includes one clinical session and, if clinically appropriate, a written letter for housing accommodation purposes.
Full payment is due at the time of scheduling and is non-refundable. This covers your clinician’s time, assessment tools, record review, and professional expertise—not the guarantee of documentation.
If it is determined that you do not meet the clinical criteria for an ESA, no letter will be issued. However, you will receive supportive feedback, a clear explanation of the decision, and recommendations for alternative forms of care or accommodations when appropriate.
We understand that it can feel disappointing not to receive the documentation you were hoping for. Our commitment is to conduct each evaluation thoroughly, ethically, and in alignment with legal standards to ensure your mental health needs are responsibly and professionally addressed.
If you’re unsure about whether an ESA evaluation is the right next step, you’re welcome to contact us for a brief pre-screening discussion before scheduling.