Emotional Support Animal Letters from a Licensed Therapist

No. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not the same as service animals.
Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Emotional support animals provide comfort and emotional support related to a mental or emotional condition but do not require specialized training. ESA letters are primarily used for housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Most ESA letters are considered valid for one year from the date of issuance. Some housing providers may request an updated letter if circumstances change or if a significant amount of time has passed.

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals when provided with proper documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
That said, landlords may verify the letter and request confirmation that it was issued by a licensed provider. Acceptance ultimately depends on the housing provider and the specific situation.

ESA letters are not issued automatically or guaranteed. A letter may only be provided after a clinical evaluation determines that an emotional support animal is appropriate for your mental health needs.
In some cases, evaluations and documentation may be completed quickly, but the timeline depends on the assessment process and clinical judgment. Ethical care always comes first.

Your privacy is very important. All of the information you share in your evaluation is kept confidential and handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations and professional ethical standards. Your personal and mental health information is never shared without your consent, except as required by law.

Many airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals for in-cabin travel. ESAs are now generally treated as pets by airlines, and airline pet policies apply. ESA letters are intended for housing accommodations, not air travel. If you are traveling with an animal, check directly with your airline for current requirements.

There is no set legal limit, but housing providers may evaluate requests for multiple emotional support animals on a case-by-case basis. Each animal must be shown to serve a legitimate emotional or mental health-related need. A therapist may assess whether multiple animals are clinically appropriate.