Archive for the ‘Emotional Support Animal’ Category
If you’ve ever wondered if a therapist can help you get a letter for your emotional support animal (ESA), the answer is a big “Yes!” But it’s important to find a therapist who knows all about how special these animals are and the rules about them.
Who Can Write an ESA Letter?To get an ESA, you need an ESA letter from someone who is allowed to say you need one. Therapists who are dedicated to helping people with their mental and emotional health difficulties are allowed to write these letters under state and federal laws.
A therapist can include professionals like a psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist, or LMFT. They can’t prescribe medicine (except for the psychiatrist), but they can definitely write you an ESA letter.
Why Some Therapists Don’t Write ESA LettersEven though therapists are allowed to write ESA letters, some might not do it. Maybe they don’t know much about ESAs, or they’re not sure how to write the letter. Sometimes, the place where they work doesn’t let them. There’s still a lot to be done to ensure therapists know about ESAs and how they help people.
If your therapist can’t give you an ESA letter, don’t despair. We’ll discuss some other options you can explore in the next section.
Finding the Right Help for an ESA LetterThe easiest way to get an ESA letter is to talk to a therapist online who knows a lot about ESAs. There are online telehealth platforms that have experts ready to help you. They really believe in how much ESAs can help you feel better, and they won’t judge you.
It’s all about finding the right person who understands how an emotional support animal can make you feel happier and more at peace. If you’re unsure about where to turn, click on the link below to be connected to an expert who is ready to help you and your ESA.
Get Your ESA Letter Here
There’s something about a wagging tail and a furry face that lights up the atmosphere and brings people together. Dogs and cats can brighten up a room. But, perhaps more importantly, they can heal. This healing factor is why emotional support animals can help seniors in assisted living facilities.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?An emotional support animal (ESA) alleviates the symptoms of a mental or emotional condition. Most ESA are cats or dogs, but other domesticated animals can also be emotional support animals. Emotional support animals are often mistaken for pets because all pets offer emotional support to some degree. However, several factors separate an emotional support animal from a pet.
Unlike pets, ESAs require an ESA letter to be considered a legitimate emotional support animal. An ESA letter is written by a licensed mental health professional like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or advanced practice mental health nurse. The letter designates an animal as essential for the symptom reduction of a person’s mental health condition. Furthermore, ESAs fall under the protection of the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and, in many cases, state laws. The FHA protects tenants against discrimination from housing providers, including people with disabilities. Emotional support animals are considered a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the FHA.An Emotional Support Dog does not require specialized training, unlike a Service Dog that does require extensive training.
Mental Health and Emotional Support Animals for Older AdultsThe Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) studies the physical and mental health benefits of human relationships with animals. Studies from HABRI indicate that people of all ages may see improvements in their health from the company of animals. However, seniors have a unique need for an animal’s companionship.
For example, data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that about 20% of people over 55 experience some mental health condition, like anxiety, cognitive issues, or depression. In a CDC survey of people over 55:
More men (11.39%) than women (8.49%) say they rarely or never receive the support they need. Older seniors (65 or over) were more likely to say they rarely or never received the emotional support they needed.Further data from the CDC indicates that 4 out of 10 adults over 65 feel socially isolated, and 3 out of 10 people over 50 feel lonely. Unfortunately, social isolation increases the risk of dementia and chronic illnesses like heart disease and stroke. Therefore, in the long run, social isolation and loneliness can negatively affect an older adult’s physical and mental health and quality of life.
Life in Assisted Living FacilitiesAssisted living facilities are residences for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, like cooking, cleaning, and grooming. While these residences also offer opportunities for social interaction, older adults can still struggle with feeling lonely and depressed in these living situations.
Away from family and old friends, some older adults may struggle to adjust to living in an assisted living facility. Furthermore, residents in an assisted living facility can — even with the help of professional staff — experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments.
How Can an Emotional Support Animal Help a Senior?An emotional support animal can help seniors in assisted living facilities adjust to their surroundings and thrive in their new environment. An ESA allows an older adult to have a constant and familiar companion in a new environment. As they adjust, the senior can continue to have a living companion that is theirs alone, reducing their feeling of loneliness and potential for depression. The ESA can improve the following situations in the assisted living facility:
Boost Engagement in Physical ActivitiesDue to health limitations, fatigue, or depression, seniors typically don’t get the regular physical activity they need to maintain optimal health. An ESA, however, must be walked, groomed, or engaged. Seniors with pets are more likely to engage in physical activity simply because an ESA requires physical care. For seniors, even a short leisurely walk with an ESA can lead to long-term health benefits.
Provide Opportunities for TouchPetting a dog or cat can literally help someone’s heart. Studies indicate that petting a dog or a cat can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and improve symptoms of anxiety. The act of stroking an animal boosts the “feel-good” hormones in the brain, leading to feelings of satisfaction.
Serve as a Healthy DistractionIt’s hard to stay sad when a cat or dog is happy to play. An ESA, like a snuggly cat or silly dog, can distract their owners from their worries or negative emotions. After all, it’s difficult to feel blue when a dog comes running up for an enthusiastic welcome or when a cat wants a comfy lap to sleep.
Foster a Sense of PurposeDepression and loneliness can set in when seniors feel like they aren’t needed. An ESA offers the opportunity to be necessary and productive as the caretaker of an ESA. Feeling capable, valuable, and wanted is something all people need to experience, and an ESA brings those feelings out for their owners.
Reduce Symptoms of AnxietyThe Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) shows that animal companionship reduces high blood pressure and heart rate, both anxiety symptoms. An ESA is a soothing presence for seniors with dementia, anxiety, or depression. A warm and comforting animal to cuddle is a source of support for seniors with mental health conditions.
Unconditional LoveThere are precious few places where individuals can find unconditional love, and animals are one of them. Animals don’t judge, nag, or bully; they simply love their owners. An animal’s love is uncomplicated and unconditional, which is what seniors need the most. An ESA allows an older adult to enjoy companionship without worry or expectations.
An emotional support animal, which can be a dog, cat or any other domesticated pet, can improve living in an assisted care facility for seniors. Emotional Support Animals for New SeniorsOlder adults are just like anyone else and may feel apprehensive about new environments. Family members and assisted living staff may attempt to get a senior acclimated to the community as much as possible, but adjusting to a new living situation — especially for a senior — can be challenging. New people, new faces, and a new life play a role when a senior first moves into an assisted living community. An emotional support animal helps to make that transition smoother by serving as a consistent and grounding companion.
How ESA Help Everyone in an Assisted Living CommunityThe assisted living community environment also benefits from having an emotional support animal on the premises. Other residents may feel more engaged and comfortable when they routinely see an animal in their midst, ensuring that they live in a safe and caring space. The overall impact of an ESA on an assisted living community can:
Bring life and vitality into the community Stimulate physical activity in the general population Improve overall morale of staff and residents Increases interaction and communication between residentsWhen it comes to emotional support animals in an assisted living community, they boost the happiness of everyone around them and change the atmosphere of the community for the better.
Anyone who has a beloved animal in their life understands how pets can lift spirits and reduce loneliness. The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) states that 80% of pet owners attribute their reduced feelings of loneliness to their pets. The effect pets have on their owners makes an emotional support animal (ESA) vital to people who struggle with depression or anxiety. For those with emotional or mental health conditions, an ESA provides companionship and a soothing presence.
Although pets are beneficial for all pet owners, an emotional support animal is more than a pet; an ESA is a critical part of dealing with a mental illness. An ESA can have therapeutic value, and there’s a proven need for some people to have them near. An emotional support animal can be essential for someone dealing with depression and anxiety.
DepressionDepression is more than just feeling blue or sad. It’s the persistent feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and loss that remains with a person for longer than two weeks. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that depression can affect the quality of life and how a person eats, sleep, and works. Severe depression may even lead to suicide.
Symptoms of DepressionThe symptoms of depression can be different from person to person. The following are signs that might be caused by depression:
Constantly feeling sad, lonely, guilty, or hopeless Irritability, easy to anger Loss of enjoyment in things you used to like (hobbies and activities) Fatigue, lack of energy Talking or moving slow or feeling restless and anxious Difficulty making decisions or recalling words Difficulty concentrating or following a through on a task Sleep changes Aches and pains, digestive issues, and headaches that don’t seem to have a physical cause Thoughts of death or suicide Small, domesticated pets can qualify as an emotional support animal for depression and anxiety. AnxietyStress is a common part of life. However, when a person experiences a large amount of stress for long periods, it can become anxiety. Anxiety comes in many forms, but it’s generally a heightened state of stress that doesn’t go away. Over time anxiety can get worse and affect work, school, and relationships. Some people may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or develop phobias like a fear of flying or cramped spaces. Anxiety, if left untreated, can cause significant distress and decrease a person’s quality of life.
Symptoms of AnxietyThe symptoms of anxiety, like depression, can vary from person to person. The following are some signs of anxiety:
Feeling keyed-up, restless, and on edge Easily distracted or difficulty concentrating Irritable, easy to anger Muscle tension in the back, shoulders, or neck. Racing thoughts Difficulty staying or falling asleep Panic Attacks, which might include: Lound, pounding heartbeat Fast heart rate Profuse sweating Shaking or trembling Feeling chilly Shortness of breath, feeling smothered A sense of impending doom Feeling out of control Already own a legitimate emotional support animal for depression or anxiety? Get a registration and ID tag to let others know. How an Emotional Support Animal Can Help Depression or AnxietySome people who have depression or anxiety may benefit from having a constant source of support that doesn’t judge them. An ESA can supply that base of warmth and connection and enable a person to function in their daily lives. The act of caring for an emotional support animal (feeding, grooming, walking, etc.) also encourages a person with depression or anxiety to maintain a schedule and participate in social activities. An ESA allows a person to have continuous affection and interaction.
How to get an ESA Letter Online How To Qualify for an ESA If You Have Depression or AnxietyIf you suffer from the symptoms listed above, you may qualify for an emotional support animal. An ESA letter is required to establish whether you’re a suitable candidate for an ESA. If you are already seeing a licensed healthcare professional regarding depression or anxiety, you may want to consult with them regarding an ESA letter and incorporate an ESA into your treatment plan.
To own a legitimate ESA letter, the doctor or therapist must be licensed in your state of residence. If you’re unable to visit a doctor or your therapist is out of state, you can also get an ESA assessment online. A legitimate online service will connect you with a licensed healthcare professional licensed for your state.
Remember that an ESA must be written by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). If the author is not licensed, the letter is invalid. The ESA letter should include information regarding the licensed person, such as their name, license number, and contact information.
What the Law Says About Emotional Support AnimalsThe Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that a psychiatrist, physician, social worker, psychologists and other mental health professionals can write an ESA letter. Emotional support animals have the right to live in a “no pets allowed” housing and are protected by the federal law Fair Housing Act (FHA). Landlords can never charge any type of fee or deposit for tenants with emotional support animals, and they are not allowed to disallow an ESA because of its size or breed.
For people with depression or anxiety, an ESA doesn’t just brighten their day — an ESA can change their life.
See if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal letter through ESA Doctors by clicking the link below.
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