Service Description

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) assessment is a clinical mental health evaluation to determine whether a person has a mental or emotional disability and whether the presence of an emotional support animal is likely to alleviate symptoms or improve functioning. Unlike a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) assessment, an ESA assessment does not evaluate whether the animal performs trained tasks. Instead, it focuses on the therapeutic benefit of the animal’s presence. A comprehensive ESA assessment generally includes: 1. Clinical interview * Presenting concerns * Mental health history * Medical and psychiatric treatment history * Current medications and therapy * Social, occupational, and family functioning 2. Diagnostic evaluation * Determine whether the individual meets criteria for a mental health condition using DSM-5-TR, when appropriate. 3. Functional impairment assessment * Assess how symptoms affect major life activities such as working, sleeping, concentrating, interacting with others, or caring for oneself. 4. Animal-specific assessment * Whether the individual currently has an animal or plans to obtain one. * How the animal affects emotional well-being. * Whether the animal helps reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, or panic. * Ability to care for the animal responsibly. 5. Clinical appropriateness * Determine whether an ESA is a reasonable component of the individual’s treatment plan. * Consider any risks, contraindications, or alternative interventions. 6. Documentation