Medication and therapy are great methods to assist with mental health issues, but sometimes only an ESA can give you the support you need to thrive. An ESA, or emotional support animal, is a pet that helps you manage symptoms of mental health disabilities. However, you’ll need to get a signed letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that you need an ESA.
Thankfully, we’re here to help. If you want to learn more about an ESA letter in Florida, the good news is that you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we provide more information about what an ESA is, how to get a letter, and much more. Read on to learn more.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An emotional support animal, or ESA, is a companion animal that helps individuals who struggle with mental health disorders, like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. These animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which ensures that landlords can’t discriminate against you because you have one. Therefore, you don’t have to pay pet fees in Florida or in other states across the country.
In order for an ESA to be legitimate, you’ll need a signed ESA letter from a mental health professional. Without one, you can be evicted, or you’ll need to pay pet fees (if your landlord has them).
What Disabilities Qualify for an ESA?
Several disabilities qualify for an ESA. In fact, whether or not you qualify depends on your unique situation. Some common disabilities that qualify for an ESA include:
- Dementia
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD
- Social anxiety
These are only a few examples of disabilities that qualify for an ESA. Connect with your doctor to learn more.
What’s the Difference Between an ESA and a Service Animal?
The big difference between a service dog and an ESA is the amount of protection they have. ESAs are only protected under the FHA, whereas service dogs can accompany you on airlines and out in public due to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Service animals also require specialized training, need to be trained to help with specific tasks, and can only be a dog or a small horse. ESAs, on the other hand, don’t require training and can be any type of animal.
How to Get an ESA Letter Florida
There are two ways to get an ESA letter in Florida. The most common method is working with an online resource, but you can also work with a traditional therapist, especially if you have one already. Learn more about both options below.
Emotional Support Animal
The best way to get an ESA letter in Florida is to work with an organization like emotionalsupportanimal.com. This is an online organization that connects you with licensed mental health professionals who will help you determine if you’re eligible for an ESA letter in Florida.
All you need is information about yourself, your pet, and your condition to get started. Then, you can schedule a telehealth call with a licensed professional. Once you’re approved, you can wait for the ESA letter to come in the mail.
Working with Licensed Mental Health Professionals in Florida
If you already work with a licensed therapist or another type of mental health professional, it’s not a bad idea to talk to them. They know your situation the best, so they may be uniquely equipped to help you determine if an ESA letter is right for you. Plus, if you’re covered by insurance, you shouldn’t have to pay any additional fees.
That said, if you don’t have a licensed mental health professional already, the cost to get an ESA letter may end up being too high. You’ll need to find one in your area who’s in-network (for many insurance plans) or pay out of pocket. In these cases, online is a better alternative.
Get an ESA Letter Florida Today!
When you need to register your pet as an emotional support animal, you can’t go wrong with platforms like Emotional Support Animal. As long as you have a disability that qualifies for an ESA, you shouldn’t have any problems getting approval. Then, it’s a matter of connecting with a professional, explaining your story, and waiting for your letter to arrive.
That said, it’s important to ensure that you only work with licensed mental health professionals who are licensed in Florida. If they’re not, the letter won’t be valid.
Also Read : Fake ESA Letter – Everything You Need to Know
