What Is an ESA Letter?
An Emotional Support Animal letter is a clinical document issued by a licensed mental health provider confirming that a patient has a qualifying mental health condition and that an emotional support animal provides therapeutic benefit as part of their treatment plan. Under the Fair Housing Act, an ESA letter provides housing accommodation rights, allowing individuals to keep their support animal in residences with no-pet policies without additional deposits.
ESA letters are distinct from service animal documentation. Emotional support animals do not require specialized training. Their therapeutic value lies in the companionship, structure, and emotional regulation they provide to individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and other qualifying diagnoses.
Our Evaluation Process
Beehive Behavioral conducts ESA evaluations through a full clinical assessment -- not a checkbox form. We evaluate your mental health history, current symptom presentation, functional impairment, and the specific role the animal plays in your treatment. If clinical criteria are met, we issue the letter with thorough documentation. If criteria are not met, we discuss alternative treatment strategies.
This process protects both the patient and the integrity of the ESA framework. Letters issued without genuine clinical evaluation are increasingly challenged by landlords and housing authorities. Our documentation is clinically sound and legally defensible.
What to Expect
New patients receive a full psychiatric evaluation before ESA determination. Existing patients with documented qualifying conditions may have an abbreviated evaluation process. The clinical rationale for the ESA is documented in your medical record, establishing the treatment relationship that validates the letter.
Insurance and Payment
The underlying psychiatric evaluation is often covered by insurance. The ESA letter itself may involve an additional documentation fee. Contact our office to discuss costs and coverage specific to your situation.
When to Consider an ESA Letter
An ESA letter may be appropriate if you have a diagnosed mental health condition and your animal provides measurable emotional or psychological benefit -- reduced anxiety, improved sleep, increased motivation for daily activities, or stabilized mood. This is particularly relevant for renters in Salt Lake City and Provo where pet-restricted housing is common.