LORETTA PARKER, LMFT
Counseling, Education, Family Services, Trauma Healing - Serving AR, CA
How to Get an ESA or PSD Letter in California or Arkansas
What are the new California requirements to receive an ESA letter?
For California residents, effective January 1, 2022, new law AB 468 requires those seeking an ESA or PSD letter to establish a client-provider relationship for at least 30 days prior to providing documentation, which will result in having two consultations before qualifying. Additionally, the individual pursuing a ESA or PSD letter must complete a clinical evaluation to assess the need for the documentation.
1
Take a Free Qualification Test
Take a free qualification assessment to find out if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal or Psychiatric Service Dog
2
Select a Plan That Works for You
Choose your plan and the level of support you want
3
30 Days of a Therapeutic Relationship
A therapeutic relationship will be established with your CA licensed therapist for 30 days to meet the CA law requirement
4
Receive Your Letter
After meeting the requirements of the CA law for support animal letters, you will receive an electronic copy of your letter
Which Letter is Right for You?
Emotional Support Animal
Emotional support animals provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and sometimes help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias, but do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities.
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Reasonable housing accommodation, including waiving a no-pet rule or pet deposit.
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Allowed in an airplane cabin, however there may be a cost, check with your airline.
Psychiatric Service Dog
Psychiatric service dogs are trained to perform a task or job for individuals with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
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Reasonable housing accommodation, including waiving a no-pet rule or pet deposit.
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Allowed in the airplane cabin at no additional cost.
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The ADA gives disabled persons the right to be accompanied by a service animal in public spaces. Service dogs must be well-behaved, stay on the floor or in a harness, and cannot override public health rules.
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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows students to bring service dogs such as psychiatric services dogs into places of education.