Are you someone who struggles with anxiety? While medications are an effective treatment method to manage symptoms, sometimes an emotional support animal (ESA) can offer additional benefits.
Of course, you’ll need to speak with a licensed mental health professional for approval, but you’ll find that many animals, commonly dogs and cats, can reduce the risk of panic attacks, provide comfort, and much more.
That said, if you want to get an ESA for anxiety, you’ll need an ESA letter. There are letters that outline your condition, why you need an ESA, and how an ESA can help. While these letters can be difficult to come by, this guide has your back. Read on to learn more.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides comfort for mental health disorders, like anxiety. However, they can also help with PTSD, bipolar disorder, loneliness, and depression. What makes an ESA unique is the protection they have under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which allows you to live in non-pet-friendly housing with your support animal.
That said, an ESA is not the same as a service animal, and this comes with some benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to the benefits, the main one is that you can register most pets as an ESA, even more niche animals. This is because they don’t require training; ESAs just have to be non-threatening and well-behaved.
Service animals, on the other hand, have to be small horses or dogs. These animals have more protections and can accompany you on airlines and out in public. Make sure you consult with a licensed mental health professional to determine which option is best for your condition.
How Does an ESA for Anxiety Help?
An ESA for Anxiety can help you in many ways. While their presence alone will often create a calm environment, many animals offer some additional treatments. ESAs help with anxiety by:
- Providing deep pressure therapy (DPT) during panic attacks.
- Making it easier to be social with visitors because they act as an icebreaker.
- Creating a sense of purpose and routine.
- Preventing other conditions that can lead to anxiety, like depression and loneliness.
- Helps keep you grounded.
- Promotes physical activity, especially if you have to walk or play with a dog.
These are only a few ways that an ESA for anxiety can help you.
How to Get an ESA for Anxiety
If you want to get an ESA for anxiety, the best thing you can do is get an ESA letter. Now, to get an ESA letter, you have a few options. First and foremost, you can schedule an appointment with your therapist. While this is effective, it can be more expensive, and you may have to find a therapist.
On the other hand, you can apply for an ESA letter online. Both options are viable, so it comes down to your preferences. Learn more about both methods below.
Register Your Emotional Support Animal Online
The best way to get an ESA letter for anxiety is to register your ESA online. Organizations, like US Service Animals, will take you through an ESA registration process that will help you obtain an ESA letter online. The best part? You don’t even have to get off your couch.
You’ll need to start the process by providing some information about yourself, your mental health condition, and the animal you want to receive an ESA letter for.
Then, you’ll schedule a telehealth call with a licensed mental health professional. From there, you wait for approval, and then your ESA letter is sent to you in the mail.
Work with a Licensed Mental Health Professional
The other option is to work with a licensed mental health professional, which is a great choice if you already work with one. These are professionals who can recommend an ESA letter, and you’ll find that licensed therapists are some of the most common options.
If covered by insurance or if you already have a payment plan in place, it usually won’t cost you extra to register your ESA.
Our Final Thoughts on an ESA for Anxiety
Anxiety is a unique condition that impacts everyone in different ways. While this may be the case, you’ll find that getting an ESA for anxiety tends to help more than it can hurt.
If you’re interested in registering your pet, make sure you connect with a licensed mental health professional or explore online options, like US Service Animals.