ESA Letter Samples: Templates & Examples for Emotional Support Animals

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can provide invaluable comfort and support to individuals facing emotional or mental health challenges. A legitimate ESA letter, written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), is crucial for legally documenting the need for your ESA. Understanding what a valid ESA letter contains is essential whether you’re seeking one for yourself or simply want to learn more about the process. This guide provides a collection of sample ESA letters to illustrate key elements and formatting best practices. These examples are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or a legitimate ESA evaluation.

Each sample ESA letter below showcases slightly different wording and emphasis while maintaining the core components required for legitimacy. Pay close attention to the LMHP’s credentials, the clear diagnosis of an emotional or mental disability, and the explicit recommendation for an ESA to alleviate symptoms. We’ve included examples to demonstrate a variety of potential situations, but remember that your personal letter should reflect your unique circumstances. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine if an ESA is right for you and to obtain a valid, personalized ESA letter.

Emotional Support Animal Letter Samples

Below are 12 examples of emotional support animal letters, each formatted to demonstrate the key components of a legitimate letter. Note that these are for informational purposes only. You must consult with a licensed mental health professional to receive a valid ESA letter.

1. Sample Letter 1: General ESA Recommendation

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is under my professional care. I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. Due to this condition, [Patient Name] experiences significant symptoms, including [List of Symptoms]. I am prescribing an emotional support animal (ESA) to mitigate these symptoms. The presence of an ESA is a necessary component of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

2. Sample Letter 2: ESA for Housing

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   [Landlord/Housing Manager Name]
   [Address]

   Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]

   I am a licensed mental health professional and [Patient Name] is under my care. I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. I have determined that the presence of an emotional support animal is necessary to assist [Patient Name] in coping with the symptoms of their disability. Therefore, I am prescribing an emotional support animal for [Patient Name] to alleviate these symptoms within their housing.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

3. Sample Letter 3: Focus on Specific Support

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   This letter is to verify that [Patient Name] is a patient of mine and is being treated for [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. As part of their treatment plan, I have recommended an emotional support animal. The ESA provides vital support in alleviating [Patient Name]’s symptoms of [Specific Symptom 1] and [Specific Symptom 2], which significantly impacts their ability to [Specific Daily Activity].

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

4. Sample Letter 4: More Detailed Explanation

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   This letter serves as confirmation that [Patient Name] is currently under my care for [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date]. After careful evaluation, I have determined that [Patient Name]’s condition significantly limits their ability to function in various aspects of their life. To help mitigate these limitations, I am recommending that [Patient Name] have an emotional support animal. The ESA will provide companionship and emotional support, which will help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with their disability.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

5. Sample Letter 5: Emphasizing Therapeutic Benefits

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is my patient and is diagnosed with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. I believe that an emotional support animal is a crucial therapeutic intervention for [Patient Name]. The presence of an ESA will provide a sense of security and stability, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting overall well-being.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

6. Sample Letter 6: Length of Treatment Included

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   This letter certifies that [Patient Name] has been under my care for [Number] months and is being treated for [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. During this time, I have observed the significant impact of [Patient Name]’s condition on their daily life. I am recommending an emotional support animal as a vital part of their treatment plan to provide comfort and reduce the severity of their symptoms.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

7. Sample Letter 7: Addressing Potential Concerns

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is under my professional care for [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. An emotional support animal is prescribed to assist with managing symptoms related to this diagnosis. Please note that an ESA is not a service animal and does not require specialized training. Its primary function is to provide emotional support and comfort. [Patient Name] is responsible for the behavior and care of their ESA.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

8. Sample Letter 8: Emphasis on Daily Functioning

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name], who I have diagnosed with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. This condition significantly impairs [Patient Name]’s ability to perform daily activities. I am prescribing an emotional support animal to mitigate these impairments and improve their overall quality of life.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

9. Sample Letter 9: Mentioning Specific Regulations (Example)

   [Date]
   [LMHP Name]
   [LMHP Credentials]
   [LMHP Contact Information]

   To Whom It May Concern:

   This letter verifies that [Patient Name] is under my care and has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. As part of their ongoing treatment, I have prescribed an emotional support animal. This recommendation is made in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations pertaining to emotional support animals.

   Sincerely,
   [LMHP Signature]
   [LMHP Printed Name]

10. Sample Letter 10: Focus on Anxiety Reduction

    [Date]
    [LMHP Name]
    [LMHP Credentials]
    [LMHP Contact Information]

    To Whom It May Concern:

    I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is my patient and suffers from [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. I have determined that an emotional support animal would significantly alleviate [Patient Name]’s anxiety symptoms and improve their emotional well-being.

    Sincerely,
    [LMHP Signature]
    [LMHP Printed Name]

11. Sample Letter 11: Combining Housing and Functioning

    [Date]
    [LMHP Name]
    [LMHP Credentials]
    [LMHP Contact Information]

    [Landlord/Housing Manager Name]
    [Address]

    Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]

    I am a licensed mental health professional and [Patient Name] is under my care for [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. Due to this disability, [Patient Name] experiences significant difficulty in performing daily tasks and maintaining emotional stability. I have prescribed an emotional support animal to assist [Patient Name] in managing these challenges within their housing environment.

    Sincerely,
    [LMHP Signature]
    [LMHP Printed Name]

12. Sample Letter 12: Clear and Concise

    [Date]
    [LMHP Name]
    [LMHP Credentials]
    [LMHP Contact Information]

    To Whom It May Concern:

    This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is under my care and is diagnosed with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability]. I am prescribing an emotional support animal as part of their treatment plan.

    Sincerely,
    [LMHP Signature]
    [LMHP Printed Name]