Emotional Support Animals: When Doctors Prescribe a Furry Friend

This blog post was reviewed and approved for publication by Anne Phan-Huy M.D., a Board-certified psychiatrist at Apraku Psychiatry.

Remember Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”? Thrust into a bewildering new world with munchkins, witches and flying monkeys, her trusty dog Toto provides not just companionship but emotional grounding. Amidst the chaos of a land filled with both wonders and terrors, Toto offers a consistent source of comfort when everything else is uncertain.

While not everyone finds themselves in a fairy tale scenario, many of us go through real-life situations that are emotionally taxing. And Dorothy is far from the only animal lover to discover that when the going gets tough, furry friends can be invaluable sources of support.

That’s why, back in the real world in the 21st century, some people turn to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) for an added layer of psychological well-being. However, ESAs aren’t a universal solution, nor are they necessarily simply the same as pets.

​Curious about whether an ESA could be a good fit for you or someone you love? Stick around, because we’re diving into the details of what ESAs can do, why they may help you and how to go about getting one the right way. So let's follow that yellow brick road, with Toto in tow!

What Are Emotional Support Animals?

You’ve likely heard the term “Emotional Support Animal,” but what exactly does it mean? In the simplest terms, an ESA is an animal companion specifically recommended by a psychiatrist to provide comfort and relief for someone managing emotional or psychological challenges.

Unlike service animals trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, ESAs don’t require specialized training. Their main job is to offer emotional stability, reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and in some instances, even the symptoms associated with PTSD.

It’s important to differentiate between a pet and an ESA. While pets bring joy and companionship, an ESA has a targeted role in an individual’s mental health treatment. In the United States, this distinction is acknowledged legally, allowing ESAs some rights that pets don’t have, such as living in “no-pet” housing. However, these privileges come with responsibilities and are bound by certain regulations.

So, an ESA isn’t just a pet you can take most places; it’s a part of your mental health support system, specifically recommended to aid in your well-being.

Top Highlights

• Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) offer significant emotional stability and comfort, particularly in challenging emotional or psychological situations.
• Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specialized training and play a specific role in mental health support, with legal recognition.
• Interaction with ESAs can release 'feel-good' hormones, reduce stress hormone levels, and provide various mental health benefits.
• Obtaining an ESA involves a recommendation from a psychiatrist and is not limited to severe mental health conditions or to just dogs and cats.

The Science Behind Furry Support

Ever wondered why simply petting a dog or holding a cat can instantly make you feel better? Turns out, it’s not just all in your head — there’s actual science to back it up!

When you interact with an animal, your body releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ hormones, which naturally elevate mood. Studies have shown that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal can reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, making you feel more relaxed and at ease. Some research even suggests that ESAs can help lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and reduce feelings of loneliness.

A word of caution, though. While the general benefits are scientifically supported, results can vary from person to person. Not everyone experiences the same level of relief from an ESA, and they should not be considered as a sole treatment for any mental health condition. They work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often in conjunction with medication and psychotherapy under the direction of a psychiatrist.

Debunking Myths About Emotional Support Animals

In our quest to understand Emotional Support Animals better, it’s essential to clear the air about some common misconceptions. Here are a few myths you might have heard — and why they’re not quite right:

• Any Pet Can Be an ESA: While pets do provide companionship and emotional support, not every pet qualifies as an Emotional Support Animal. ESAs have specific roles and often require a letter from a qualified mental health professional to validate their status.
• ESAs Are Like Service Animals: Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, whereas ESAs do not necessarily require specific training. Instead, ESAs provide general emotional support. This distinction affects where you can take your animal; for instance, service animals are allowed in certain public places where ESAs might not be.
• Getting an ESA is Complicated: It can be simpler than you might think! As you’ll see below, the process can be straightforward — the first step is to consult a psychiatrist who can assess your overall needs.
• ESAs are Only for People with Severe Mental Health Issues: ESAs can benefit individuals dealing with a variety of emotional or psychological challenges, not just those diagnosed with severe mental health conditions.
• All ESAs are Dogs or Cats: While dogs and cats are the most common, other animals like birds or rabbits can also serve as ESAs, provided they meet certain criteria.

How to Get an Emotional Support Animal

• Consult a Psychiatrist: The first step is talking to a psychiatrist about your symptoms and exploring if an animal could be beneficial as part of your treatment plan.
• Obtain an ESA Letter: If deemed appropriate, your psychiatrist will issue an ESA letter, confirming your need for an Emotional Support Animal.
• Choosing Your ESA: With the ESA letter, you can then select an appropriate animal, not limited to dogs or cats, but any domesticated animal that fits your emotional needs.
• Living and Traveling with Your ESA: The Fair Housing Act and some airline policies allow you to live and travel with your ESA, subject to certain legal provisions.
• Regular Check-ins: Continue regular sessions with your mental health professional to ensure your ESA remains a beneficial part of your mental health support system.

Always remember: an ESA is more than a pet; it’s a commitment to provide a loving and stable environment for the animal that supports your emotional well-being.

Conclusion: Four Legs Good (For Some)

Almost like Dorothy and Toto, we’ve gone on a little journey together. From diving into the actual science that backs up the effectiveness of Emotional Support Animals to debunking some common myths, we’ve covered quite a bit. And hey, you’ve even learned the steps on how to get one!

Let’s face it: life throws curveballs. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, sometimes a wagging tail or a gentle purr can make a world of difference. Emotional Support Animals aren’t a one-size-fits-all cure, but they can be an incredibly beneficial part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you find yourself nodding and thinking, “This could be for me,” don't hesitate to reach out to a psychiatrist to discuss your options. An Emotional Support Animal might just be the caring companion you’ve been looking for.

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This blog post is brought to you by Apraku Psychiatry.

Apraku Psychiatry is a private practice offering video appointments with Board-certified psychiatrists licensed in multiple states. More blog articles can be found here. To schedule an appointment with one of our psychiatrists, patients can complete the online booking form.