Want to procure an emotional support animal but have no idea how to ask your doctor for it? Mental illnesses are becoming more and more common these days. Reportedly, one in five Americans are experiencing some form of mental illness that is caused by stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health support animals help alleviate these symptoms and help people become normal and live a happy and fulfilling life. However, how to procure an ESA? The only way to do so is to ask your doctor for it.
For many people, especially those who are new to the concept, asking their doctor is tough since they have no idea how to do it. This blog is centered around the steps involved in asking your doctor or therapist for an ESA prescription.
What is An Emotional Support Animal?
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) is the term used to describe animals that provide some form of comfort and support to their owners. While dogs and cats remain the everyday ESAs, there are several animals, and very strange ones too, that qualify to be mental health support animals.
There is no law that backs what type of animal and breed to keep as an ESA and everyone is free to choose whatever animal they like. Some typical choices, in addition to a dog and a cat, are parrots, pigeons, goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, rabbits, hamsters, etc. The choices have no end.
What is an ESA Letter?
An Emotional Support Animal letter is a prescription letter that a licensed mental health professional gives. The doctor checks the patient and explains their condition, and why the patient will benefit from an ESA.
How To Ask A Doctor For ESA?
Asking your doctor to prescribe an emotional support dog or any mental health support animals could be pretty challenging for a lot of people. Especially if they are coping with a mental disorder because then they will not be in a position to communicate the matter.
The way to procure an emotional support animal letter is explained in the upcoming sections.
Explain Your Symptoms
During the appointment, talk to your doctor about the symptoms that you are experiencing. Be forthwith about what you feel and experience if you want your doctor to diagnose your condition accurately.
Let the Doctor Make Recommendations
Whether you have a history of different medical and mental treatments or opting for it for the first time, let your doctor speak. In place of just jumping to what you want and why you are here, speak about the matter with your doctor.
Present it As A Treatment Option
Once you present the matter, your doctor will be more open about talking on the subject. If you already have a cat or a dog, the doctor may ask you about how you feel about it and how they assist in alleviating your condition.
Final Thoughts
Most of the time the psychotherapist that you have contacted will want to speak to your doctor. Explain to your doctor why you are involving a licensed mental health specialist in the matter. Allow your doctor to speak about your symptoms and condition with the psychologist.