Short Answer: No, it is unlikely a chiropractor can write an effective ESA letter. ESA letters must be signed by licensed healthcare professionals that have conducted a mental health assessment.
Why can’t a chiropractor sign an ESA letter?
The U.S. Department of Housing publishes specific rules regarding how someone qualifies for an emotional support animal. To be eligible for an ESA, a person must have a mental health disability like severe depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
It is up to a licensed healthcare professional to make this determination and to provide a signed ESA letter as proof that the person needs an emotional support animal. HUD has specified that professionals like physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, PAs, nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers can write ESA letters.
While chiropractors are licensed to provide health services, they are not similar to the other types of health professionals listed by HUD. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, not mental health issues.
In addition, it’s also critical to find a healthcare professional that understands ESA rules. A chiropractor likely won’t have experience dealing with ESA requests. Even many doctors and therapists who are technically qualified to write ESA letters are unwilling to do so because ESA recommendations are outside of their knowledge and scope.
Where to get an ESA letter instead:
The most convenient way to get an ESA letter is through a licensed doctor or therapist that offers online services. ESA Doctors can connect you to an independent professional licensed for your state who specializes in ESA letter recommendations.
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