The Short Answer: Yes, licensed professional counselors (also known as LPC) have the ability to write ESA letters. However, many LPCs don’t handle ESA requests for various reasons. The best approach is finding a mental health professional that specializes in assistance animal support.
What qualifies an LPC to write an ESA letter?
To legally confirm that you have an emotional support animal, you need an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional. Providers that issue ESA letters include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, registered nurses, and doctors.
An LPC is a type of mental health professional who holds a license in counseling. LPCs are typically required to have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, and they also need to have completed a certain amount of supervised clinical experience.
Licensed professional counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat emotional and mental health issues. Their work involves a wide range of therapeutic techniques and approaches, sometimes including using assistance animals.
A licensed professional counselor, given that they are a licensed mental health professional, should be qualified to write an ESA letter.
Why might an LPC not write an ESA letter?
The main reason an LPC, or any other type of therapist, might not write an ESA letter is unfamiliarity. Many LPCs do not have experience writing ESA letters or understand the laws surrounding them.
Even if your LPC believes that an emotional support animal could help you, they may have to decline because it’s outside their comfort zone. If you’re seeing an LPC for your mental health concerns, however, there is no harm in asking if they can help with an ESA letter.
Where can you turn if your LPC can’t help?
The simplest way to qualify for an ESA letter is to use an online provider that deals explicitly with clients interested in an emotional support animal.
ESA Doctors works with licensed healthcare professionals across the U.S. who understand the world of ESAs. These providers are ready to guide you through the ESA process with kindness and compassion.
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