Can an LMFT write an ESA Letter?

Yes, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is qualified to write an ESA letter to turn your pet into an emotional support animal, provided they are knowledgeable enough about your mental health condition. Federal and state ESA laws are clear about who can write an ESA letter: they must come from licensed healthcare professionals. 

LMFTs are state-licensed mental health professionals who can diagnose mental health disorders and provide recommendations to help. Not all LMFTs, however, are able to write ESA letters. In this article, we’ll explain why some LMFTs can’t write ESA letters and where to go as an alternative. 

If you are ready to connect online with a licensed health professional for an ESA letter, click on the link below to get started.

What do LMFTs do and why are they qualified to write ESA Letters?

LMFTs are mental health professionals who specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families within the context of their relationships. They typically hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, which involves 2-3 years of graduate-level study after completing a bachelor’s degree. Following their academic training, aspiring LMFTs must complete supervised clinical hours, usually ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 hours depending on the state, and then pass a state licensing exam. 

LMFTs help people with a wide range of mental health and relationship problems, from depression and anxiety to marriage conflicts and family issues. They work with individuals, couples, and families to improve communication, solve conflicts, and cope with life changes like divorce, new babies, or the loss of a loved one.

LMFTs are familiar with how mental health can be affected by interpersonal relationships. LMFTs are equipped to provide various therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy. They can also recommend an emotional support animal if they feel it would help their clients manage their symptoms.

Why can’t LMFTs write an ESA letter?

If your LMFT can’t help you with an ESA letter, don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives. An LMFT might not be able to help you get an ESA letter for many reasons unrelated to your genuine need for an emotional support animal: 

1. Insufficient ESA knowledge: Many LMFTs are just not familiar with emotional support animals and how they help. If that’s the case, you’ll want to find a mental health professional specializing in ESAs. 
2. Unfamiliarity with rules: ESAs are governed by federal and state rules. Your LMFT may just not be familiar with these laws. 
3. Organizational policies: Sometimes, the LMFT’s clinic or practice won’t allow them to write ESA letters as a policy. For example, health professionals at Kaiser can’t write ESA letters. 
4. Unfamiliarity with ESA letters: Many LMFTs don’t know how to write an ESA letter or what their responsibilities are when writing one. 
5. Lack of knowledge regarding the client: Sometimes, LMFTs are engaged to help with a specific issue, like a difficult divorce. They may not be familiar enough with your mental health history to decide whether an ESA makes sense. 

If your LMFT says no to your ESA letter request, read on to learn how to get the help you need elsewhere.

Where to Get an ESA Letter if Your LMFT Says No

If your LMFT can’t help with an ESA letter, look for a mental health professional with an emotional support animal practice. Ask potential new providers ahead of time whether they offer emotional support animal recommendations. 

Better yet, you can get an ESA letter online through ESA Doctors. You’ll work with a mental health professional who is licensed for your state and specializes in emotional support animals. The entire process is confidential, fast, and completed without office visits.