Psychiatric service dog letters (PSD Letters) will each look a little different since the licensed professionals who write them have leeway in how to write them. However, there are some typical elements in PSD letters and a few things you’ll want to make sure are included. A PSD letter should:
- be on the licensed healthcare professional’s letterhead,
- be dated and signed by the professional,
- contain the professional’s contact information,
- contain the professional’s opinion on whether you have a mental or emotional ADA disability that can qualify for a psychiatric service dog.
PSD letters also sometimes state that the healthcare provider is not giving an opinion regarding the handler’s service dog training or status. That’s because it’s not the healthcare professional’s role to assess whether the service dog has been properly trained and is ready to be in public areas. That job falls to the trainer of the service dog, which can be the owner or a third-party trainer.
Here is an example of what a PSD letter can look like:
If you’re interested in qualifying for a PSD letter, you can connect with a professional licensed for your state online. Just click on the link below and fill out the questionnaire. The process is convenient, done remotely, and costs one low fee.
If you are interested in a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter, we are happy to connect you with a licensed healthcare provider so they may assist you.
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Frequently Asked Questions about PSD Letters
1. What is the purpose of a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter?
A psychiatric service dog is a type of service dog that has been trained to perform tasks for a person with a mental health condition. PSDs can go with their owners to places normal pets can’t, like airplane cabins and stores.
In order to verify you have a service dog, you must be able to say that you have an ADA disability. But how do you know if your depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric condition qualifies as a disability? That’s where PSD letters come in.
An eligible disability has a specific legal definition under ADA Service Animal Laws and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). “Disability” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A licensed healthcare professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, therapist, counselor, or doctor can help evaluate whether you meet this standard.
If your provider believes you have an ADA disability, they can give you a signed PSD letter stating their opinion. A PSD letter is used to document your condition and provides you with peace of mind having the opinion of a licensed third party.
2. Why do you need a PSD letter?
Misrepresenting your status as a service dog owner is not only unethical; it’s punishable by law in many jurisdictions. You’ll want to make sure that you can truthfully answer that you have a service dog required for a disability. PSD letters are NOT required if you are a service dog owner, but they can help give you peace of mind that you meet eligibility requirements.
For example, to travel with a service dog, the handler must self-certify that they have a disability that requires a service dog on a federal form. Falsely mispresenting your condition can result in penalties under the law, so it’s important to be truthful and accurate when you complete the form.
Keep in mind that a PSD letter does not make your dog a service dog; it’s just part of the process for some service dog owners so they can feel more confident. You also never need to present a PSD letter to get service dog rights. Ultimately, it’s every service dog owner’s personal responsibility to verify their service dog status by verbal confirmation under ADA rules (see below for details on how that works).
3. Who can write a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter?
A PSD letter should come from someone familiar with the state of your mental and emotional health. A licensed mental health or healthcare professional is best suited to make this evaluation. That includes psychologists, doctors, counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists, among others.
If you are currently seeing someone for your mental health issues, it’s worth discussing your psychiatric service dog-related needs with them. Be aware that not all healthcare professionals are familiar with service dogs. It helps to see someone who has experience or specializes in support animals.
How to Get your Psychiatric Service Dog Letter from ESA Doctors
4. Is a PSD letter all I need to have a psychiatric service dog?
No, having a PSD letter is optional and just a start if you want to own a psychiatric service dog. A psychiatric service dog must be individually trained to perform a job or task relating to your disability. There are countless jobs that service dogs for psychiatric conditions are called on to do. They include things like:
- Stopping panic attacks with deep pressure therapy.
- Interrupting dissociative episodes.
- Reminding the handler to perform daily tasks like taking medication.
- Providing buffering in crowded environments.
In addition to being task-trained, a psychiatric service dog must also be prepared for being taken in public. They should be well-behaved around other people and animals and be under the handler’s control at all times. A PSD can be removed from the airport or flight if it exhibits disruptive or aggressive behavior.
5. How can someone verify that I have a PSD?
When flying, the airline will verify your PSD by reviewing your completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. If you’re out in public, staff members can verify your PSD with two verbal questions:
- Is the dog required because of a disability?
- What work or task does the PSD perform?
No one has the right to ask for specifics regarding your condition. You also have a right to dignity: no one can ask that you demonstrate your dog’s abilities on the spot.
You never have to share your PSD letter with a third party unless you want to. Remember, a PSD letter is to help assure you that you have a PSD-eligible condition and can make certifications regarding your condition. A PSD letter may contain sensitive details regarding your mental health, and you may want to keep it private. If you choose to disclose your PSD letter as additional proof, that is your choice.
Need a PSD letter from a licensed therapist?
See if you have a qualifying disorder for a PSD by clicking the link below.
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