Mental health issues are common in the United States. Recent data estimates over one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health disorder. The good news is that more and more people who are dealing with mental health issues are turning to the support and comfort of emotional support animals. (ESAs) ESAs help to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues for their owners.

You must have a legitimate ESA letter to certify that you need an ESA. This legal document, written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), states that you have a mental health condition and that your ESA is a prescribed part of your treatment plan. 

The trouble is that there are many myths and misconceptions about ESA letters, and it can sometimes be challenging to wade through all this confusion, especially online.

One reason many myths persist is the lack of clear legal guidelines, which results in inconsistent issuance. This, of course, leads to abuse and fraudulent services. Landlords and ESA owners can find themselves overwhelmed trying to decipher between what is true and what is false regarding ESA letters.

This article will help clear up some of the confusion. We'll debunk some of the common myths to educate and empower anyone who is researching ESA letters. Let's take a look at nine of the top myths about ESA letters and explain why they are false.

Myth 1: ESA Letters Are the Same as Pet Certifications

A common myth concerning ESA letters is that they are the same as a pet certification. Pet certifications are not required by law or recognized as a valid legal document. An ESA letter written by an LMHP is the only way to certify that your animal is an ESA. Many websites sell pet certifications, but they will not help you in any way.

According to the Fair Housing Act (FHA), people with an ESA are protected and cannot be discriminated against in housing situations. An ESA is considered an assistance animal, and therefore, housing providers must allow the animal to live on the premises with their owner, even in "no-pet" situations.

It also mentions that only a valid ESA letter written by an LMHP can be used to secure housing. When requesting reasonable accommodations to live with your ESA, you must submit a legitimate ESA letter to your landlord or housing authority. This legal document states that you have a mental health condition and that your animal is a therapeutic aspect of your treatment.

Do not trust websites that claim their certification allows your ESA to live with you. The only documentation that you need is a legitimate ESA letter.

Myth 2: ESA Letters Can Be Purchased Without a Therapist

The myth that an ESA letter can be purchased without a therapist is false. For an ESA letter to be legal, you must be evaluated by an LMHP. You may choose a different mental health professional besides a therapist, but an LMHP must write it.

The FHA requires a therapist or other mental health professional to write the ESA letter for it to be considered legitimate and legal for housing purposes. Many state laws also require additional rules concerning ESA letters. For example, some states require a 30-day working relationship with the LMHP before writing the ESA letter. It is very important to learn the federal and state-specific laws regarding ESA letters. 

If you use an unverified online ESA letter service and your ESA letter is found to be a fraud, you could be fined for turning in a fake ESA letter. This could also lead to legal issues and potential housing problems. Any website that claims to give you an ESA letter without connecting you to an LMHP is a scam and should be avoided.

Myth 3: All ESA Letter Services Are Legitimate

One of the biggest ESA letter myths is that all ESA letter services are legitimate. Unfortunately, this is not the case. With a rise in people utilizing ESAs for their mental health, so too is a surge in companies and people who want to profit from this trend. The good news is that these scam sites typically all have similar red flags that you can look out for.

Some common warning signs to watch for include:

• Not having any contact with an LMHP: Websites that claim to provide ESA letters without consulting with an LMHP are not legitimate.
• Promises of "instant ESA letters": For an ESA letter to be legal, you must be evaluated by an LMHP first, so instantaneous ESA letters simply do not exist.
• Offers certifications: No certification or registration is required for ESAs; if they sell certifications, they are probably scam websites.
• Offers an ESA letter at a low cost: An authentic ESA letter is not cheap because you have to have an appointment with an LMHP, so low prices are often scams.
• ESA letters are general templates. Each individual's ESA letter should be unique and include information about the patient and the animal and how they contribute to the individual's treatment. 
• The site connects you to an out-of-state professional: For ESA letters to be valid, you must meet with an LMHP who practices in your state. 
• Provides ID badges or ESA vests: These things are not required for your ESA, and many sites selling these with their documentation do not offer legitimate ESA letters.

It's disappointing that some companies take advantage of individuals with legitimate mental health problems, but with knowledge and discernment, these websites can be avoided. Understanding your state and federal laws about ESA letters and what should be included in one is crucial.

It's also important to check the website's process for obtaining an ESA letter. A reputable website, like Pettable, will be completely transparent about the process and disclose an average turnaround. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to ESA letter scams.

Myth 4: Any Doctor Can Write an ESA Letter

A major myth regarding ESA letters is that any doctor can write one, but this is not the case. Any LMHP can write your ESA letter. So, this includes the following professionals:

• Psychiatrists
• Therapists 
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
• Psychologists
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (PMHN) 
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

While your primary care physician (PCP) or general practitioner may be able to write the ESA letter for you, typically, ESA letters are written by someone comfortable addressing mental health issues. If your primary care doctor or family doctor happens to have mental health training, then they would be a good choice for your ESA letter.

Some PCPs may not know the proper format of an ESA letter and feel more comfortable referring you to an LMHP. 

Myth 5: ESA Letters Work for Travel Just Like They Do for Housing

A big misconception about ESA letters is that they will work for travel just like they do for housing. While this might have been true in the past, the laws concerning air travel changed in 2021. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) redefined their policy on service animals and ESAs.

Only service animals are given access rights, and airlines do not recognize ESAs as service animals. Even if you have an ESA letter, ESAs are no longer given flight access.

However, some ESA-friendly airline companies may allow you to fly with your ESA for a fee. Before you fly, it is always a good idea to call or check the airline's website to see their policies on pets and ESAs to save you from trouble when you arrive.

Myth 6: You Must Register Your ESA in a National Database

A common myth about ESAs is that you must register your ESA in a national database, which is false. Registering your ESA is unnecessary and not a legal requirement. Service dogs are required to be registered; ESAs are not. Many websites claim to register your ESA or sell you an ESA vest, but these things are simply unnecessary and are often scams. There is no official database for registering an ESA.

The only legally required document for your ESA is the valid ESA letter. There are basically two steps that you need to take to certify your ESA. First, you need to get your legitimate ESA letter from an LMHP. Then, with your ESA letter in hand, reach out to your landlord or housing authority and request accommodations for your ESA. That's it! There is no registration needed.

Myth 7: All Emotional Support Animals Are Automatically Allowed Everywhere

Another popular myth about ESAs is that they can go everywhere with their owners. Service animals are allowed to accompany their owners in public places and airplanes, but ESAs have limited public access rights.

According to the Fair Housing Act, an ESA can live with you in no-pet policy housing without you having to pay any fees or deposits. However, public places like hotels, restaurants, malls, or stores do not have to allow your ESA. Some pet-friendly stores, businesses, and even airlines may allow you access with your ESA, but they are not required.

Myth 8: You Cannot Get an ESA Letter Online Legitimately

There are some misconceptions about ESA letters and online services. A myth that says you cannot legitimately get an ESA letter online is false. You should be careful to avoid online scams, but there are reliable online ESA letter providers, like Pettable, who can get you a valid ESA letter. Many fake ESA letter companies are out there, and you must be cautious and know what to look for to identify a legitimate ESA letter provider.

Telehealth services are a modern approach to working with LMHPs from the comfort of your home. For an ESA letter to be valid, you must have a consultation with an LMHP who determines that you qualify for an ESA based on their assessment of your mental health. This crucial step can be taken online over video conferencing.

If a company doesn't offer a telehealth assessment with an LMHP, then the ESA letter will not be legitimate. Any website that gives you an ESA letter right away will also be fraudulent, as a process must occur first. Some legitimate websites can get you an ESA letter in as little as 72 hours, but this includes an online consultation with an LMHP.

For it to be legitimate, the ESA letter must be on professional letterhead and include the LMHP's licensing information.

Myth 9: ESA Letters Are Only for Dogs and Cats

Another common myth concerning ESAs is that ESA letters are just for cats and dogs. While dogs and cats tend to be more common, an ESA can include a wide array of domesticated animals. You can make any animal an ESA, from low-maintenance animals like turtles, guinea pigs, and fish to rabbits, birds, and miniature horses. The main criterion for an ESA is that they are good for your mental health.

However, there are some limitations that landlords may place that could keep you from having certain animals. For example, some landlords may not allow exotic animals like snakes or other safety issues that would limit the type of ESA that you can have. Of course, the animal will need to fit safely inside the residence, so there could be some restrictions, but basically, any animal can be an ESA. You should ask about any rules the landlord has regarding animal types.

FAQs About ESA Letters

Let's look at some other common questions people have about ESA letters.

How do I verify if my ESA letter is legitimate?

To verify that your ESA letter is legitimate, you should look for a few key criteria. First, the letter should be written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) and on professional letterhead. It should include their contact information, licensing number, signature, and date. The letter should also include information about your mental health diagnosis and that they recommend an ESA as part of your treatment.  

Can landlords deny my ESA if I have a valid letter?

No, a landlord should not deny your request for reasonable accommodation for your ESA if you have a valid ESA letter. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects people with ESAs, allowing them to live comfortably with their ESA in most housing situations. However, if your ESA letter is not legitimate, then your landlord can deny it.

What happens if I lose my ESA letter?

If you lose your ESA letter, you should contact your licensed mental health professional (LMHP), who issued it immediately, to ask for a new one. It's always a good idea to make copies and keep a copy on your computer or device as a backup. 

Can I have multiple ESAs?

Yes, you can have multiple ESAs if you have documentation from your licensed mental health professional for each animal.

You will need a separate ESA letter for each of your ESAs. There are some instances when a landlord can limit the number of ESAs you can have. If you live in a small apartment, having multiple ESAs may be unsafe, and your request for them can be denied. 

Conclusion: Empowering Yourself with ESA Letter Knowledge

With that, all ESA letter services are not legitimate, and you can't buy one without first seeing an LMHP. ESA letters do not work for traveling; they are only for housing. You aren't required to have a dog or a cat as an ESA; you can certainly have other domesticated animals if you want to.

Hopefully, we have clarified some of the confusion around ESA letters and debunked most of the common ESA letter myths. If you have any other questions regarding ESA letters, please reach out to your LMHP for help. Work with an LMHP to obtain your ESA letter and communicate directly with your landlord or housing authority to ensure you can legally live with your ESA.

If you know that your animal is providing you with relief from your mental health issues, let's see if you qualify for an ESA! Pettable can connect you to an LMHP from your state who can conduct your evaluation. If they determine your need for an ESA, you can expect to receive your ESA letter within 72 hours in most cases. Take our short, 5-minute survey today.