14Aug, 2025
What Professionals Write ESAs: Your Guide to Getting a Legitimate ESA Letter

If you’re considering getting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter, you’re already taking the first step toward protecting your right to live with your animal companion—regardless of restrictive pet policies. But there’s one detail that determines whether your ESA letter will be accepted or rejected: who writes it.

Landlords, airlines, and housing authorities have strict rules about ESA letters. They only accept them if they are written by a qualified, licensed professional. This means not every doctor, therapist, or pet-related service can issue a legally valid ESA letter.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • Exactly who can write an ESA letter legally

  • How to verify a provider’s credentials

  • The step-by-step process to get connected with a professional today

  • How to avoid scams and invalid letters

By the end, you’ll know how to secure your ESA letter quickly and confidently—without risking denial.

What is an ESA Letter and Why is it Needed?

An ESA letter is a document from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) or other qualified provider stating that your animal is part of your treatment plan for a mental or emotional health condition.

Legal Benefits of an ESA Letter:

  • Housing: Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must make reasonable accommodations for ESA owners—even in “no-pet” housing.

  • Travel: While airline rules have changed, some carriers still allow ESAs as part of emotional assistance with proper documentation.

  • Protection from Pet Fees: Many housing providers cannot charge extra deposits or monthly fees for an ESA.

Without a legally recognized ESA letter, landlords and property managers can deny your request and even charge you extra.

Who Can Write an ESA Letter Legally?

Not everyone who offers “ESA services” is qualified to issue a valid letter. According to U.S. federal guidelines, an ESA letter must be written by one of the following:

1. Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs)

These are the most common and accepted providers for ESA letters:

  • Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)

  • Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)

  • Psychiatrists (M.D. or D.O.)

An LMHP must be licensed in your state to provide you with an ESA letter that is valid for housing rights.

2. Licensed Physicians

In some cases, a primary care doctor or specialist who is familiar with your mental health can issue an ESA letter.

  • They must be actively licensed in your state.

  • They must explicitly state that your animal provides therapeutic benefit for a mental or emotional disability.

3. Telehealth Mental Health Providers

Telehealth has made it easy to connect with a licensed provider online.

  • If the platform is legitimate, you’ll have a real-time consultation with an LMHP.

  • These providers must still meet state licensing requirements.

Who Cannot Write a Legal ESA Letter

To avoid rejection, never get an ESA letter from:

  • Unlicensed “ESA services” that sell instant letters without evaluation

  • Veterinarians (they can recommend, but not legally certify, ESAs)

  • Friends, family, or pet trainers (even if they know your situation well)

  • Online questionnaires without professional review

If your letter isn’t from a qualified provider, landlords can legally reject it—and you’ll have to start the process over.

How to Verify an ESA Letter is Legitimate

When you receive your ESA letter, check for these mandatory elements:

  1. Provider’s Full Name & Credentials (e.g., “John Smith, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist”)

  2. State License Number & Expiration Date

  3. Statement of Your Need for an ESA due to a qualifying mental/emotional disability

  4. Provider’s Contact Information for verification purposes

  5. Date Issued and a clear note on how long it’s valid (typically 12 months)

Why Working With a Qualified Professional is Worth It

Choosing the right provider isn’t just about following the law—it’s about:

  • Avoiding legal disputes with housing managers

  • Protecting your privacy with confidential consultations

  • Getting documentation that works everywhere without the hassle of re-issuing

A legitimate ESA letter from a qualified professional is the difference between instant acceptance and frustrating rejections.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Your ESA Letter From a Professional

Step 1: Choose a Verified Provider

Make sure they are:

  • Licensed in your state

  • Experienced with ESA evaluations

  • Willing to provide official documentation with their credentials

Step 2: Complete a Mental Health Assessment

  • You’ll answer a few questions about your mental health and how your animal supports you.

  • In some cases, you may have a short telehealth appointment.

Step 3: Receive Your ESA Letter

  • A valid ESA letter will include the provider’s license info, signature, and date.

  • You’ll receive it via secure email and/or physical copy.

Step 4: Submit to Your Housing Provider

  • Provide the letter along with any forms your landlord requests.

  • Keep a copy for your records in case you need to show it again.

Red Flags: How to Avoid ESA Letter Scams

Watch out for:

  • “Instant approval” websites with no real consultation

  • Letters missing a provider’s license number

  • ESA providers that aren’t licensed in your state

  • Websites that only ask for payment—no evaluation process

Legitimate ESA letters always involve a real mental health evaluation and a licensed professional’s direct involvement.

Get Started Today With a Licensed ESA Professional

Now that you know what professionals can write ESA letters and how to spot a legitimate one, you can begin the process without fear of rejection.

We connect you directly with state-licensed mental health providers who are qualified to evaluate your needs and issue legally valid ESA letters.

Whether you need it for housing, travel, or simply to protect your bond with your animal, getting your letter today will give you peace of mind and legal protection.

Lets Apply for the ESA letter and make sure that your pet stays with you in every No Pet Zone & Policy, Please fill out this form and our team will contact you ASAP.
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