Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluations
You will meet with Alexis through secure telehealth to discuss your mental health history, current symptoms, functional limitations, treatment history, and the support provided by the animal.
EHMH reviews your location, age, housing situation, reason for requesting an evaluation, and whether the service appears to fall within the practice’s scope.
Clinical ESA Evaluations With Care and Integrity
An ESA Letter Begins With a Clinical Assessment
An emotional support animal evaluation considers whether an individual has a mental or emotional impairment and whether the animal’s presence provides disability-related support that may be relevant to a housing accommodation request.
The evaluation is not a purchase of a predetermined letter. Alexis McCray, Ed.S., LPC, must gather sufficient clinical information and exercise independent professional judgment before determining whether documentation is appropriate. Alexis evaluates the information collected and determines whether the clinical findings support housing-related ESA documentation.
*An emotional support animal is not the same as a service animal. ESA documentation generally concerns qualifying housing accommodations and does not automatically grant an animal access to restaurants, stores, airplanes, workplaces, or other public spaces.
If the findings support an ESA recommendation, a separate clinical letter may be prepared. If the findings do not support documentation, EHMH will not issue a letter.
ESA evaluations are intended for individuals who are seeking an assessment to determine whether an Emotional Support Animal is clinically appropriate to support a disability-related need.
This service may be appropriate for individuals who:
• Rent their residence or are full-time students living in college or university housing
• Have a documented disability, whether physical or mental, or are currently receiving treatment for a disability-related condition
• Experience mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, or related concerns that may impact daily functioning (examples only)
• Are seeking a clinical evaluation, not a guaranteed outcome, and understand that eligibility is determined through professional judgment
Supporting documentation may be requested as part of the evaluation process. All determinations are made ethically and in accordance with clinical standards.
The ESA Evaluation Process
Step 1: Schedule & Prepare
Clients schedule an ESA evaluation and complete required intake information prior to the appointment. Payment is collected in advance to reserve the session.
Step 2: Clinical Evaluation
The evaluation is conducted via secure telehealth with a licensed mental health professional. This appointment focuses on mental health history, current symptoms, functional impact, and whether an Emotional Support Animal may be clinically appropriate.
-When the evaluation findings support an ESA recommendation, preparation of the clinical housing letter is a separate service and fee.
Step 3: Clinical Determination
Following the evaluation, the provider determines whether ESA criteria are met based on clinical judgment and applicable guidelines.
• If criteria are met:
A professionally written ESA letter is prepared and furnished to the client.
• If criteria are not met:
The provider explains the clinical rationale and may offer guidance on alternative support options or next steps, when appropriate.
Step 4: Documentation & Follow-Up
Clients receive documentation and clear instructions regarding appropriate use of an ESA letter or recommendations discussed during the evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you guarantee approval of an ESA letter?
No. ESA evaluations are clinical assessments. If criteria are met, a letter may be provided; however, an ESA letter is an accommodation request submitted to a landlord or housing authority, and approval decisions are made by them—not by the provider. Payment arrangements, required forms, and cancellation terms will be explained before the evaluation is scheduled. Fees paid for completed professional services are not contingent upon the outcome requested.
How quickly will I receive my ESA letter?
If clinically appropriate, ESA letters are furnished within 14 days of the evaluation being completed.
Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Please mention the need for expedited processing during your appointment, and an invoice will be provided if applicable.
Do you evaluate minors for ESA letters?
Yes. ESA evaluations for minors require parental consent, and a parent or legal guardian must be present for the appointment.
Do you write ESA letters for airlines or hotels?
No. ESA evaluations and letters are intended for permanent housing accommodations only. We do not provide letters for airlines, hotels, or short-term travel purposes.
Housing Documentation Has Defined Limits
An ESA letter does not certify, register, train, or license an animal. It does not make an emotional support animal a service animal, guarantee approval by a housing provider, or provide automatic public-access or travel rights.
EHMH does not sell registrations, certificates, identification cards, vests, or database listings. Housing providers and other third parties make their own decisions under applicable requirements.
An ESA letter does not guarantee:
Approval of a housing accommodation
Waiver of every animal-related requirement
Access to public places
Permission to bring an animal to work
Airline travel accommodations
Acceptance of a particular animal
Information That Helps Us Review Your Request
You do not need to diagnose yourself or prove eligibility before contacting EHMH. However, having the following information available will help with the initial review:
Your current physical location and state
Your age
Whether you rent or live in college or university housing
The number and type of animals involved
The housing provider’s request or form, if one was provided
Your requested deadline
Any current or prior mental health treatment relevant to the request
Closing paragraph:
EHMH will not complete forms or letters that require statements Alexis cannot independently verify or support through the evaluation.
Find Out Whether an ESA Evaluation Fits Your Needs
Contact EHMH with basic information about your location, housing situation, animal, and requested documentation. We will explain the eligibility review and next available step without promising a predetermined outcome.