Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluations
Ethical, clinically grounded ESA evaluations via secure telehealth.
Not sure if an ESA Evaluation is right for you? Start here.
Before scheduling an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluation, many clients want to understand how ESAs work in housing and campus living.
Our self-paced course — Understanding Emotional Support Animals: What Clients Need to Know — explains:
What ESAs are (and what they are not)
How housing accommodations work
Common misconceptions (including air travel)
How to prepare responsibly for an evaluation
Course price: $47 + applicable tax
Note: This course is educational and does not include an ESA evaluation or guarantee approval.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluations
Emotional Support Animal evaluations assess whether an individual meets clinical criteria for an ESA under applicable guidelines. This process includes a clinical interview and professional determination based on mental health needs and functional impact.
When clinically appropriate, a formal ESA letter is provided.
ESA evaluations are not guarantees of approval and are completed using clinical judgment and ethical standards.
Fee: $450 (flat rate). No refunds.
What’s Included in an ESA Evaluation
• A clinical evaluation conducted by a licensed mental health professional to assess whether an Emotional Support Animal is clinically appropriate
• Secure telehealth appointment—no in-person visit required
• Flat fee of $450, due prior to the appointment
• If clinically appropriate, one professionally written ESA letter provided following the evaluation
• Clear guidance on next steps and realistic expectations—ESA letters are based on clinical judgment and are not guaranteed
Who it’s for
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.
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.
Fee & Payment Information
The fee for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluation is $450 (flat fee).
Payment is required to secure and hold the appointment.
Late cancellation and no-show fees apply in accordance with our cancellation policy.
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.
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.
Our Accountability & Professional Standards
All Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluations are conducted by a fully licensed mental health provider using ethical, clinically grounded standards. When an ESA letter is issued, we will verify the authenticity of the letter with housing authorities upon request.
Elevated Horizons Mental Health is a 2023 Better Business Bureau Spark Award winner, veteran-owned, and Native American-owned practice committed to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in every service we provide.