If you’re living in Denver, Colorado, and considering getting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to help manage your mental health, you’re not alone. ESAs provide invaluable companionship and support for people dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. However, to legally qualify your pet as an ESA, you’ll need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining an ESA letter in Denver, Colorado, with the support of Lola and Me Therapy.
Step 1: Understand What an ESA Letter Is
An ESA letter is a document from a licensed mental health professional that states your need for an emotional support animal. This letter allows your ESA to live with you in housing that may otherwise have pet restrictions and to travel with you on airlines that accommodate ESAs. It’s important to note that ESAs are not the same as service animals, and they don’t have the same access rights in public spaces.
For more details on what an ESA letter entails, visit our ESA Evaluations Service Page.
Step 2: Determine If You Qualify for an ESA
To qualify for an ESA, you must have a mental health condition that significantly impacts your daily life. Conditions commonly treated with the support of an ESA include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
If you’re already seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, discuss whether an ESA could be beneficial for you. If you’re not currently receiving mental health treatment, consider seeking help from a licensed mental health professional at Lola and Me Therapy to explore your options.
Step 3: Schedule an ESA Evaluation with Lola and Me Therapy LLC
To obtain an ESA letter, you’ll need to schedule an evaluation with a licensed mental health professional. At Lola and Me Therapy, we offer comprehensive ESA evaluations that ensure you receive the proper documentation, information, and educate our clients on what their rights are. Our licensed professionals are experienced in assessing the need for an ESA and can guide you through the process.
To schedule an ESA evaluation with us, click here.
Step 4: Complete the ESA Evaluation
During your ESA evaluation, our mental health provider will evaluate if your condition correlates with how your animal allows you to cope and then determine if an ESA is appropriate for you. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and how your current animal helps alleviate your symptoms.
If the provider determines that an ESA would be beneficial, they will issue an ESA letter. This letter will be on official letterhead and include the provider’s license number, date, and signature. Not only will you receive a letter, but you will also always have a Lola & Me Therapy team member to ask questions to, even past your evaluation experience.
Step 5: Use Your ESA Letter
Once you have your ESA letter, you can start using it to secure housing and other accommodations. When presenting your letter to landlords or airlines, ensure that it is current and meets all necessary requirements. Remember, your ESA letter typically needs to be renewed annually, so stay on top of renewal dates to ensure continuous coverage.
At Lola and Me Therapy, we also offer renewal services to keep your ESA letter up to date.
Additional Tips
- Avoid Online Scams: Be wary of websites offering instant ESA letters without a legitimate evaluation. These are often scams and may not be legally recognized. According to Colorado Law, all ESA Evaluations MUST be conducted in person, if they are not, this is how you know it’s a scam.
- Know Your Rights: Colorado law, along with federal law, protects your right to have an ESA in housing, even if the property has a no-pets policy. However, ESAs are not permitted in public places where pets are typically not allowed.
- Renew Your Letter Annually: Keep in mind that your ESA letter needs to be renewed each year to remain valid.
Conclusion
Obtaining an ESA letter in Denver, Colorado, is a straightforward process when you have the right support. By working with the licensed mental health professionals at Lola and Me Therapy, you can ensure that your ESA letter is legitimate and that you have the necessary documentation to keep your emotional support animal by your side. Whether you’re seeking comfort, companionship, or support in managing your mental health, an ESA can be a valuable part of your wellness journey.
For more information or to begin the process, visit our ESA Evaluations Service Page.
