California ESA Letter Legitimate and Effortless Online Process
Eliminate the stress of in-person consultations – get your California ESA letter easily from the comfort of your home.
How To Get An ESA Letter In California?
Getting an ESA letter is straightforward. You’ll need to consult a mental healthcare professional about your need for an emotional support animal to manage your health condition. Establishing a patient-provider relationship with the healthcare professional for at least 30 days is also required. Once the process is complete and the doctor updates your eligibility status, you’ll receive your California ESA letter.
To define eligibility, a mental healthcare professional will check if your medical condition is listed on DSM-V or if it can be alleviated with the help of an emotional support animal. At My ESA Therapist, our professionals conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine your eligibility and offer personalized support to meet your mental health needs.
Our Process
My ESA Therapist offers a three-step, easy online processStep-1 Schedule An Appointment
Sign up with My ESA Therapist and schedule an appointment with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP).Step-2 Get Evaluated Online
Join the online consultation with one of our LMHP via audio/video call and discuss your need for an emotional support animal. In this step, you must also build a patient-provider relationship with our professional for at least 30 days.Step-3 Receive your ESA Letter
Receive your emotional support animal letter via email after approval.
Money Back Guarantee
ESA Approved or 100% Money Back Guarantee. No Appointments Required.
What Are The Key Elements Of A Legitimate ESA Letter In California?
The following information is vital in ensuring landlords and other relevant entities recognize and uphold a request for accommodating with an ESA.
- Details of the Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP):
The letter must include the name, license number, signature, and contact information of the licensed mental health professional. - Patient Information:
The emotional support animal letter must include the patient’s information, such as name, email, or phone number. - Confirmation of disability:
It should confirm that the patient has a mental or emotional health condition. - Explanation of the ESA’s role:
The letter needs to state the role of animals and care that it provides to alleviate symptoms of an underlying condition. - Date of Issuance:
The date they wrote the letter must also be included.
Remember, all the information must be on the healthcare professional’s official letterhead. It adds an extra layer of protection and credibility to your California ESA letter.
What Defines An Emotional Support Animal In California?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is any animal a person chooses to have close to them for emotional support. These animals can help them feel calm and more secure. It may include traditional pets like dogs or cats or unconventional choices such as chickens or any other animal that provides the necessary emotional support for the individual.
Laws Protecting Emotional Support Animals in California
In California, two laws protect your rights to hold and live with an emotional support animal.
- Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – 1959
- Assembly Bill 468 – 2022
Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) - 1959
It’s a law that protects you from discrimination in employment and housing. While FEHA primarily addresses employment and broader housing discrimination issues, it also extends certain protections to your emotional support animal. The landlord and employer must provide reasonable accommodations for your emotional support animal.
A reasonable accommodation is any change necessary to allow you an equal opportunity to enjoy housing or a workplace. It could involve changing policies, rules, or restrictions regarding the size or type of animals allowed in the housing. For instance, a landlord may need to make an exception to a no-pets policy or permit a larger dog breed that is typically restricted. Allowing the animal to accompany you to work is also necessary as long as it doesn’t disrupt the workplace or pose a safety risk.
Assembly Bill 468 - 2022
In 2022, California enacted AB-468 to clarify emotional support animal requirements and prevent common scams by businesses selling bogus ESA credentials. Under this law, an individual must have a minimum 30-day relationship with their healthcare professional before receiving an ESA letter in California.
Moreover, healthcare professionals must be licensed to practice in California to issue ESA letters. The letter must include the license number, effective date, jurisdiction, and professional license type. It must also clarify that an ESA is not a service animal protected by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990).
Any individual misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal or businesses selling an ESA with misrepresenting credentials are subject to a penalty of up to $2,500.
How Do You Qualify For An Emotional Support Animal In California?
To qualify for an ESA in California, you must be diagnosed with a mental health disorder that requires the support and companionship of an emotional support animal. Qualifying conditions include any medical condition that can be better with the help of an emotional support animal. Some of the medical conditions include the following.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Severe phobias
- Autism
- Learning disability
- Mental disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Stress problems
What Are The Requirements For ESA Letters In California?
Qualifying Medical Conditions
You must have a medical condition that limits your day-to-day activities, or the symptoms can be alleviated with the help of an animal.
Consultation With a Mental Healthcare Professional
You must consult a mental healthcare professional about your emotional support animal needs. They will evaluate your needs and recommend the best course of action.
30 Days Patient-Provider Relationship
You must establish a 30-day client-provider relationship with a healthcare professional. It ensures they understand your need for an emotional support animal.
An animal
This may be required so that healthcare professionals can examine your animal’s impact on your health. By observing your animal, they can make a more informed decision about your need for an ESA.
The Benefits Of Having An Emotional Support Animal Letter In California
Protection Under Housing Rights
Under the Fair Housing Act, you can live with your emotional support animal, even in housing with “no pets” policies. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for ESAs.
Waived Pet Fees
With an emotional support animal letter in California, landlords cannot charge additional pet fees, deposits, or rent for your ESA.
No Breed or Size Restrictions
An ESA letter can help bypass breed or size restrictions that landlords might otherwise enforce, allowing you to keep the animal that best supports your emotional needs.
Employment Rights
An ESA letter supports your right to have an emotional support animal at the workplace. Under FEHA, employers must provide reasonable accommodations, including allowing your ESA to accompany you to work.
Is California Emotional Support Animal Registration Required?
You don’t need to register your emotional support animal in California. You only need to get an ESA letter signed by a state-licensed mental health professional. There are no additional state or federal registration requirements for your ESA beyond obtaining this letter.
Looking For The Companionship Of A Psychiatric Service Dog In California? Here's How We Can Assist You.
Psychiatric service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), so they have more comprehensive rights and protection than emotional support animals in California. They have public and traveling rights.
The enhanced protection comes with taught requirements. Your service dog must be trained to assist with tasks related to your disability. The task includes but is not limited to reminding medication, applying deep pressure therapy, sensing panic attacks, or making space in crowded areas.
Owning a psychiatric service dog requires a PSD letter. My ESA therapist offers an easy online process for a PSD letter in California. Simply consult with a licensed mental healthcare professional through our platform, and if you qualify, you will receive your official PSD letter to support your need for a psychiatric service dog.
Why My ESA Therapist Is the First Choice of People of California
For an uninterrupted and legitimate emotional support animal letter, you need My ESA Therapist. We offer legitimate ESA and PSD letter services that you can access from home. It’s easy. It’s fast. It’s affordable.
Risk Free Evaluations
We stand by our service, so we offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you do not get your approval. You will have nothing to lose when you work with My ESA Therapist.
Easy Online Process
If you don’t have enough time or lack mobility for in-person evaluations, don’t worry. We offer an easy online process to get your PSD or ESA letter online in California. You can get your letter while sitting on a couch.
Best Price Guarantee
Getting medical help should be manageable for your wallet. That is what sets us apart. We offer the best price in the market for a legitimate ESA letter online in California, which will reduce your wallet’s burden.
We Have Licensed Mental Healthcare Professional
We have a licensed mental healthcare professional who will review your medical needs. They have expertise in recommending emotional support animals and psychiatric service dogs in California.
Fast Turnaround Time
We know dealing with a medical condition requires a fast response. My ESA Therapist believes in providing a quick turnaround time. You will get your ESA letter and answers in a fast-paced environment.
Travel and Housing Compliant
Our letters are recognized for both travel and housing, ensuring you can live and travel hassle-free with your support animal.
Word From Our Customers
Getting my ESA letter through My ESA Therapist was one of the best decisions I have made. They explained the legal requirements clearly, and the therapist was respectful and made me feel at ease. I had everything I needed in less than 24 hours.
I found the process simple to follow and surprisingly fast. The mental health professional I worked with was empathetic and knowledgeable. The letter was well-written, delivered promptly, and accepted without any problems by my apartment management.
From booking the appointment to receiving my ESA letter, the entire process was efficient and professional. The therapist really took the time to listen and validate my concerns. I felt supported throughout, and now I am relaxed knowing my ESA is legally protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Housing Provider Deny My Emotional Support Animal In California?
Landlords must comply with the law and provide you with reasonable accommodations. All support animals must be allowed in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). However, there are some exceptions:
- If the animal’s presence imposes an undue financial or administrative burden on the housing provider.
- If the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
- If the animal would cause potential damage to the property.
- If the housing is owner-occupied with four or fewer units.
Am I Liable For Damage Caused By My Emotional Support Animal?
While your landlord cannot charge you a fee, you are liable for any damage the animal causes to the premises or facilities. Take necessary precautions to prevent potential damage and promptly address any issues.
Can Someone Have More Than One ESA In California?
When a tenant requests reasonable accommodation for more than one emotional support animal, housing providers should generally follow the FHA’s guidance and allow it after verifying that the need is genuine. Each animal should alleviate the symptoms of your medical condition and contribute to your emotional well-being.
Can A Landlord Charge Additional Pet Fees For Emotional Support Animals?
Housing providers cannot charge additional fees or rent, even if they charge other tenants for such things. However, you may be required to obtain liability insurance to cover any damage caused by the animal, excluding ordinary wear and tear.
Can A Landlord Impose Restrictions On The Weight, Size, Or Breed Of ESAs?
Housing providers can not restrict the weight, size, or breed of ESAs. However, they may deny a request for an ESA if it would cause substantial damage to property or pose an unlawful threat.
How To Make Your Dog An Emotional Support Dog In California?
Obtain an ESA letter from a California licensed healthcare professional to make your dog an emotional support animal. It is the only legal way to make your dog an ESA.
Who Can Write An ESA Letter In California?
Any licensed mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc., can write an ESA letter for you. Contact My ESA Therapist. We have a chain of licensed healthcare professionals registered with the state who are fully eligible to write your ESA letter.
How To Register Your Dog As An Emotional Support Animal In California?
There is no need to register emotional support animals in California. You only need an ESA letter from a mental healthcare professional. While some websites claim the ESA registration in California for some extra charge, remember it will not enhance your legal protection. Even you may lose money.