Emotional Support Animal Evaluation
ESA evaluations grounded in ethics, empathy, and federal housing law.
Service Description
This session offers a clinical evaluation to determine whether an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is appropriate and legally supported as part of your mental health care. ESAs can provide meaningful emotional comfort for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, or other mental health concerns. During this appointment, we will complete a mental health assessment via secure video to determine if you meet the criteria for an ESA letter under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). We will explore your current symptoms, coping strategies, and the role your animal plays in your emotional well-being. If the evaluation supports clinical need, a signed ESA letter may be issued within three business days for housing-related use. Please note: this session does not guarantee an ESA letter. Documentation is only provided if your clinical presentation meets the appropriate standards. This service is not for training or certifying service animals, nor is it intended to meet current air travel regulations. As of 2021, airlines are no longer required to recognize ESAs under the Air Carrier Access Act. Most airlines now require only trained psychiatric service dogs. You are responsible for checking with your landlord or travel provider about their current ESA policies. Some animals may not qualify for ESA documentation due to safety, public health, or housing regulations. Examples of animals that are generally not eligible include wild or exotic animals (e.g., snakes, ferrets, monkeys), farm animals (e.g., goats or pigs), animals with poor hygiene or aggressive behavior, and those likely to disrupt shared living spaces (e.g., loud birds). Housing providers have the legal right to deny an ESA if it poses a direct threat, causes property damage, or presents an undue financial or administrative burden. This evaluation is conducted by a licensed mental health professional and follows guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Fair Housing Act, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Code of Ethics. Services are offered in English and Spanish to clients in New York, Florida, and Arizona. If you're seeking a legitimate ESA letter or need help navigating a housing accommodation request, this service provides a respectful and ethical path forward.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy Your time and well-being are important, and so is the time reserved for your session. In order to offer the highest quality of care and respect for all clients, I kindly ask that you provide at least 48 hours' notice for any cancellation or rescheduling. If you cancel 48 hours or more prior to your scheduled session, you will not be charged. If a session is canceled less than 48 hours in advance, you will be responsible for 50% of the session fee, unless there is an emergency or exceptional circumstance. This policy is in place not to penalize, but to maintain fairness and allow others the opportunity to schedule in that time. No-shows or missed appointments without any prior notice may also result in a partial or full session charge, depending on the situation. Therapy is a commitment to your personal growth and care. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows not only impact your therapeutic progress, but they also prevent others from accessing services. If you are experiencing a true emergency or crisis that interferes with your ability to attend, please contact me as soon as possible. I understand that life happens, and I will always strive to balance clinical boundaries with compassion. This cancellation policy is in alignment with professional standards outlined by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and with ethical practices in telehealth care. It is designed to protect client access, uphold clinical integrity, and support mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship. If you need to reschedule or cancel a session, you may do so directly through the booking system or by contacting me via email at therapy@michaeltise.com. By scheduling a session, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.