The NYC Human Rights Law offers protections for people with disabilities regarding housing. These protections include people who rely on emotional support animals (ESA) for their emotional or mental disorders. Are you searching for an ESA? And are you a New York state resident? Then read on if you’re wondering how to get an ESA letter in New York.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal offers emotional assistance to alleviate the symptoms of someone’s emotional or mental health condition. Unlike a service animal, an emotional support animal does not need to be individually trained to perform a specific task. Their presence alone helps their owner cope with the hardships of their disorder.
In New York, an individual may qualify for an ESA if a state-licensed health professional determines that they have a mental or emotional disorder. A few examples include:
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- Personality disorders
Would an ESA Help My Mental Health Disorder?
ESAs alleviate mental health symptoms just by being near their owners. Their comfort and company may support people with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or other conditions.
To find out if an ESA can help you with your mental health disability, you would need to consult with your therapist. If you aren’t already seeing a therapist, you can find a licensed therapist online to determine whether an ESA could benefit your condition. The therapist must be licensed within the state of New York to make an assessment of your situation and obtain an ESA letter.
What is an ESA Letter?
Every resident in the state of New York with an ESA falls under the following laws:
These laws protect ESA owners, allowing their animals to reside in their homes without deposit fees or additional charges. Furthermore, these laws protect ESAs even in housing where pets are not allowed.
For an animal to qualify as an ESA, however, the owner must have a valid ESA letter issued to them by a healthcare professional licensed in New York. An ESA letter indicates that the healthcare professional recommends an ESA to help alleviate the symptoms of the diagnosis.
Want to know if you qualify for an ESA? We can connect you with a licensed therapist online for your ESA letter consultation.
How to Get an ESA Letter Online in New York
With technology, there’s no need to see a licensed professional in person to obtain an ESA letter. You can meet with a licensed professional through email, phone, and video chat, without leaving the comfort of your home. According to the Fair Housing guidance, you can obtain an ESA letter remotely from a licensed professional participating in telehealth services.
Obtain an ESA Letter Online in New York With 3 Easy Steps:
- Complete the ESA Letters online form.
Include information about your interest in qualifying for an ESA.
- Connect with a New York licensed health professional.
To qualify as an ESA owner, you must receive an assessment from a licensed professional in New York State. ESA Letters will connect you with a licensed healthcare professional that’s knowledgeable about emotion.
- Qualify for an ESA letter.
The licensed healthcare professional determines whether you have a mental or emotional condition and whether that condition would benefit from an ESA.
If the professional finds that an ESA would improve your illness, they will issue a signed ESA letter. This valid ESA letter will be written on their letterhead and contain their license number.
Whatever online organization you choose, ensure that you’re connected to a licensed New York healthcare professional. Your ESA letter is valid only if the person writing the letter has a valid license to practice within New York. If you obtain an invalid ESA letter, your ESA accommodation request will most likely be denied.
Your landlord will have 10 days to consider the accommodation request after you submit the ESA letter as documented proof.
Why Get Your ESA Letter Online?
The main reason why online ESA letters are so common is that it offers individuals the convenience and privacy that they need. People who find it difficult to go out in public or may feel anxious making a trip to a therapist’s office can use remote services. Others may not feel comfortable seeing a healthcare specialist face to face. Whatever the reason, online services allow people to seek help without additional stress.
If you want to get your ESA letter online, find a reputable organization that understands your needs. ESA Letters collaborates with healthcare professionals with licenses in New York. These professionals understand how an ESA can improve a person’s mental well-being and help you decide what’s best for you.