Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters in Houston
Emotional Support Animal Assessments
Emotional support animals are growing in popularity, as evidence-based research supports the unique healing that animals can facilitate for certain individuals. ESAs are animals that provide emotional benefits to their owners and can be used to help individuals overcome challenges in life.
Due to the benefits of ESAs, many individuals are now obtaining them, yet may face obstacles in allowing these animals to accompany them in their day to day lives. Therefore, individuals often request ESA Letters, issued by mental health professionals, to support their clinical need of having an ESA in their life (e.g., at home, work, stores, etc).
ESA Assessment and Letter Guidelines
At Genesis Family, we provide ESA assessments and letters with the following conditions:
In order for a therapist to accurately and ethically assess an individual’s need of an ESA, we require 6 sessions minimum between the therapist and client. Sometimes a therapist may need more sessions to make a definitive evaluation. It is never less than 6 sessions.
We do not guarantee an ESA letter will be awarded, just because an individual presents to therapy. While the process often does result in an ESA Letter, the therapist must make a clinical and ethical decision to only award the letter when deemed appropriate.
Therapy at Genesis Family
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters at Genesis Family are provided by licensed therapists to individuals seeking support for mental health conditions. Our therapists evaluate the individual’s emotional needs and, if appropriate, provide an ESA letter to support the therapeutic benefits of having an emotional support animal. Using a client-centered approach, we ensure the process is thorough, compassionate, and focused on the individual's well-being. While Genesis Family is a Christ-centered organization, we welcome individuals from all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment.
OUR PROCESS
How The Process Works
Free Consultation
Sign up for a free, 15-minute consultation through the request form at the bottom of this page.
You will be contacted to schedule your consultation.
During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to explain why you are seeking therapeutic services as well as have the opportunity to hear more about the counseling department. During this call, you and the therapist will be able to identify if your needs can be met through the counseling department, and if you mutually decide to proceed with scheduling your first appointment.
First Session
Once your first appointment has been scheduled, you will receive information pertaining to the informed consent paperwork. You will also be asked to complete a document on your basic background information to submit prior to your first session, which will further inform your therapist on your specific needs and history.
Finally, payment information will be collected for your file, although you will only be charged after each scheduled session time.
During your first session, your therapist will review informed consent documents and you and your therapist will collaborate to identify your specific treatment goals and plan.
Meeting Treatment Goals
Once your treatment goals have been met, your sessions will begin phasing out until treatment is no longer needed.