Your Pet is already your support system. let’s make it OFFICIAL.
ESA Evaluations & Letters in
Pittsburgh, PA
You’re ready to make your pet’s support official.
You already know your pet helps you. The quiet company, the reason to get up in the morning, the comfort when things feel like too much. An ESA evaluation is how we make that official, so your pet's support is recognized and protected, especially when it comes to where you live.
In our ESA evaluation together, we'll talk through how your pet supports your day-to-day wellbeing, and how we can strengthen that human-animal bond even further. If it's clinically appropriate, meaning your pet is genuinely part of your mental health support, I'll provide an ESA letter establishing that as clinically valid and medically necessary. The evaluation typically takes one to two one-hour sessions to complete.
You don't need to already be in therapy with me, or anywhere else, to start this process. This is a standalone evaluation, and your letter is valid for one year, after which you'll need a re-evaluation to renew it.
Here’s how the process actually works.
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We'll meet for one to two one-hour sessions where I get to know you, observe your bond with your pet, and assess how they support your day-to-day wellbeing, as well as your ability to take responsibility for and care for them. From there, I'll determine whether an ESA is clinically valid and medically necessary for you. If it is, I'll provide your ESA letter, no long-term commitment or prior relationship with me required.
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Expect an honest, judgment-free conversation, not a checklist. I'll ask real questions about your life, your mental health, and your relationship with your pet. This is $300, private pay, and covers the full evaluation and letter if approved.
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Your ESA letter generally provides housing accommodations, protecting your right to live with your pet even in housing that doesn't typically allow pets, though there can be exceptions depending on your specific housing situation (it's important to note this is different from public access rights, like a service animal has). Your letter is valid for one year, after which a quick re-evaluation renews it.
Ultimately, what matters most is this:
No matter what you're going through, you deserve support, and so does the bond you share with your pet.
Is An ESA Evaluation right for you?
An ESA evaluation is a good fit for you if your pet …
Is already your go-to source of comfort when things feel like too much
Provides companionship that helps you feel cared for and less alone
Helps regulate your routine, your mood, or your sense of safety
Feels like an essential part of your coping toolkit, not just a pet
Is at risk of being separated from you due to a no-pet policy or housing restriction
Would need to come with you if you move to a new apartment or home within Pennsylvania
What we’ll work on
With an ESA Evaluation, you can …
Expect a thoughtful, two-part evaluation. Part one looks at the human-animal bond, the relationship, trust, and care between you and your pet. Part two reviews your current mental health needs and how an ESA fits into your treatment goals. The full evaluation typically takes one to two one-hour sessions. From there, if it's clinically supported and medically necessary, I'll provide your official ESA letter, which may support a request for reasonable accommodation in housing under the Fair Housing Act. Your letter is valid for one year from the date it's issued.
While ongoing sessions aren't required after your evaluation, I do encourage it. It's a great opportunity to build coping strategies, strengthen the bond you already share with your pet, and get more intentional about how you two support each other.
Here, you and your pet are both supported.
Questions?
FAQs
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Quickly! Most clients are seen within 1-2 days of their consult, and the full evaluation typically takes just 1-2 one-hour sessions.
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No, the evaluation and letter (if you qualify) is a one-time fee of $300, and it's not covered by insurance since it's a private-pay service.
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No. An ESA letter provides housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act, but it doesn't grant public access rights, that's reserved for trained service animals under the ADA. Airlines also set their own pet policies, so an ESA letter doesn't guarantee acceptance.
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That's totally fine! We can coordinate care, and you can continue working with your established therapist while I complete your ESA evaluation. If you'd like ongoing sessions with me as well, those would be billed as a private-pay service at $150 per session.