Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters are clinical documents that may be written only when an animal is determined to be clinically necessary as part of a client’s mental health treatment.

At Oregon Healing Collective, ESA letters are not automatically provided and are not guaranteed. The decision to write an ESA letter is made solely at the discretion of the treating therapist, based on clinical judgment, therapeutic history, and ethical guidelines.

Important Considerations

  • ESA letters are considered clinical assessments, not administrative paperwork.

  • Clinical necessity must be clearly established over time; ESA letters are not typically appropriate for new clients or newly acquired animals.

  • ESA letters are written only for current clients actively engaged in therapy.

  • Requests may be declined if an ESA is not clinically indicated or if ethical standards cannot be met.

Fees & Limits

  • $50 per ESA letter

  • Maximum of two ESA letters per client

  • $10 for updates or re-issuance of an existing letter (when clinically appropriate)

Timeline

Please allow 1–2 weeks for your therapist to assess, prepare, and complete an ESA letter. Expedited requests cannot be guaranteed.

Scope & Limitations

ESA letters support housing accommodations under applicable federal or state laws. They do not:

  • Grant public access rights

  • Replace service animal documentation

  • Guarantee acceptance by landlords, housing providers, or third parties