Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) Letter
A PSD evaluation connects you with a licensed mental health professional who can assess whether your dog qualifies for psychiatric service dog status under the ADA.
ADA Definition
What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) is trained specifically to perform tasks that mitigate a psychiatric disability.
The key distinction from an Emotional Support Animal is that a PSD must perform a specific, trained task directly related to the person's disability — comfort through companionship alone does not qualify a dog as a PSD.
Task Examples:
- Interrupting self-harm behaviors
- Grounding during panic attacks
- Waking the owner from nightmares
- Room-check for PTSD-related anxiety
- Retrieving medication during episodes
- Providing deep pressure therapy
- Alerting to dissociative episodes
- Creating personal space in crowds
ESA vs. PSD: Key Differences
Understanding which letter is right for your situation
| Emotional Support Animal (ESA Letter) | Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD Letter) | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing rights (FHA) | Yes | Yes |
| Public access rights (ADA) | No | Yes |
| Required training | Basic pet training | Task-specific training |
| Documentation needed | LMHP Letter | LMHP Letter + task training |
| No-fly rule exemption | No | Check with airline |
Who May Qualify?
You may qualify if you have a documented psychiatric disability and a dog trained to perform specific tasks
PTSD
Severe Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Major Depressive Disorder
OCD
Other Qualifying Conditions
Clinical Determination Notice
Only a licensed mental health professional can determine whether a PSD letter is clinically appropriate for your situation. ESA Crew does not guarantee approval. Listings above are examples and do not constitute a guarantee of eligibility.
How It Works
The Evaluation Process
Four steps to a professional PSD evaluation
Complete Assessment
Answer confidential questions about your mental health, daily life, and how your dog supports you
Book Evaluation
Schedule a secure video consultation — appointments typically available within 1–3 business days
Clinical Review
Your licensed provider assesses your psychiatric disability and your dog's task training
Receive Your Letter
If approved, receive a professionally signed, digitally delivered PSD letter
Common Questions About PSDs
A PSD is a dog that has been individually trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a psychiatric disability. The dog must perform tasks directly related to the person's disability — comfort through companionship alone does not qualify.
Yes. A PSD must be trained to perform specific tasks related to your psychiatric disability. This is different from basic obedience training or the companionship role of an ESA.
Yes. The ADA does not require professional training. You may train your dog yourself as long as the dog is trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability.
Under the ADA, a PSD has public access rights, meaning the dog can accompany you in public places where pets are typically not allowed, including restaurants, stores, and other businesses.
Yes. A PSD letter confirms that your dog is trained to perform tasks related to your psychiatric disability and qualifies under the ADA. An ESA letter confirms that an emotional support animal provides therapeutic benefit and is protected under the FHA for housing.
Airlines may accept PSDs as service animals under the Department of Transportation's rules. Check with your specific airline for their requirements and documentation needs before traveling.
The online assessment takes 5–10 minutes. Consultations are typically available within 1–3 business days. If approved, your letter is delivered digitally within 24 hours.
No. There is no official government registry for service dogs. A PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional is the documentation you need.
Ready to Start Your PSD Evaluation?
Connect with a licensed mental health professional and find out if a PSD letter is right for you and your dog.
Evaluations are conducted by licensed mental health professionals. A PSD letter is only issued when clinically appropriate. Approval is not guaranteed.