ESA Assessment Process (Effective July 1, 2026)

Disclaimer: We cannot verify, certify, or make any representations regarding the training, behavior, temperament, or specific abilities of an ESA. Requirements related to training or the ability of the ESA may be requested by other parties and are outside the scope of our evaluation. Our role is limited to assessing the client's mental health needs and determining whether an ESA is an appropriate accommodation based on that assessment.

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INITIAL INTAKE:

• Initial intake paperwork completed and signed for Bluebird Counseling of Western Pennsylvania. 

  • All intake paperwork must be completed​ prior to initial assessment.

• Initial assessment  with a diagnosis will be required. This reviewed/completed once a year.

  • This includes a 60 minute session + approximately 30 minutes for paperwork/documentation completion outside of intake which can be done at anytime (reasonably) by the therapist.

• GAD 7, PHQ 9, PCL-5 data assessments if therapist feels necessary can be added to the letter. 

• Information Needed To Write A Clinical Appropriate Letter:

  • Please provide anything additional that an institution may require at the session to be completed (i.e. many colleges have their own forms).

  • Information on the pet(s) themselves

  • Vet records (you must submit your animal's veterinary records within 30 days.)

  • How long have you owned the pet and their history?

  • What symptoms are supported by the animal?

  • Demographics about the animal to put in the letter

  • Any updates on the animal would need to alerted to us

  • If there is not a pet yet, letter will be completed once the client has the animal and the above it noted.​

 

We believe that determining whether an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is clinically appropriate requires more than a single evaluation. Our assessment process is designed to provide a thorough understanding of your mental health needs and ensure that any recommendation is based on sound clinical judgment.

To complete the assessment process, you must meet one of the following pathways:

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Option 1: Current Therapist Collaboration

• If you are currently working with a therapist, we ask that they complete our Therapist Collaboration Form, which provides information about your treatment history.

• An ESA letter cannot be issued until all required documentation, including veterinary records, has been received.

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Option 2: Complete the Assessment With Our Practice

• If you are not currently seeing a therapist, or your current therapist is unwilling to complete and sign the form, you may complete the assessment process with one of our clinicians. This includes:

  • Participating in at least three therapy sessions over a two-month period with active engagement in treatment.

• Our clinicians will determine whether an ESA is clinically appropriate based on your assessment and ongoing therapeutic relationship. Participation in the assessment process does not guarantee approval or the issuance of an ESA letter.

• Appointment Expectations

  • Regular attendance is an important part of the assessment process.

  • Appointments may be rescheduled 48 hours or more in advance without penalty, provided this is not a recurring pattern.

  • Late cancellations and no-show appointments are subject to our cancellation policy and may affect the clinician's ability to make an informed determination regarding an ESA recommendation.

 

COST:

• First 60 minutes (initial assessment) can be billed under insurance or is $120 out of pocket and entails ​the overall assessment and intake which is required to obtain an ESA letter.

• Approximately an additional 30 minutes is utilized to complete necessary paperwork/documentation if deemed appropriate for ESA accommodations (I.e ESA letter or any additional forms requested) and is a $60 paperwork/documentation fee.

• Year 2+ rates may be reduced if there are no changes to your situation, mental health or the animal and a new letter can be written if you go to the same provider. 

• The letter is given directly back to the client once payment has been received for the letter and session. This may take a few weeks if using insurance.  You are then able to review the letter, discuss if anything needs changed and review contact information if anything additional is needed.

• We try and place as little information about you and your diagnosis. If the recipient of the letter calls Bluebird Counseling of Western Pennsylvania  we are able to replay and discuss information known about the animal but nothing further about your mental health will be answered or addressed. The ESA is to protect the individual and the recipent of the letter cannot use the information within the letter against them.