Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Assessments

Professional Evaluations to Support Emotional and Mental Well-Being

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) can play a meaningful role in supporting individuals with mental and emotional health conditions. For some people, the presence of an ESA helps reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress, or emotional distress, improving overall daily functioning and quality of life.

Clarksburg Behavioral Health provides professional Emotional Support Animal (ESA) assessments conducted by qualified behavioral health providers to determine whether an ESA is clinically appropriate based on an individual’s mental health needs.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An Emotional Support Animal is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to an individual with a diagnosed mental or emotional health condition. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but their presence can offer comfort, emotional stability, and symptom relief.

ESAs may help individuals manage:

Anxiety disorders
Depression
Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Panic symptoms
Chronic stress or emotional dysregulation

What Is an ESA Assessment?

An ESA assessment is a clinical mental health evaluation conducted by a licensed behavioral health provider. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether an individual has a qualifying mental or emotional health condition and whether an Emotional Support Animal may be a beneficial part of their treatment plan.

ESA assessments are not automatic approvals and must be based on clinical judgment, ethical standards, and documented medical necessity.

What the ESA Assessment Includes

At Clarksburg Behavioral Health, ESA assessments include:

A comprehensive mental health evaluation
Review of emotional, psychological, and functional symptoms
Assessment of how symptoms affect daily living
Determination of whether an ESA may provide therapeutic benefit
Clinical documentation when criteria are met

If appropriate, a formal ESA letter may be provided in accordance with applicable guidelines.

Conditions Commonly Considered for ESA Evaluations

ESA assessments may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:

Anxiety or panic disorders
Depressive disorders
Trauma-related conditions
Stress-related emotional difficulties
Other clinically significant mental health conditions

Each evaluation is individualized and based on current symptoms and functional impact.

Important Information About ESA Letters

ESA letters are issued only after a legitimate clinical evaluation
Not every individual qualifies for an ESA
ESA letters do not grant public access rights like service animals
ESA documentation must comply with ethical and professional standards
Ongoing treatment may be recommended alongside ESA support

Clarksburg Behavioral Health’s Expertise in ESA Assessments

At Clarksburg Behavioral Health, ESA assessments are conducted with clinical integrity, professionalism, and care.

Our providers offer:

Ethical, evidence-based mental health evaluations
Clear explanation of ESA eligibility and limitations
Respectful, non-judgmental clinical support
Integration of ESA considerations into broader treatment planning
Ongoing mental health care when appropriate

Our goal is to ensure ESA assessments are medically appropriate, clinically justified, and supportive of long-term emotional well-being.

Who May Benefit From an ESA Assessment?

You may benefit from an ESA assessment if:

You experience ongoing emotional or psychological distress
Your symptoms interfere with daily functioning
You believe an animal provides emotional stability or comfort
You are seeking a legitimate, professional ESA evaluation

Schedule an ESA Assessment Today

If you are seeking a professional Emotional Support Animal assessment, Clarksburg Behavioral Health is here to help. Our experienced providers offer thorough, ethical evaluations to determine whether an ESA may be an appropriate support for your mental health needs.