Joanne Shortell took me up on my call for guest bloggers. I am glad she did, as I learned of a blogger and mental health advocate I'd like to introduce to you. Joanne has three websites. Strongly Bipolar is a blog similar to Prozac Monologues. Maevetour.blogspot.com/ is the source of the following piece. And Servicepoodle.com gives more information about the issue it discusses.
Rx for Joy Can Be Written by any Therapist in the U.S.
My current therapist is a nurse practitioner who can prescribe psychiatric drugs. My previous therapist was an MSW who could not. Both, however, could write a prescription for an emotional support animal (ESA). A short, simple letter (see sample below) from a doctor (any medical doctor, not just a psychiatrist) or any therapist will allow a person with a psychiatric disability or a chronic pain condition to have pets in no-pets housing, to avoid any pet deposit or pet fee, and to avoid size limitations or species restrictions. The person with the disability gives this to their landlord or co-op/condo board as a request for a reasonable accommodation. (See link: How to Get an Emotional Support Animal.
Why should I prescribe ESAs?
