Professionals Advocate for Prevention of Inauthentic Emotional Service Animals
In the world of mental health, the role of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) has been a topic of growing interest. These animals, often pets, are designated to provide comfort and alleviate stress for individuals with disabilities. However, recent concerns about duplicity and false advertising have prompted calls for stricter guidelines.
Dr. Jeffrey Younggren, a forensic psychologist, has published a paper with the American Psychological Association, recommending a new assessment model for practitioners to follow when receiving a request to designate a pet as an ESA. Under Younggren's proposed standards, mental health professionals must evaluate the need for the animal, the animal's ability to alleviate the person's symptoms, and the animal's potential to harm others.
The need for such standards is evident, as anyone can currently request ESA letters online without having met a therapist or having their animal evaluated. This lax approach has led to concerns about the validity of ESA designations.
ESAs are not specially trained service animals, such as guide dogs. While they can provide emotional support, they are not trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. This distinction is important to understand, as it highlights the need for a thorough evaluation process to ensure the ESA is truly beneficial and not a source of potential harm.
The person who qualifies under federal law to have an ESA is someone who has a verifiable disability that affects their ability to concentrate, sleep, focus, or interact socially. The Department of Transportation has issued guidelines for air travel with emotional support animals, but it does not require any training for an ESA. However, recent changes from the airline industry require the passenger to acknowledge the ESA will be under their control at all times.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has also stated it will not take action against airlines that ask for documentation on vaccination, training, or behavior of support animal owners. This is a step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and staff on flights.
However, the implications of declaring a pet as an ESA are not always clear to mental health professionals. Some have found it difficult to understand the benefits of ESAs, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for misuse. Dr. Rebecca Johnson, a nurse at University of Missouri Health, stated that many people fake an ESA out of their pet by putting a vest on it.
Cassandra Boness, a University of Missouri PhD candidate, advocates for more research on the impacts of ESAs on patients. She believes that understanding the benefits and potential risks of ESAs is crucial for ensuring they are used appropriately.
One organization providing ESA services is ESAD International, a group of licensed mental health professionals that offer their services both online and in person. Assessing a dog's temperament and behavior is outside the scope and training of their clinical team, and they encourage their clinicians to make strict judgement calls to ensure animals are well cared for by their owners.
Despite the concerns, the benefits of ESAs for many individuals cannot be denied. Documented benefits of ESAs on people are anecdotal, but they have been reported to help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
As the use of ESAs continues to grow, it is essential that stricter guidelines are put in place to ensure their validity and safety. The proposed standards by Dr. Younggren aim to prevent harm to others caused by ESAs, as there have been reports of animals hurting others. Additionally, new standards aim to clarify the process for securing ESA designation and address concerns about duplicity and false advertising.
In conclusion, while the use of ESAs can be beneficial for many individuals, it is crucial that stricter guidelines are implemented to ensure their validity and safety. The proposed standards by Dr. Younggren are a step in the right direction, and more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of ESAs.
