Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluation

We are happy to provide Emotional Support Animal (ESA) documentation for current patients (see here). To verify if an ESA letter is appropriate, we must first perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which lasts 90 minutes. This is necessary to be able to ethically and legally provide ESA documentation. These evaluations may be billed to insurance, and completion of an ESA letter will incur a $50 documentation fee in addition to an individual’s usual copay or coinsurance according to their insurance plan. Alternatively, for folks who do not have or do not wish to use insurance, we offer a discounted rate of $150 for ESA evaluation and documentation.

Please be cautious of online services that promise ESA letters as some of these are scams and do not involve a comprehensive psychiatric assessment necessary for adequate documentation. There is no “certification,” “registration,” or “renewal” of ESAs and this language should be a red flag about the validity of the organization offering their services. Also be aware that the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, which regulates the licensure and practice of many mental health professionals including therapists, advises against therapists performing ESA evaluations unless they have specialized training and education. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Molly Jubeck, MSN, PMHNP-BC is qualified to write ESA letters in Arizona.

Please see the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Guide for more information about assistance and support animals here.