Psychiatric Support Animal

Mark Rybakov, DO

Adult, Adolescent, and Child Psychiatrist located in Brooklyn, NY & Manhattan, New York, NY

A Psychiatric Support Animal (PSA) is an animal that provides comfort and support to individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, psychiatric support animals do not require specialized training. Their primary role is to offer emotional support through companionship, which can help alleviate symptoms of the person's condition.

Psychiatric Support Animal Q & A

Key Points about Psychiatric Support Animals:

Legal Recognition

In the United States, psychiatric support animals are recognized under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This means that individuals with PSAs have certain rights, such as the ability to live with their animal in housing that otherwise does not allow pets and to travel with them in the cabin of an airplane.

Emotional Support

The presence of a PSA can provide a sense of security and reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress. The animal's companionship can be a critical part of a person's mental health treatment plan.

Documentation

To have a psychiatric support animal legally recognized, an individual typically needs a letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) that states the animal is necessary for their mental health. This letter is often required for housing and travel accommodations.

Types of Animals

While dogs and cats are the most common types of PSAs, other animals, such as rabbits, birds, or even miniature horses, can also serve as psychiatric support animals, depending on the individual's needs and the animal's suitability.

Not Service Animals

It is important to note that psychiatric support animals are not the same as service animals, which are specifically trained to perform tasks that assist with a disability. Service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind, have broader access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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