A PSD letter (sometimes called a psychiatric service dog letter) is a document from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) confirming that you have a qualifying mental or emotional disability and may benefit from a psychiatric service dog. As of December 2025, it's not legally required under federal law but can serve as helpful supporting documentation in certain situations.

Key Differences: Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

PSDs and ESAs both assist with mental health conditions, but they fall under different laws and requirements:

Aspect

Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)

Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

Definition

A dog individually trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate your disability (e.g., interrupting panic attacks, retrieving medication, providing deep pressure therapy during PTSD episodes, or grounding during dissociation).

Any animal (often a dog or cat) that provides comfort through its presence alone—no task training required.

Primary Laws

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for public access; Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) for flights; Fair Housing Act (FHA) for housing.

Fair Housing Act (FHA) for housing only (limited flight rights ended in 2021).

Training Required

Yes—must perform disability-related tasks. You (or a trainer) are responsible for this.

No special training needed.

Public Access Rights

Full access to most public places (restaurants, stores, etc.), just like guide dogs.

No public access rights—treated as pets in most places.

Housing Rights

Protected under FHA as a service animal—no pet fees/deposits; no breed/size restrictions (with rare exceptions for direct threats).

Protected under FHA—no pet fees/deposits; reasonable accommodations required.

Flight Rights

Allowed in cabin free of charge (with DOT Service Animal Form; some airlines require advance notice).

Treated as pets—may require fees, carriers, or denial (no longer recognized as assistance animals on flights).

Examples of PSD tasks for mental health:

  • Detecting oncoming anxiety/panic attacks and alerting you

  • Blocking crowds or creating space in overwhelming situations

  • Turning on lights or searching rooms for paranoia/PTSD

  • Reminding you to take medication or interrupting self-harm

What a PSD Letter Typically Includes

If you obtain one, it should:

  • Be on the LMHP's official letterhead

  • Include their license details and contact info

  • Confirm your qualifying disability (without revealing excessive private details)

  • Note that a psychiatric service dog may assist (it doesn't "certify" the dog’s training—that’s your responsibility)

Pros and Cons of Getting a PSD Letter

Pros:

  • Provides backup proof of your disability if questioned (especially useful for "invisible" mental health conditions)

  • Can smooth interactions with landlords, employers, or airlines

  • Helpful when traveling or in housing disputes

  • Obtained from your existing therapist (often low/no cost) or reputable telehealth services

Cons:

  • Not required by law—under the ADA/ACAA, you only need to verbally confirm your dog is a trained service animal (businesses/airlines can ask only two questions: 1) Is it a service animal required for a disability? 2) What task does it perform?)

  • Costs $100–$250 via online services (not usually insurance-covered)

  • Some states require an established relationship with the provider

  • Scams abound—avoid sites selling "instant" letters, registries, IDs, or vests without a real evaluation

Legitimate Ways to Get a PSD Letter

  1. From your current therapist/psychiatrist (most reliable and ethical).

  2. Reputable telehealth platforms that connect you with licensed professionals for a proper assessment.

What Is NOT Legitimate

  1. Sites promising "guaranteed" access or instant approval

  2. Anything claiming to override training requirements

In short: For a true PSD, focus on training your dog to perform specific tasks—the letter is optional support. The dog's training and behavior are what grant the strongest legal protections. If your needs are met by companionship alone, an ESA (with a standard ESA letter) might be simpler and sufficient, especially for housing.

If you'd like help distinguishing whether your situation better fits a PSD or ESA, recommendations for legitimate services, or clarification on your state's rules, just let me know!