Emotional Support Animals

Gallaudet University CAPS will not provide letters to students in support of having Emotional Support Animals (ESA). 

 

We made this decision because current mental health literature and best practices discourage counselors and psychologists from involving themselves in a dual relationship of being a counselor and an evaluator. The literature also recommends that students who request a letter be evaluated by a professional trained in forensics. 

 

Students who request letters of support for ESA will be referred to licensed medical or mental health providers unaffiliated with Gallaudet. Past or current licensed providers familiar with the student may assess and provide ESA letters. These professionals can include psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, counselors, physicians, and physician’s assistants. If needed, CAPS can offer a referral list for local mental health providers fluent in ASL and knowledgeable about deaf culture.

 

 

 

The following articles were reviewed before establishing this policy:

 

• Kogan, L, et. al. (2016). University Counseling Centers’ Perceptions and Experiences Pertaining to Emotional Support Animals. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy. 30(4), 268-283.

 

Clay, R. A. (2016). Is that a pet or therapeutic aid? Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/09/pet-aid.aspx

 

• Younggren, J.N., et al. (2016) Examining Emotional Support Animals and Role Conflicts in Professional Psychology. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. 47(4), 255-260

 

Chandler, C. K. (2015). Confirming the benefits of emotional support animals. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2015/04/confirming-the-benefits-of-emotional-support-animals/