What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal, or ESA, is an animal that provides a therapeutic benefit to a person who is struggling with their mental health.
ESAs are not service animals. They benefit their owners by providing comfort, routine, and companionship.
How can an ESA help me?
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot discriminate against a person who needs an ESA.
This means that rules such as pet bans, restrictions, or fees are waived for those who have a recommendation for an ESA from a licensed mental health professional.
How do I know if I qualify for an ESA?
Building Hope offers psychiatric evaluations to residents of Massachusetts and Connecticut to determine the benefits of an animal to our clients.
After your evaluation, we’ll write letters to the appropriate authorities, like your landlord or your college, to get you the accommodations you deserve, like your animal as your roommate!
How much does an ESA evaluation cost?
We accept insurance for your ESA evaluation! If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Optum, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts, or Cigna, the cost of your evaluation depends on your insurance plan.
If you aren’t using your insurance, an ESA evaluation cost $150 for first time clients. Letters will be renewed annually at $125.
