top of page
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (ESA) LETTERS IN ARKANSAS
Keep the companion
who keeps you grounded.
At Resilience Refined Counseling, I recognize the profound impact a support animal can have on your emotional well-being. For individuals navigating debilitating anxiety, low mood, or severe stress, an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) offers more than just companionship. They provide vital therapeutic support, daily structure, and emotional grounding.
Thorough, ethical, and built around your care.
If your mental health condition limits your major life activities, a formal ESA evaluation can help secure reasonable housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act, allowing you to live alongside the animal that supports your health.
I offer thorough, ethically grounded ESA evaluation services tailored to meet Arkansas state standards. As a Licensed Certified Social Worker, I provide legitimate, clinically sound assessments while strictly safeguarding your diagnostic privacy. Whether you are seeking a standalone evaluation or are interested in transitioning into ongoing psychotherapy, I am here to guide you through a smooth, transparent process focused on your complete care.
PRICING & INVESTMENT
A clear, transparent process.
To comply with Arkansas law (HB 1420), ESA evaluations require an established 30-day clinical relationship.
STEP 1 - 50 MIN
$200
Initial Clinical Evaluation
A baseline assessment of your symptom history, emotional well-being, and functional life limitations.
STEP 2 - 30 MIN
$125
Determination Visit
Scheduled 30+ days after your initial intake to assess ongoing therapeutic benefit and finalize your evaluation. If clinically indicated, your formal housing recommendation letter is issued following this visit.
YEARLY - 30 MIN
$150
Annual Renewal Assessment
Required annually for existing clients to review ongoing therapeutic need and update housing accommodation documentation.
Please note
Fees cover the clinician's time and comprehensive clinical assessment. Payment does not guarantee an ESA recommendation letter, as approvals are based strictly on meeting DSM-5 and Fair Housing Act clinical criteria. ESA evaluation-only services are designed strictly to assess functional need for housing accommodations; they do not include a formal clinical mental health diagnosis, diagnostic report, or ongoing treatment plan. If you are seeking a formal mental health diagnosis or ongoing treatment, you may transition into standard psychotherapy services.
ESA LETTER FAQ
Common questions about ESA letters in Arkansas
Who qualifies for an ESA letter in Arkansas?
An ESA letter may be right for you if a mental health condition limits your major life activities and your animal provides therapeutic support. Approval is based strictly on meeting DSM-5 and Fair Housing Act clinical criteria.
How long does the ESA evaluation take?
Arkansas law (HB 1420) requires an established 30-day clinical relationship. That means an initial 50-minute evaluation, then a determination visit 30 or more days later.
How much does an ESA letter cost?
The initial clinical evaluation is $200 and the determination visit is $125. Annual renewal assessments are $150.
Is an ESA letter guaranteed?
No. Fees cover the clinician's time and assessment, and a housing recommendation letter is issued only if clinically indicated.
Do ESA letters need to be renewed?
Yes. A renewal assessment is required each year to review ongoing therapeutic need and update your housing accommodation documentation.
Does an ESA evaluation include a diagnosis?
No. ESA evaluation-only services assess functional need for housing accommodations. If you want a formal diagnosis or ongoing treatment, you can transition into standard psychotherapy.
bottom of page