Both Sides of The Leash: A Therapist's Guide to Emotional Support Animals

Course overview

This six-hour continuing education course provides mental health professionals with a comprehensive framework for ethically and effectively assessing and documenting Emotional Support Animal accommodations. Designed for therapists, particularly Marriage and Family Therapists, the course covers the legal, ethical, and clinical considerations necessary for integrating ESAs into a client treatment plan while maintaining professional scope. The course also emphasizes maintaining therapeutic boundaries, preventing liability risks, and fostering a holistic, research-based approach to incorporating ESAs within a systemic treatment framework. Participants will learn to evaluate ESA intervention appropriateness, understand federal and state laws, and navigate ethical dilemmas associated with ESA letter writing.