Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Emotional support animal (ESA) evaluations are gaining in popularity as more individuals seek to bring animals into apartments, dorms, and onto airplanes. Our very own Dr. Molly McLaren took some time to talk with me today about her exploration of ESA evaluations. Some things we cover are:
- What does the research say about animals as a “treatment” for emotional concerns?
- Can we ethically recommend or “prescribe” an ESA?
- What is involved in an ESA evaluation?
- Is a report necessary for an ESA evaluation?
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a service animal?
Resources
Special thanks to Facebook group member, Dr. Ed Martinelli, for sending these articles to check out regarding research on ESA evals!
- Ensminger and Thomas, 2013, Writing Letters to Help Patients with Service and Support Animals, J of Forensic Psych, v13n2, pp 92-115
- Kogan, et al, 2016, University Counseling Centers Perceptions and Experiences Pertaining to ESAs J of College Student Psychotherapy, v30n4, pp 268-283
- Younggren, Boisvert, and Boness, 2016, Examing ESAs and Role Conflicts in Professional Psychology, Prof Psych Res and Prac, v47n4, pp 255-260
- Herzog, 2011, The Impact of Pets on Human Health and Psychological Well-Being – Fact, Fiction, or Hypothesis, Current Directions in Psychological Science v20n4 pp 236-239
Podcast Sponsor
I’m so grateful to have Practice Solutions, a full service billing company for mental health practitioners, on board for sponsoring this month’s podcasts. Jeremy & Kathryn Zug are a husband-wife team ready to help you with all things billing – claim submission, billing statements, payment collecting, and verification of benefits & coverage. Get a 20% discount on your billing services when you mentioned the Testing Psychologist podcast!
About Dr. Molly McLaren
Molly earned her PhD from Colorado State University after completing her internship at the University of Tennessee and her post-doc at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling. She specializes in adult psychotherapy for folks with social anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, and career/vocational issues. Molly also has a lengthy history of providing psychological evaluations for adults.
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and grew to include seven licensed clinicians, three clinicians in training, and a full administrative staff. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Comments 2
A good podcast but a few comments: First, the owner of the ESA must have a psychiatric disability, not just a psychiatric diagnosis. Then the presence of the animal must ameliorate that disability which is more than just make the owner happy. That was unclear to me. Great clarification of where the ESA can go as opposed to Service Animals. Your point about the animal limiting progress is supported by the concerns of those in the VA who believe that the dog does not actually help the patient overcome their difficulties. Good, balanced discussion of the issues.
Author
Thanks so much for listening and these thoughts! All of these are great points.