Stop referring out! Learn to confidently provide ESA letters and support more clients.

Boost your confidence in writing ethical and lawful Emotional Support Animal letters. You'll learn the latest case law and evidence-based best practices from a client- and animal-first perspective, helping you enhance your practice, retain and attract clients, increase income, and maintain effective treatment.

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Are you a mental health professional unsure about writing emotional support animal letters and wondering...

Is writing an Emotional Support Animal Letter within my scope of practice?
What laws around Emotional Support Animals do I need to be aware of?
How do I show necessity for an Emotional Support Animal accommodation? 

Then this course is for you...

Reasons to Take The Training

Maintain Your Ethical Practice

According to ethical codes for counselors and therapists, practitioners must work within their areas of competence. State licensing boards emphasize the need for appropriate training before clinicians can issue Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters. When writing an ESA letter, clinicians must consider the impact on the client, the pet, and the public. Clinicians must understand the complexities that influence their assessments and decisions.

Avoid Legal Pitfalls

In the past five years, several states have passed laws detailing specific requirements for using an ESA as an accommodation in addition to clarification on FHA law. The on-demand "Basics of ESA Letter Writing" course, updated in July 2024, will continue to be revised as new laws and board guidelines emerge. Our goal is to keep the course current so you always have the latest information to support your practice.

Learn from a Therapist with a History in Animal Training

Sarah Newcomer, MS IMFT, is the owner and instructor of The Pawsitive Therapist. Since 2019, she has been teaching ESA letter writing courses and co-authored an article on ESAs for Ohio's licensing board newsletter in winter 2020. A licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist and former animal trainer, Sarah brings a unique perspective that integrates client care with animal well-being, viewing pets as partners who significantly impact clients and the ESA letter writing process.

Dedicated to your Practice, Clients, & Pets

"When we write ESA letters, we must go beyond merely considering our clients; we must also honor the needs and motivations of their beloved pets. These animals provide unconditional love and support, and they also need to be considered. By embracing this holistic approach, we not only uplift the lives of our clients but also ensure the well-being of their cherished companions." 
-Sarah Newcomer, MS IMFT  Founder of The Pawsitive Therapist & Instructor

The Pawsitive Therapist was founded by Sarah Newcomer, an Independent Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of animal behavior and training experience. Sarah has been teaching ESA letter writing since 2019. She was featured in the Ohio CSWMFT Board's newsletter as co-author of an article on Emotional Support Animals. Her goal is to connect clinicians with understanding and empowerment to support both clients and their pets...
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