Licensed ESA Providers: Who Evaluates Your ValidESA Request
A ValidESA guide · Updated · General information, not legal or medical advice
In short
- Independent, state-licensed clinicians
- License details on every letter
- Letter only if the clinician approves
Who evaluates your ESA request
ValidESA works with a clinical fulfillment partner whose independent, state-licensed mental health professionals carry out the evaluations. Your request is assigned to a clinician licensed for the state you are in during your evaluation. "ESA doctor" is a common search term; what matters is a license for the right state and an evaluation within the scope of that license. The same process applies to PSD letter requests.
ValidESA doesn't publish a directory of clinicians or let you pick one. The clinician who evaluates you is named on your letter with their license type, number and state, which is what a housing provider needs to check the license.
Independent clinical decisions
Only the clinician can decide that you have a disability-related need for an animal. If they find you don't qualify, no letter is issued. That independence is what makes a letter credible when a housing provider looks at it, and it is why no honest service can promise approval in advance.
ESA doctor, therapist or primary care: who can write an ESA letter?
Therapists, counselors, clinical social workers and psychologists commonly write ESA letters, and other licensed health care practitioners may be able to, depending on the state and the scope of their license. What matters is a current license for the state you are in during the evaluation and a real evaluation of your need, not a particular job title. Our guide to legitimate online ESA letters covers what to look for.
Does my provider need to be licensed in my state?
The clinician must be licensed for the state you are physically in during your evaluation, because telehealth rules follow where the patient is. For most people that is their home state. If you are travelling, ValidESA asks which state you will be in during the evaluation and assigns a clinician licensed there; evaluations are only possible while you are in the United States.
Your state of residence, where your home or the housing you are asking about is, still matters for the housing rules that apply to your request. Some states add their own requirements: California requires a clinician with an active California license and a client-provider relationship of at least 30 days before a letter for an emotional support dog. See the California ESA guide and the state guides.
How to check any provider's license
- Take the clinician's name and license number from the letter.
- Search the public license lookup of that state's licensing board.
- Confirm the license is active and matches the clinician's name and license type.
For a ValidESA letter
Landlords can also confirm that a ValidESA letter was issued and is current on our ESA verification page, using the verification ID the tenant gives them. That check confirms the letter; the license itself is checked with the state board.
What it costs
| Letter | 1 animal | 2 animals | 3 animals |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESA Letter | $99 | $129 | $149 |
| PSD Letter | $99 | $129 | $149 |
One-time price for the evaluation and, if the clinician approves, the letter. PSD letters cover dogs only. Full details on the pricing page.
If the clinician approves, the signed letter is typically ready within 24–48 hours of approval. See how the evaluation works.
Licensed Providers: Frequently Asked Questions
Are ESA doctors real doctors?
“ESA doctor” is a common search term. What matters is that the clinician is a licensed professional qualified to assess your need, often a therapist, counselor, social worker or psychologist rather than a medical doctor. You can check the license on the state licensing board’s website.
Can I see an ESA doctor online?
Yes. Telehealth evaluations are legitimate when the clinician is licensed for the state you are in during the evaluation and actually evaluates you.
Does my ESA provider have to be licensed in my state?
They must be licensed for the state you are in during your evaluation, which for most people is their home state. If you are travelling, ValidESA assigns a clinician licensed where you will be. Some states, such as California for emotional support dogs, add their own requirements.
Can I choose my provider?
Not at ValidESA: your request is assigned to a clinician licensed for the state you are in during your evaluation. If you want a particular clinician, such as a therapist you already see, you can ask them for documentation directly.
How do I verify a provider’s license?
Take the clinician’s name and license number from the letter, search the state licensing board’s public lookup, and confirm the license is active and matches the name.
Who can write an ESA letter?
A licensed health or mental health professional who evaluates you within the scope of their license, such as a therapist, counselor, clinical social worker or psychologist. Rules vary by state.
What if the provider decides I don’t qualify?
Clinicians make an independent clinical decision. If they find you don’t qualify, no letter is issued.
Related guides
This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. A letter is issued only if a licensed clinician approves it, and no letter can guarantee that a housing provider will approve a request. Laws differ by state. Questions about an order, a cancellation or a refund: contact us or read our Refund & Cancellation terms. See also the Privacy Policy. If you are in crisis in the United States, call or text 988.