What mental health diagnosis can you get a service animal for?

I want a service animal because I think it would do me good. I tried getting my clinic to fill out paperwork for me so I could consider my cats companion animals but they said they couldn't do it for some stupid reason. Anyways, I am kinda diagnosed with PTSD. Not technically because my psych wouldn't officially diagnose me because he said I am already on meds to treat it. But he said I have it. I see my next Temp Psych on the 9th of March so I'm probably going to tell them my last Psych said I have PTSD but wouldn't diagnose me...but I want a service animal for it because I think it would help and the only way I can get one is if it's in my file that I have PTSD. That's my idea. Not sure what other diagnosis I could get the service animal for? Does anyone know all of them?

I have also wanted a service dog and it may happen in the future. The ADA is the mother of this. This link may help you. Good luck.

National Service Animal Registry

I know of someone who got one for PTSD, in the Netherlands.

What is with your P'doc? If he said you are being treated for PTSD and are on medication for it then he has no reason for not doing the paperwork. He doesn't get to decide who gets it it or not - the government does.

i believe that 'technically', a pet for a person with 'other than physical assistance needs' is called a 'Companion Animal'. they can be had on the basis of ' isolalation, anxiety, lack of initiative, depression, PTSD and cognitive disorders, such as hypervigilence'.

the 'state' does not decide if you qualify, your doctor does. the paperwork is merely a tracking mechanism. in order to over-rule your landlord's rule about 'no pets', your home must be part of a system which has 25 paid personnel or more, and is open to the public. this is generally government housing, or large apartment complexes, also houses which receive Section 8, Federal Funding.

a companion animal is a great comfort and aide to many with anxiety disorders, isolation issues, and PTSD. you are right to persist in getting the paperwork done, i believe~! just exercise good judgement in selecting the pet, one you can take care of, and afford~

best wishes~
Gus

yes you will probably have to pay for the upkeep of the dog too? i don't know but i have a beagle and vet bills are through the roof and food too. maybe the govn't pays for that too?good luck

Actually I looked it up there is a such thing as a Psychiatric Service Animal. Has the same rights as a regular service animal except that the person doesn't usually look disabled so they get a lot of crap for having one.

Do you have to have a note from your Psychiatrist for a Psychiatric Service Dog?

You can adopt your own pet , local pound , shelter, aspca or a neighborhood litter of unexpected puppies, You can get your pet listed as a ESA.. The link that Signblinded posted ( thanks) gives you all the information you would need to have basically any furry friend deemed a ESA if he/she is social, trained and safe to take around other people.

My Dog is a lifesaver. Can't imagine life without him.

As for your Pdoc and him not wanting to give you the actual diagnosis? Maybe you need a second opinion ?

Good luck

Ps..Owning a pet is expensive.. Medications, flea and heart worm monthly. Feeding , grooming, if your unable to do the needed bathing etc yourself , vetting , not to mention any emergencies that can come up at any time.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility.

Is ESA the same as a Service Animal? My guess is the S stands for Service and the A stands for Animal not sure what the E stands for.

Hi there and I'd like to say that I agree with everything other members have said. My own doggie 'Waggie', I absolutely can't live without. She is not a service dog in as much as she wasn't provided for me, but with my mental disability, she's my lifeline. It can be almost impossible to walk her when I'm very depressed, but I have to find a way. She loves me whatever state I'm in, good, bad or indifferent. The only thing I do worry about is possible vet costs. I've already had a few so far and she's only five years old. I have found most insures will allow you to pay monthly for your subscription, making it slightly easier BUT, it's still a very costly business. I urge you to look into every way of being awarded a service/utility dog because it could be the best thing you've ever done. Good luck!!

Service dogs that lead the blind , warn of dropping blood sugar or epilepsy etc ,Yes a trained service dog I think is a wonderful thing. Since its averages about 15 grand for a dog like this to be trained , you should specifically need such a highly trained animal.

I personally feel if you need a dog for a companion, one to emotionally help you feel safe and also basically forces you to go out into the world as dogs need walked , an ESA ( emotional support animal) is a good idea , you don't need a dog that is already trained, Puppies and dogs look to use for love , we look back with same want for love. You can register your own pet as an ESA if he/she meets the qualifications.

Keep in mind whether you eventually ( very long waiting list) receive a fully trained service dog or you find a furry friend on your own.. You are responsible for all the care and vetting... Between food , treats, flea and heart worm medications ,,its roughly about 50.00 a month for my dog , yearly you need routine exams and blood work.

So regardless, having a pet no manner the "Title" is a lifelong and costly relationship.

The link that Sideblinded posted explains all the requirements and differences, its very imformative

I'm going to go the route of getting an actual Service Animal because I need it for more than emotional support. I already sent an application thing to get the paperwork to apply in the mail for the organization at the website that is medicalservicedogs.com the organization name is "Guardian Angels". Don't know if you have ever heard of that?

Seems like a wonderful organization. They state they have a 4 year waiting list. Can/ Do you want to wait that long?

If it's the only hope I have at getting a Service Animal...then yes I will. Where does it say that it's only a 4 year waiting list? What I read was it can be up to 10 years.

Was on there website I think under FAQ ,there is also classes you must attend and basically a dog picks you. Well it's good you at least you started the process long waiting period will allow you plenty of time to make sure you want to proceed. They also do home checks.

Are you a veteran by any chance? I`m a vet and I know that if you have a service connected disability such as PTSD, they will set you up. If you are not a vet you could ask your doctor and look online. There are probably non-profit agencies that will set you up. I wish I could be of more help but I don't know much about it. I could get a service dog but since I live in a transitional house right now they wont give it to me unless I am in a more stable/permanent home/apartment. I wish you the best of luck in find a service dog to help you out. I would really like one because I get lonely and I`m nervous even to walk across the street to buy a soda.

It might be of interest to some, that for a service dog (not ESA or companion animal) that your insurance under medicare possibly department of human services (not sure) actually extends your insurance to your service animal. Vet care is reimbursed to you. I have experience with the vet care portion but have heard that covers dog food as well. Worth looking into I hope you get your service animal prescription

What is a home check?

OMG...thank you so much. This is great news. Was worried about the vet care.

I have no idea what there " home check " is about specifically , but it is mentioned. Of course you can always ask them directly what it is all about. I did skim there FAQ's and its very informative.

I have a service dog for PTSD and anxiety. The differance between an ESA and a sd is that a sd HAS to be trained to do something (task or work) that you can't do for yourself. My girl body blocks people from getting to close, reminds me to breathe and grounds me when I have a bad panic attack. ESA can't go into stores or restaurants with you but a sd can. The registries like the one posted above are scams, you cannot be asked for certification for your sd bc the ADA does not recognize any certification. That being said, think really hard about what it's like to bring a dog everywhere you go. The extra time it takes to do everything and the people that stare at you. Sd are also expensive! It can cost around 20 thousand to get one already trained! If you do the work yourself to train the dog it's cheaper but the dog has to be solid on all commands and show no reaction to almost everything. Most dogs fail unfortunately.

Welcome and i hope you have better luck with your dog.That is an unbelievable price but i guess they are worth it.