An ESA letter is a document that verifies a persons need for an emotional support animal. It is written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) and must include their license number, type, and the date it was issued. The letter must be written for the individual specifically and include their diagnosis and a recommendation for an emotional support animal. ESA letters are legitimate because the process to get one involves a consultation with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) in the individuals state. ESA letters are not the same as certifications or registrations, which are not required by law and are often scams. ESA letters are used to request an accommodation for the individual and their emotional support animal under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) . To get an ESA letter, the individual must be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) to determine if they have a qualifying mental or emotional disability, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD. The letter should include the patients name and date of birth to allow verification of the owners identity, should state that the patient has a disability, and that the animal is necessary to alleviate symptoms of the disability.