The lines between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals are often blurred, and the legal and ethical considerations are complex. Yet, as the demand for ESAs grows, clinicians must be well-versed in this field to provide their clients with the best possible care and advocacy.
This training course goes beyond surface-level definitions to equip clinicians with a better understanding of the legal, ethical, and practical nuances involved in working with ESAs and service animals.
Under the guidance of esteemed experts in the field, including renowned animal-assisted therapist Dr. Christina Strayer, participants will delve into the fundamental definitions and distinctions between Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals. They will explore the specific training and selection recommendations that ensure their optimal effectiveness, and gain insights into the latest Department of Transportation requirements, ensuring they're equipped to advise clients on travel and accommodation rights.
Participants will also gain an overview of the ethical and legal considerations that every mental health professional must weigh before writing an ESA letter. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of both your clients and the animals involved.
By the end of this training, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to accurately assess clients' needs and make informed recommendations regarding ESAs and service animals. They will be able to write effective ESA letters and effectively advocate for clients' rights, all while ensuring the well-being of both clients and animals. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or just starting your journey in animal-assisted therapy, this course will provide you with invaluable insights and practical tools to expand your expertise and elevate your practice.
Enroll today and unlock the transformative potential of ESAs and service animals for your clients and your practice.
This is a non-interactive, self-study course.
Instruction consists of 1 hour of video instruction and a post-test.
From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.
Upon completion of this training, professionals will be able to do the following:
Learning Objectives:
- List the only two types of animals that can be a service animal.
- Explain the current Department of Transportation travel requirements for Service and Emotional Support Animals.
- Explain how to ethically write an ESA letter for mental health clients, when appropriate.
Dr. Christina Strayer, Ed.D, LCMHCS, LCAS-A, THTC, AAT-I, CYT-200
Dr. Christina works with a variety of animals in her private practice with clients. She teaches an accredited AAT certification course and conducts AAT workshops for professionals annually. She is a Pet Partners Evaluator. She is an advocate for rescue animals and lives with her rescue family in NC.
You can find Dr. Strayer here and here.
Mike Buonasorte
Mike has years of experience, helping hundreds of dog owners reach their goals and live happier lives with their dogs. Graduating at the top of his class from the prestigious Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers, he studied under some of the best trainers in the industry, and learned through real-world experience, helping clients with a range of needs.
He continues to test and prove his skills by competing with his personal dogs in various dog sports, and continues to educate himself on the most up-to-date and effective methods, theories, and problem-solving techniques.
You can find Mike by clicking here.
Credit Hours: This course consists of 1.5 continuing education hours of credit.
Counselors: Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No, 6693. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Mental Health Counselors. #MHC-0048.
Marriage and Family Therapists: Many MFT licensing boards accept our courses or one of the approvals which we have from professional associations. You can check with your board to determine if your licensing board would accept this course.
Social Workers: Telehealth Certification Institute LLC, #1609, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 05/02/2024 – 05/02/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits.
Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Social Workers #SW-0435.
Addiction Professionals: This course has been approved by Telehealth Certification Institute LLC, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #193104, Telehealth Certification Institute LLC is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
Psychologists: Telehealth Certification Institute LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Telehealth Certification Institute LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Psychologists #PSY-0128.
Art Therapists: Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Creative Arts Therapists #CAT-0093.
Other Professionals: This course qualifies for 90 minutes of instructional content as required by many national, state and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Retain your certificate of completion and contact your board or organization for specific filing requirements.
This is a non-interactive, self-study course.
To receive your certificate of completion you must complete the course in its entirety.
To complete an Online Self Study Course, one must register, log in, select the My Courses option from the menu items, click the Course Title, complete all of the modules, complete and pass the post-test(s), and complete the course evaluation.
A grade of at least 80% or more is required to pass the post-test. Retaking the post-test is possible until the participant is able to pass the test.
Psychologists and other professionals seeking CE credit through our approval with the American Psychological Association are asked but not required to complete the course evaluation before obtaining their certificate of completion, however passing a post-test for online self-study courses, and submitting one's attendance for live on-site and live webinars is required.
You can download or print your certificate of completion by logging into your account, navigating to the course by selecting the My Courses option from the menu items, clicking the Course Title, scrolling to the Certificate of Completion section, and clicking on the Certificate of Completion link to either download it or print it.
Participants may request a printed version of their certificate of completion to be delivered by mail. A shipping/handling fee of $6.95 will be charged per request. Shipping internationally may require an additional charge.
Directions for completing a course can be found by clicking here.
This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.
This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.
