Rocket Psychiatric Service Dog 2/8/23

Dr. Eileen K. Laughman, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
drlaughmanesa@gmail.com; APIT #8734__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 02/08/2023 Re: Laurel Werner

This letter was written on behalf of Laurel Werner in response to her request for approval of a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) to assist her during air travel. As an authorized mental health professional with personal knowledge of Laurel, it has been determined that an emotional/mental health concern exists as defined by the DSM-5 distressing enough to require assistance as requested. With the determination of a diagnosable condition, the standard as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been met which qualifies for Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) approval.

Note that this letter is not an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) endorsement intended for housing rather a letter for PSD approval that allows her dog permission to accompany its owner during air travel. With its presence, the dog is expected to provide psychiatric relief for emotional/mental health impairments. Research has shown vast improvements with the companionship of an assistance animal during air travel in reducing stress and lowering anxiety levels.

Thus, weighed against the guidelines of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the standards per ADA, a PSD is prescribed for assistance to help Laurel function more effectively during air travel. As an assistance animal, a PSD is allowed in airport terminals and aircraft cabins with no restrictions. Prior to travel, a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Form must be completed then made available to airline personnel along with this PSD letter of approval.

Another provision under the ADA for PSD owners is that state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations who serve the public must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go with some possible exceptions.

Of note, the ADA prohibits discrimination against those with emotional and/or mental health concerns and established that an individual in receipt of PSD approval cannot be denied accommodations.

Respectfully,
AuthoritytoPracticeInterjurisdictionalTelepsychology,APIT #8734viaPSYPACTCommission