What Is a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) Letter?
A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter is an official document from a licensed mental health professional that certifies your need for a psychiatric service dog to assist with a diagnosed mental health disability. Unlike Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), PSDs are trained to perform specific tasks that directly mitigate your disability symptoms.
Why Get a PSD Letter in Colorado?
With a valid PSD letter, you gain legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that allow your service dog to accompany you in public places, including:
- Public transportation (buses, trains, light rail)
- Restaurants, stores, and workplaces
- Rental housing and hotels
This means fewer restrictions and greater freedom compared to ESAs, whose access rights are primarily limited to housing.
How to Get a PSD Letter in Colorado
To obtain a PSD letter, you must:
- Be diagnosed with a mental health condition by a licensed Colorado mental health professional.
- Undergo an evaluation to determine that a psychiatric service dog is a necessary part of your treatment.
- Receive a PSD letter outlining your need for the service dog and specifying its role in alleviating symptoms.
This process can be completed conveniently online with CertifyESA, which connects you to licensed therapists in Colorado who specialize in PSD evaluations.
Ready to get your PSD letter?
Start your confidential online assessment with CertifyESA →
What Makes PSDs Different from ESAs?
- 🦮 PSDs are trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability.
- 📜 PSDs have broader public access rights under the ADA.
- 🐕 ESAs provide comfort but do not have public access rights.
Tips for Maintaining Your PSD Letter
- 🗓 Keep your letter updated (typically renewed annually).
- 🧑⚕️ Maintain regular contact with your licensed mental health provider.
- 🛂 Carry your letter when accessing public spaces with your PSD.
Why Choose CertifyESA?
CertifyESA offers fast, confidential, and legitimate PSD letter evaluations online, tailored to Colorado residents. Our licensed therapists understand your needs and guide you through the process with ease.
Start your PSD evaluation now: CertifyESA.com/assessment →
Disclaimer: PSD letters must be issued by licensed mental health professionals. This information is educational and does not guarantee public access or housing accommodations.
