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ESA Watch List as of 8/1/18Some of the bogus letters you receive will include phrases (sometimes whole paragraphs!) from the letter below. This “Sample Letter from a Service Provider” is offered as a template on both a HUD site and from the Bazelon Center. That does NOT mean that you are obligated to accept such letters as reliable documentation. It is offered here simply to alert you as to where some of the rhetoric you see in questionable letters may have been born! Sample Letter from a Service Provider [date] Name of Professional (therapist, physician, psychiatrist, rehabilitation counselor) XXX RoadCity, State Zip Dear [Housing Authority/Landlord]: [Full Name of Tenant] is my patient, and has been under my care since [date]. I am intimately familiar with his/her history and with the functional limitations imposed by his/her disability. He/She meets the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Due to mental illness, [first name] has certain limitations regarding [social interaction/coping with stress/ anxiety, etc.]. In order to help alleviate these difficulties, and to enhance his/her ability to live independently and to fully use and enjoy the dwelling unit you own and/or administer, I am prescribing an emotional support animal that will assist [first name] in coping with his/her disability. I am familiar with the voluminous professional literature concerning the therapeutic benefits of assistance animals for people with disabilities such as that experienced by [first name]. Upon request, I will share citations to relevant studies, and would be happy to answer other questions you may have concerning my recommendation that [Full Name of Tenant] have an emotional support animalShould you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely,Name of Professional ADDITIONS TO WATCH LISTThese names of service providers/websites have been identified as providing letters of questionable reliability, but were not listed in the original ESA Watch List of July, 2015:Nicole Adams (identified with CertaPet site)Thomas AustinDiana DaitchLisa IsaacHarry KestenBarnett MeltzerAnne Marie NorbertoMindy Nicole Smolka (identified with TherapyPet)John TerrenceStephanie White (these letters quote the diagnosis as “Differential Illness (DI)” and identify it as a diagnosis from the DSM-V. It isn’t.)Francis G. DAmbrosio, Licensed in California ( )Tanya PeeteNicole MateoDavid M. KentonTracy LindstromKimberly PerkinsVanessa Rae De Leon () And the list keeps growing!!!ESA Watch List as of 7.28.15Name: Carla Black, LMFTWebsite: Assessment: Assess on phone; Schedule on-going phone counselingLetters: Supplied for both housing/travelCost: Assess & Housing Letter $150; Housing & Travel $200; Expedited Housing Letter $200Location/State: Los Angeles, CAStore: NoMoney-back Guarantee: NoProvider Qualifications: "MA, MFT, ATR"; Also hypnotherapistLetter Longevity: 1 yearPhone: 310-578-6822Notes: “This service is ethically bound to help people with genuine psychiatric issues.” (Quoted from Ms. Black’s website.) Featured in NY Times. (Question: Did she lose the L in LMFT, or does California designate marriage and family therapist without the L for licenses?)------- Name: CertaPetWebsite: : Free Online Exam- 9 mins will instantly determine eligibilityLetters: Housing and TravelCost: Housing & Travel $149Location/State: San Diego, CAStore: NoMoney-back Guarantee: YesProvider Qualifications: "Licensed MH Providers"Letter Longevity: Not indicatedPhone: 844-272-9391Notes: Founder, Eric Spalding; Albie’s Story: His face is familiar; I have seen it on another ESA website.------- Name: Chilhowee Psychological Services (see also Sutherland Counseling; see also National Service Dog Registry)Website: 2: Assessment: Online Eval; Min. 2 phone or Skype “counseling sessions are required to formulate an informed disability determination and cannot be bypassed.” Letters: Housing, Travel & "Prescription"; Verification Form Completion ServiceCost: Assess & Presc. Letter $164; Replacement letter $19; PDF Docs. $10Location/State: 333 W. Lake Ave. Suite 2C, Woodland Park, CO 80863; Another address is given for Stanford Scott Sutherland at 225 S Academy Blvd Ste 104, Colorado Springs, CO 80910-2768Store: NoMoney-back Guarantee: Maybe--Yes, for failure to qualify, but the cost of the test ($95) will not be refunded; "Letter of Presc. No guarantee"; Disclaimer from website: The material on this website . . . is provided without any express or implied warranty as to its accuracy or currency.” Nine paragraphs address liability issues.Provider Qualifications: Stanford Scott Sutherland, MA, LPC; “He is currently director of Sutherland Coiunseling with locations in Denver CO and Colorado Springs CO; (access to Sutherland’s license #4879 is available, but will expire in August 31, 2015); “Mr. Stanford Sutherland is no longer listed in Psychology Today.”Timothy Wayne Livingood, M.Ed. (website states Livingood “was also a certified counselor in the state of Oregon”.) Letter Longevity: 1 year; A fee will be charged if the property manager calls to verify the letter and confirm that the CPS therapist is appropriately licensed. Client must order, and pay for, an Information Release Service form, complete it and send it back to CPS. A fee is also charged for the Verification Form Completion Service.Phone: 877-223-1602; 719-687-1031Fax number is 719-687-2850; send e-mail questions to answers @Notes: Another disclaimer--“Many property management companies, landlords, as well as colleges and universities require completion of an official ESA housing form by your therapist or physician prior to approving an emotional support animal for a resident. Although forms differ, they typically ask for detailed information about the client, emotional/psychological status, diagnosis, when treatment began, diagnostic prognosis, and other personal, subjective information. We can’t guarantee that the responses we provide on this form will assure approval from your landlord, property manager, or college/university.”------- Name: DogtorWebsite: 2: Assessment: Online Medical Exam- 30 minsLetters: Housing and TravelCost: Travel $149; Care $159; Compassion S199 (both)Location/State: CA, FL, NY, TX, WAStore: NoMoney-back Guarantee: YesProvider Qualifications: "ESA Drs. and MH Prof."Letter Longevity: For $149 and $159--1 yr; For $199--no expirePhone: 855-429-2555Notes:The Dogtor and his animal parade shine in so many places! For example, blogpost dated 10/22/10 beams friendly with a picture of The Dogtor; then the post links to and then “Create a Pet Resume” and a sample letter.------- Name: Emos Dog Tags and RivinylWebsite: ; also (Rivinyl is the company name, as in Rhode Island Vinyl. Their front door business is vinyl products, such as banners, signs, and vehicle labels. Their back door business is selling merchandise for ESA identification.)Assessment: Not required because, as their website states, “We Require no Proof of any Medical condition, your Privacy is very important to us. Anyone can purchase ID cards from us our Website. EMOS Dog Tags does NOT require any special documentation awarding your pet an Emotional Support Animal, however; airlines may require?a note from your doctor.” Letters/Cost: 2x Dog Tags; $19.50 Free ShippingLocation/State: Rhode IslandStore: Yes; For $15 extra, you can obtain Instant Proof Add-on which means that your order will be processed with First priority; you will receive High Resolution Proofs (Email); you will?receive a Registration & Certificate, 2 ID cards, 2 Protection SleevesMoney-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications: No providerLetter Longevity: No letter; Certificates and Registrations now availablePhone and contact information: 401-369-6922; Emosdogtags@???????Notes: We are Open 7 Days A week, Responses are Nearly Instant; See list below of ESA considerations:Why Might you need ESA ID CARDS?Senior Citizen Complex LivingFree Animal Plane Flights?YESAllow your Animal To enter a store?YESNo Pet Hotel Fee's?YESNo Animal Rent fees?YESOur ID cards are accepted around the worldAll Dogs Qualify to be an ESA AnimalCats, Mini Horses, Parrots, Ferrets, donkeys and many other animalsCan I take my animal in a public place??YESDo you require any medical information??NOWho qualifies to have an ESA Animal??EVERYONEFrom the Emos Dog Tags website—“What is an Emotional Support Animal? The Definition of a Service Animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Guidance documents from the U.S. Department of Justice is any animal that provides unconditional love, comfort, serves as a crime deterrent or perhaps in some way enhances someone’s physical or mental health?by their presence.”------- Name: Emotional Support Animal CenterWebsite: Assessment: Online Psychological Evaluation Test; 30 min phone call; $150Letters: Housing and TravelCost: Housing $150; Travel & Housing $175Location/State: ? – Phone number given has 305 area code – Miami-Dade County, FLStore: NoMoney-back Guarantee: YesProvider Qualifications: "Professionals properly licensed in their respective states"; Licensed therapistsLetter Longevity: 1 yr; renew yearly for $45/ yrPhone: 305-280-2001Notes: Name: Emotional Support Pet; Keystone Psychological ServicesWebsite: Assessment: OnlineLetters: Housing, Travel; but recommends that college students seek a letter from University doctors who are likely involved in the ESA approval processCost: $124.95 for online psych eval; email counseling and travel prescription letter; yrly renew for $69.95Location/State: CO; Subsidiary of ESA LLCStore: NoMoney-back Guarantee: Yes if diagnosis cannot be made; Yes if no airline accepts letter w/in 30 days; No housing letter refundsProvider Qualifications: Partner w/ Keystone Psych. In LaPorte, CO; "LMHPs"Letter Longevity: 1 yr; inc. list of approved airlines; The online field for psychological servicesPhone: 970-492-5342; Fax 970-797-1236Notes: emotional-support-animal-letter.html (Sample letters) --------- Name: ESA DoctorsWebsite: Assessment: ESA online questionnaire; Online medical examLetters: Housing and TravelCost: $139 Travel; $149 Housing; $189 ComboLocation/State: ? Store: NoMoney-back Guarantee: 100% money-back guarantee. If you do not qualify for an emotional support animal, you will receive a full refund.Provider Qualifications: "In network therapists"Letter Longevity: $139 & $149--1 yr; $189- no expirationPhone: No phone; contact by e-mail Notes: No address OR phone given; Could be anywhere in the world!Links to Susquehanna Service Dogs Name: ESA Registration of America (see also Joanne Williams, LCSW)Website 1: ; Website 2: see also ;Website 3: support: support@Assessment: $140 fee for eval. Letter from a MH provider/partnerLetters: YesCost: Prof. ESA cert kit $69; Ultimate ESA VIP kit $99Location/State: Santa Barbara, CAStore: YesMoney-back Guarantee: Limited product warrantyProvider Qualifications: Joanne from NextGen Psychology; Joanne at Esa@Letter Longevity: No refunds, no guaranteesPhone: 888-316-0855Notes: VERY difficult to find out where they are; they don’t want you to know.“We have joined forces with a mental health professional who is an expert in the ESA field and is currently offering all of our clients at ESAR a nearly 70% discount on the ESA Evaluation/Prescription Letter!” ---------- Name: Free My Paws (Online Store)Website: Assessment: "Disability Self-assessment Test" Letters: NoCost: Products vary; ID kits sold for SA, ESA, and Therapy Location/State: Calabasas, CAStore: Yes Money-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications:Letter Longevity:Phone: 800-985-3133Notes: Their “founder” lists himself as “CCO”… Chief Canine Officer---------- Name: Gamble, Brian (MD)Website: esaAssessment: not explainedLetters: ESA--3 levels Silver, Gold, PlatinumCost: not disclosedLocation/State: Garden Grove, CAStore: Sells ID card & vestMoney-back Guarantee: ?Provider Qualifications: MDLetter Longevity: ?Phone: 714-530-3322Notes: Appears he only prescribes in CA; major business is approving for medical marijuana; ESAs are a side business------------Name: Keystone Psychological ServicesTop of FormWebsite: (This website only has two pages and would appear to be unassociated with ESAs as no mention of animal appears.)Website contact: KeystonePsychologicalServices@Assessment: Not mentioned on this websiteLetters/Cost:Location/State: P.O. Box #1373, Laporte, Colorado 80535Store: NoMoney-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications: Not givenLetter Longevity:Phone: Phone: 310-418-8619; Fax: 1-970-797-1236Notes: Links to Copyright???Keystone Psychological Services a wholly owned subsidiary??of ESA LLC (a Colorado Corporation)------------Name: National Center for Emotional-Support AnimalsWebsite 1: emotional-Website 2: Assessment:Letters/Cost: 1 letter for housing and travel $149Location/State: CAStore:Money-back Guarantee: “We provide one letter that covers both your housing and travel needs for one low price of $149. This covers the examination?as well as phone calls the doctor may receive from your landlord or the airline verifying your ESA authorization letter.”Provider Qualifications: ?Letter Longevity: One year. Landlords and airlines do not have to accept letters more than a year old. Other websites may offer letters that never expire but doctors cannot prescribe medications for more than a year.?They're required to re-evaluate you at least once a year to make sure their treatment plan is still appropriate for you.Phone: 323-736-2646; contact@emotional-Notes: ---------- Name: National Service Dog RegistryWebsite: Assessment: NoLetters: NoCost: $64.94 to register ESALocation/State: Woodland Park, COStore: YesMoney-back Guarantee: Satisfaction guaranteedProvider Qualifications: no providerLetter Longevity: NAPhone: 866-737-3930Notes: Links back to Chilhowee Psychological Services and Sutherland Counseling; Maybe this is the storefront for the counseling services? Looks plausible to me.------------Name: Pet Support Network; “Helping Pets and Their Owners Stay Together”Website: Assessment: 21 questionsLetters/Cost: $129 travel letter; $139 care plan with housing letter; $179 compassion plan with non-expiring travel and housing letters Location/State: CAStore: Money-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications:Letter Longevity: 1 year for Care and Travel letters or purchase non-expiring letter with the Compassion planPhone: 800-400-4281Notes: The same photo of cute animals appears on this website. (Reminiscent of The Dogtor’s animal line-up.) This text is familiar, too, and may appear on more than one of these websites: “Can my primary care physician write me an ESA prescription?In theory, any member?is free to consult with their primary care physician regarding their need for an emotional support animal. However, 9 times out of 10, members will run into a doctor who does not believe in the therapeutic benefits of having a dog as part of their treatment for their insomnia, stress, or anxiety, just to name a few. These physicians are more likely to prescribe you pharmaceutical medications. Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that these doctors are going to require some sort of a payment up front, usually a copay, and most of the time, you will get denied. The exists because all of our physicians see the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship to help cope with everyday conditions such as depression, insomnia or stress. Not to mention, when you visit The , you only pay if you are approved, so there is a zero risk for both your time and your money.Is The a licensed Medical Professional?Absolutely! Yes, our network of evaluating practitioners are either licensed medical doctors or licensed clinical psychotherapists.Will my ESA letter come from this website or from the prescribing medical professional?Your ESA letter will be written on the letterhead of the office of the prescribing physician or psychotherapist! It will not come from !How will my landlord or property manager be able to verify my letter?Your landlord or property manager can verify your letter by calling the verification number that is included on the prescribing physician’s letterhead. This is the verification phone number of the doctor that issues your prescription, not ’s number. Your landlord will simply leave a message with the first and last name of the member he is trying to verify and someone will contact them to verify your letter.”---------- Name: Official Service Dog RegistryWebsite: Assessment: NoLetters: Free landlord letter with purchase of products; Free SA Fact Book; Free digital certification w/orderCost: Photo ID $55; Universal ID $35; Vests $48-59Location/State: AZStore: YesMoney-back Guarantee: NoProvider Qualifications: No providerLetter Longevity:Phone:Notes: “The ADA does not require any special equipment, clothing, or patches to identify your animal as a Service Dog. It is STRONGLY encouraged that all clients make their dog look like a legitimate service dog, including an appropriate vest or harness (our webmaster harness is an excellent choice), service animal patches, and the ID card visibly displayed – clipped to the harness or leash. You will thank us for this advice.”---------- Name: Service Dog Registry of AmericaWebsite: Assessment:Letters: Will issue free housing letter if you buy ID cardCost: $39 on up, depending on how fancy you want it to beLocation/State: 15453 E Golden Eagle Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ? 85268Store: YesMoney-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications:Letter Longevity:Phone: 480-837-0190info@Notes: This site says nothing that isn’t true; just presents it in such a way as to make it misleading. Provides a blueprint for how to skirt the law in getting an ESA approved. ---------- Name: Service Dog Tags-- This company provides information about the "certification scam" and has a chart that shows the difference between SA and ESA laws.Website: Assessment: No evaluationLetters: SA and ESA Housing Accommodation Form to present to landlord w/ 14 pg document from DOJ & HUD dated 2004Cost: SA Business Cards; ESA Business Cards; IDs; Vests; Dog tags; Variety of products – variety of pricesLocation/State: TXStore: SA ID costs $27.95 plus S/H; Wide selection of products for SAs, ESAs, Therapy AnimalsMoney-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications: No providerLetter Longevity:Phone: 877-770-0789Notes: “We do not guarantee that the use of our tags will enforce compliance with the ADA or any other federal, state and local law regarding the use of service animals or emotional support animals.”------------Name: Sutherland Counseling (see also Chilhowee Psychological Services, a company that Sutherland Counseling is contracted with to provide psychological evaluations.)Website: : Yes; Sutherland Counseling employs several clinical interviewers for ESA; From Sutherland Counseling website: “In order to more accurately assess your psychological state, as well as your progress, you may periodically be asked to take one or more different kinds of assessment instruments often referred to as tests, inventories, or assessments. . . . These instruments are used as non-medical, mental health diagnostic tools that may be used in research projects. . .” Letters/Cost:Location/State: 225 S Academy Blvd., Suite 104, Colorado Springs, CO 80910; 10200 East Girard Ave., Suite A118, Building A, Denver CO 802311Store:Money-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications: Stanford “Scott” Sutherland, MA, LPC, Founder and Executive Director; Chris Estep, PsyD, Director; Christine Chavez, PsyD, LPC, Senior Clinician; Justin Lincoln, PsyD. (The following names are listed as providers of clinical interviews for Emotional Support Animal Certification: Colleen Evans, MFT, MBA, Program Therapist; Georgette Harper, M.Ed, Clinical Interviewer; Christie P. Linn, MS, Program Therapist; Nichole Nelson, BA, Clinical Interviewer; Christina Geraci, BA, Clinical Interviewer; Austin Sutherland, BS, Clinical Interviewer.Letter Longevity:Phone: 719-471-0800Notes: Psychiatric Service Dog information on Sutherland Counseling’s website refers the reader to the website and link of Chilhowee Psychological Services. Resources section also refers the reader to Chilhowee Psychological Services () for the “formal process to apply for Emotional Support Animal legal status.” Resources section refers to the National Service Animal Registry () to certify your Service Animal------------Name: United Service Animal RegistryWebsite: : NoneLetters/Cost: Prices begin at $60 and range to $240 with options for 2 year renewals ranging from $45-$75; Location/State: Dawsonville, GAStore: Yes; Purchase registration and identification cards; Extensive list of other SA and ESA merchandise, including bandanas.Money-back Guarantee: “The product you are ordering is "Customized" to your animal with critical information for that animal only. As a result, we cannot "resell" the product if it is returned. Once you have purchased the product and it has been delivered, you agree to a NO CHARGEBACK rule. USARplus will do everything in its power to make you happy - we will reprint or resend the product should you not get delivery. We stand behind our products, and if we make a mistake on your order we will reship replacements. However, it is important that you review your order carefully yourself to ensure that you didn't make any spelling or date mistakes as we cannot provide refunds for your ID cards once they are made and shipped.”Provider Qualifications: “USARplus was started in January of 2006. David Corthell noticed the difficulties surrounding his attempts to exercise his rights under the Department of Justice, Americans With Disabilities Act, when attempting to bring his Service Animal, Kokopelli, into public areas with him. He decided to create a system which would allow him to educate and notify those around him of his need for a Service Animal, without having to go through the embarrassment of being challenged and questioned regarding his personal and private condition.”Letter Longevity: The website urges renewal of registration every 2 years.Phone: (678)807-8687Notes: The website is cited on Service Dog Central for the illegal use of copyrighted material taken from Service Dog Central. This website directly quotes ADA Business BRIEF: Service Animals.------------Name: Williams, Joanne; LCSW, CA License LCS #22409Website 1: Website 2: 3: 4: see also Website 5: Website support: Welcome@Assessment:Letters/Cost:Location/State: 81-730 Hwy 111, Bldg 4 #244, Indio,CA 92201Store:Money-back Guarantee:Provider Qualifications: LCSW, CA Letter Longevity: Phone: 760-485-6784; Fax 1-858-810-0239Notes: Joanne Williams’ name appears on several websites; sometimes only her first name is given.------------Name: U.S. Service and Support Dogs; Service Dog Kits (aka) Official Service Dog RegistryWebsite 1: 2: Assessment: NoLetters/Cost: Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals, and Therapy DogsLocation/State: AZStore: Yes; $39 for set-up and permanent OSDR #; Additional ID cards can be purchased; Vests available for purchase with registrationMoney-back Guarantee: No guarantee or warranty; website disclaimersProvider Qualifications: No providerLetter Longevity:Phone: From the website: “In order to keep the registration costs down we do not offer phone consulting or phone support.?There are over 250 pages of information on this website to help answer most any question you may have. ?All?necessary?inquiries are handled via email and subject matter that pertains to your registration with ?only.” Notes: Registration is under the honor system. ----- BONUS! A few GOOD resources re: ESA’s (articles that seem to “get it”, written by people outside the disability services field) ................
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