Emotional Support Animal Letters
Supporting Our Community: ESA Letters for Those Affected by LA Fires
In response to the recent Los Angeles fires and ongoing housing insecurity challenges, Gather & Grow OC is committed to ensuring our community members can keep their beloved animal companions close during these difficult times. We now offer sliding-scale Emotional Support Animal (ESA) documentation services to support those affected by displacement or housing instability.
What Are ESA Letters?
An ESA letter is a formal document from a licensed mental health professional that verifies the therapeutic benefit of an emotional support animal. This documentation can help protect your right to housing with your animal companion, providing crucial support during challenging transitions.
How to Request an ESA Letter
To begin the process, please email us at hello@gatherandgrowoc.com or contact us HERE. Include "ESA Letter Request" in your subject line and briefly describe your current situation. Our team will respond within 24-48 hours to schedule an assessment.
We're here to support our community through these challenging times. Together, we can ensure that no one faces housing insecurity without their essential emotional support animals.
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Our Sliding Scale Structure
Community Support Tier ($0-75)
Currently experiencing displacement due to LA fires
Facing immediate housing insecurity (or loss of ESA)
Limited financial resources
Supported Access Tier ($75-$125)
Experiencing housing challenges but with some resources
Limited income but able to contribute partially
Community Investment Tier ($125+)
Stable housing situation
Ability to pay full fee
Desire to support sliding scale access for others
Sliding scale fees are listed per session. The Board of Behavioral Sciences requires a 30-day relationship for a clinician to provide a letter. At least two sessions are needed. Frequency will be confirmed with the provider during the scheduling and information process, before the start of sessions.
We understand that during crises, keeping your support system intact—including your animal companions—is crucial for mental health and stability. Availability is subject to scheduling with providers able to offer this service, but we will do the best we can to accommodate needs. We believe that the sustainability of our provider community is an important part of how we can best serve our community at large.
