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Support Animals

Important Information about Support Animals:

  • ​You first have to have a disability in which the support animal would help with. 
  • Understand the difference between the three types of support animals (ask Heather for more information).
  • There are no certifications necessary for these types of animals (service/emotional support). 
  • Don’t fake a service animal.
  • There is a significant cost to service and emotional support animals in terms of taking care of basic needs and veterinary bills.
  • ​Service dogs have extensive training which can cost thousands of dollars. 
  • If you are seeing a mental health professional for the first time (and if you are requesting a letter), the professional would first have to complete an assessment which may take more than one session. Some mental health professionals will not write a letter recommending a support animal until you have established an ongoing therapeutic relationship. 
  • There are several instances in which a mental health professional may not complete a letter recommending a support animal, especially if the support animal is for a medical condition (epilepsy, migraine alert, allergen alert, guide dog, etc.) vs. a mental health condition.
​

Psychiatric Service Dogs

Psychiatric service dogs can help with the following tasks:
  • Bring medication to alleviate symptoms. 
  • Bring a phone to their handler during crisis.
  • Summon help.
  • Help their handler rise and steady.
  • Wake their handler if there is a night terror.
  • Provide tactile stimulation to disrupt emotional overload. 
  • Wake their handler for school or work.
  • Assist during dissociative episodes. 
  • Provide deep pressure for calming effect.

Learn more about psychiatric service dogs by reading this article (http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html) which was published by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. The article is authored by Joan Froling, Trainer Consultant with Sterling Service Dogs. 
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Brave Choices, Inc. is a Twin Cities counseling practice located on Očhéthi Šakówiŋ and Wahpekute land at
1575  7th St. W. Ste. 104, Saint Paul, MN 55102, 612.889.7517

This practice believes that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
​We are inclusive and all are welcome.


​Brave Choices, Inc. offers mental health counseling for individuals and families at this location. 
St. Paul, MN skyline painting print was produced by Katie Swanson. Used with permission. Image is copyrighted.
  • Home
  • Services, Insurance, Payment
    • Good Faith Estimate
    • Telehealth Information
  • About
    • Heather Holt
    • Elizabeth Silkey
    • Gail Grogan Pedersen
  • Resources
    • Resource Links >
      • Local Resources
      • Hotlines and Text Support
      • Websites & Apps
      • Race and Equity
      • Mental Health Advocacy
      • Eating Disorders
  • Forms
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Make a Payment