FYM- Fur Consideration: Ethical Decision-Making for Emotional Support Animal Requests

Presented by: Eileen Bona M.Ed.

This presentation addresses the growing challenge mental health professionals face when clients request emotional support animal (ESA) documentation. Over the course of one hour, we will explore the ethical complexities, clinical considerations, and practical strategies for therapists navigating these requests. The session begins by defining the terminology for the assortment of animals in service today and then examines the current landscape of ESA regulations and the therapist's role as both advocate and gatekeeper. Participants will learn a structured decision-making framework for evaluating ESA requests, including documentation best practices and boundary-setting techniques. This presentation aims to equip mental health professionals with the confidence to handle ESA documentation requests while preserving therapeutic relationships and upholding professional standards. 

This session is only available to active OPA members.  

This webinar has been accredited by the Ontario Psychological Association for 1 CE credit.

Members can access the webinar recording through the OPA Communities. The recording will be made available 1-week post webinar. You will only receive CE credits for webinars that you register/RSVP for.