UPDATE: In 2021, there was an important change in federal law that effectively removed the protected status of ESAs in air travel. Mental health professionals who want an updated version of this training can view on update at • 2021 Update: Mental He... and/or can register for CEs for the 2021 update at www.nbfe.net/event-4698668.
Recording of a 2-hour webinar presented by the National Board of Forensic Evaluators on 3/2/18. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are increasingly popular, and mental health professionals are receiving requests from clients (and non-clients) for documentation that can be used to obtain ESA designation for pets, yet few professionals have been trained to assess the need for ESAs. Assessment of the need for ESAs requires knowledge of disability, the role of ESAs in symptom reduction and quality of life, the difference between ESAs and service animals, ethical considerations for recommendation of ESAs, contraindications for ESAs, and the law and ESAs. This program will aid clinicians in obtaining this knowledge and feeling prepared to address client requests for letters documenting the need for ESAs. DISCLAIMER: Continuing education hours are unavailable for clinicians who did not attend the live broadcast on 3/2/18. This video was posted for educational purposes only.
Link to Handouts: nortonconsulting.app.box.com/...
Learning Objectives:
1. Define emotional support animals (ESAs) and differentiate ESAs from service animals.
2. Describe the legal and ethical ramifications for recommending ESAs for clients.
3. List several recommended practices for addressing requests for ESA eligibility
About the Presenter:
Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator, Certified Forensic Behavioral Analyst, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Master’s Level Addictions Professional. Awarded American Mental Health Counselors Association's Mental Health Counselor of the Year and Florida Mental Health Counselors Association's Counselor Educator of the Year in 2016, he is an experienced private practitioner conducting clinical and forensic mental health evaluations and providing psychotherapy. He serves as Executive Director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida’s College of Behavioral & Community Sciences, and the Chair of Education, Training Standards, and Continuing Education at the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association.