It sounds like your daughter could be a great candidate for an emotional support animal, but only a licensed healthcare professional could confirm that for her and write an ESA letter. ESAs have tremendous health benefits for people with PTSD and anxiety. They can provide a sense of safety and comfort during times of distress.

Whether you qualify for an ESA or a PSD largely depends on whether the dog is needed to perform a job or task relating to a disability. If not, it is more likely an emotional support animal which does not require specialized training.

To qualify for a psychiatric service dog, the handler must have a condition that is considered a disability under ADA rules. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that “substantially limits one or more major life activities.” For more information on PSD eligibility, please see this post: https://esadoctors.com/how-to-get-a-psychiatric-service-dog-letter/

Unfortunately, having an ESA letter does not give you the right to bring your ESA into stores. Emotional Support Animals generally only have rights when it comes to housing.

An ESA letter is the only way to qualify for an ESA letter. ESAs do not require any type of specialized training.