Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures and criteria for providing Emotional Support Dog (ESD) letters to clients of Impact Family Inc., a Christian counseling ministry. It is designed to ensure that requests align with both our mission of compassionate Christian care and our commitment to ethical standards in mental health support.
---
1. Eligibility Criteria for an ESD Letter
Established Client Relationship: ESD letters are only provided to clients who have an established relationship with Impact Family Inc., defined as regular participation in counseling sessions over a minimum period of three months.
Demonstrated Therapeutic Need: Requests for ESD letters must be supported by documented evidence of the emotional and therapeutic benefit that an ESD would bring to the client, as determined by the counselor.
Faith-Based Support: The need for an ESD should align with the client's therapeutic goals within the context of Christian counseling. The ESD is viewed as part of a holistic approach to well-being, complementing the client’s spiritual and emotional growth.
2. Referral to Licensed Mental Health Professionals
If the counselor at Impact Family Inc. is not licensed to make a medical diagnosis or determine mental health conditions, clients may be referred to a licensed mental health professional. This ensures that any need for an ESD is appropriately assessed in compliance with professional standards.
This referral process aligns with our commitment to providing care that is both ethical and professional, ensuring clients receive adequate support and accurate diagnoses when necessary.
3. Counseling Review Process
Request Submission: Clients requesting an ESD letter must submit a written request explaining how an emotional support dog would aid in their therapeutic journey.
Review Panel: All ESD requests will be reviewed by a designated team of four members within Impact Family Inc. to ensure alignment with our mission, ethical standards, and the client’s therapeutic needs. Team members have be two counselors with a minimum of one being state licensed and two executive team members.
Decision Communication: Clients will receive written communication about the decision within two weeks of their request submission.
4. Content and Limitations of ESD Letters
Purpose of Letter: ESD letters will confirm that the client is under our care and may benefit from an emotional support dog as part of their overall therapeutic plan.
Limitations: Letters will not guarantee access rights or specific legal accommodations. They will simply affirm the potential emotional support benefits for the client.
Integrity and Ethical Alignment: We are committed to issuing ESD letters only when there is a genuine need. Letters will include language to reflect our faith-based, therapeutic goals and avoid any implication of securing housing or travel privileges inappropriately.
5. Ongoing Counseling Support
Continued Therapy Sessions: Clients receiving an ESD letter are encouraged to maintain regular counseling sessions with Impact Family Inc. to ensure that the ESD remains a beneficial aspect of their healing journey.
Education on Responsibilities: Counselors will discuss the responsibilities of caring for an ESD to ensure clients are fully informed and prepared to meet the needs of the animal.
6. Policy Transparency and Confidentiality
Transparency: Clients will be informed of this policy at the time of their initial inquiry. Impact Family Inc. maintains transparency throughout the process to manage expectations and ensure clarity on policy guidelines.
Confidentiality: All client information related to ESD requests will be handled in accordance with our confidentiality policy, consistent with HIPAA standards and our commitment to respect client privacy.
---
Contact Information
For further details or to discuss an ESD request, clients are encouraged to speak directly with their counselor or contact Impact Family Inc. at [email protected].
Statement of Commitment
At Impact Family Inc., we are dedicated to supporting emotional well-being through Christian principles, providing guidance that is both compassionate and professionally sound. We see each ESD request as a unique opportunity to offer care that aligns with God’s call to nurture and upl
ift our clients in their journey toward healing and wholeness.