Service dogs are some of the best canine companions that you can have. This is because they help people who are struggling with disabilities. While many people know that service dogs can help with physical disabilities, did you know that they can also help with mental health disorders?
So, can you get a service dog for depression? In this guide, we answer that question, cover how service dogs help with depression, and much more. Read on to find answers to all of your questions.
What Is a Service Dog?
First things first, it’s important to understand what a service dog is. A service dog is a small horse or dog that helps someone who has a physical or mental disability; the latter is known as a psychiatric service dog (PSD). More information on PSDs can be found here.
Service dogs must be trained to help someone with specific tasks, and they have to be well-behaved in public to enjoy the benefits awarded to them from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Unlike emotional support animals, you’ll also find that service animals are protected on airlines thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This act ensures that service dogs are allowed to accompany people on airlines.
Can You Get a Service Dog for Depression?
Yes, you can get a service dog for depression. This is due to the fact that depression is one of the disabilities that qualify for a service dog.
If you want to get a service dog for depression, all you need to do is focus on training that dog to help with your symptoms of depression. This can be something simple, like fetching medications, or more complex, like getting you out of bed and outside.
That said, whether or not you qualify for a service dog comes down to a session between you and a licensed mental health professional. The good news is that organizations like US Service Animals can help you connect with a mental health professional via telehealth, which can help you get approved quickly.
Other Disabilities That Qualify for a Service Dog?
Depression is only one condition that qualifies for a service dog, and you’ll find that there are dozens of other conditions that qualify. Some examples of disabilities that qualify for a service dog include:
- Anxiety
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Physical disabilities
These are only some examples of additional disabilities that qualify.
How a Service Dog Helps with Depression
A service dog can help someone who’s dealing with depression in a handful of ways. While everyone’s situation is unique, we offer a few examples of how service dogs help with depression below.
Emotional Support
One of the most notable benefits of a service dog for depression is how they can offer someone emotional support. In fact, a dog’s presence may be enough to help someone manage symptoms of depression.
Furthermore, they can be trained to provide deep pressure therapy (DPT), and dogs need to go on walks or play outdoors, so it encourages people with depression to get out of bed. For these reasons, the simple presence of a service dog may be all that you need.
Helping With Tasks
Another great way that a service can help with depression is by helping with specific tasks. Some examples include fetching medications, reminding someone when it’s time to take medication, and other specific tasks.
Ultimately, they can be trained to help with just about anything, so it comes down to ensuring that they get the proper training.
Encouraging People With Depression to Get Outside
Last but not least, some people who struggle with depression need to get outside, experience some sunshine, and exercise. Service dogs require exercise and outside time, so having one may force someone with depression to go outside and get out of bed.
While this may not cure depression, it can help someone move in the right direction.
Can You Get a Service Dog for Depression? Our Final Thoughts
So, can you get a service dog for depression? The short answer is that yes, depression is a disability that qualifies for a service dog. However, that doesn’t mean you automatically qualify for one.
This is because you need to speak with a licensed mental health professional who approves a service dog for your condition. What’s more, you need to ensure that your service dog has the necessary training to be effective.
