One of the most common questions we receive is "How much does an ESA letter cost?" The answer depends on several factors, but understanding typical pricing can help you avoid scams and find legitimate services.
Average ESA Letter Costs in 2026
| Service Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Telehealth ESA Services | $100 - $200 | Online evaluation + letter |
| In-Person Therapist | $150 - $300 | Office visit + letter |
| Existing Therapist | $0 - $100 | Letter only (if already a patient) |
What Affects the Price?
1. Type of Provider
Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs) who can write ESA letters include:
- Psychiatrists (MD) - Often most expensive
- Psychologists (PhD, PsyD) - Mid-range pricing
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) - Typically affordable
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) - Typically affordable
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) - Typically affordable
2. Evaluation Method
- Telehealth/Online: $100-$200 (most convenient)
- In-Person: $150-$300 (may be required in some states)
- Phone Consultation: $100-$175 (less common)
3. Geographic Location
Prices vary by state and region. Urban areas typically have higher costs than rural areas.
4. Additional Services
Some providers include extras like:
- Housing letter + travel letter bundle
- Unlimited revisions
- Landlord communication support
- 1-year validity guarantee
Red Flags: Prices That Are Too Low
Be suspicious of ESA letters priced under $75. These are often:
- Scam services with no real evaluation
- "Registration" schemes (which have no legal value)
- Letters from unlicensed individuals
- Template letters without personalization
A legitimate ESA evaluation requires time from a licensed professional, which has real costs.
Red Flags: Prices That Are Too High
Be cautious of services charging over $300 unless they include:
- Multiple consultations
- Ongoing mental health support
- Both housing and travel letters
- Extended validity periods
What Should Be Included in the Price?
A legitimate ESA letter service should include:
- Consultation with a licensed professional - Video, phone, or in-person
- Proper evaluation - Assessment of your mental health needs
- Official ESA letter - On letterhead with license information
- Revisions if needed - Minor corrections at no extra charge
- Customer support - Help with questions or landlord issues
How to Get the Best Value
Option 1: Use Your Existing Therapist
If you already see a mental health professional, ask if they can write an ESA letter. Many will do this for free or a small fee ($25-$75) since they already know your history.
Option 2: Compare Telehealth Services
Research multiple legitimate telehealth ESA services and compare:
- Pricing
- Provider credentials
- Reviews and ratings
- What's included
- Refund policies
Option 3: Check Insurance Coverage
Some insurance plans cover mental health evaluations. While the ESA letter itself may not be covered, the evaluation might be.
Is an ESA Letter Worth the Cost?
Let's do the math:
| Expense | Without ESA Letter | With ESA Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Deposit | $200 - $500 | $0 |
| Monthly Pet Rent | $25 - $100/month | $0 |
| Annual Pet Rent | $300 - $1,200/year | $0 |
| Total First Year | $500 - $1,700 | $100 - $200 |
Potential savings: $400 - $1,500+ in the first year alone.
Even at the higher end of ESA letter costs ($200), you'll likely save money within the first few months.
Questions to Ask Before Paying
- "What type of license does the evaluating provider have?"
- "Is the provider licensed in my state?"
- "What happens if I don't qualify?"
- "Is there a money-back guarantee?"
- "How long is the letter valid?"
- "What's your refund policy?"
Beware of Hidden Fees
Watch out for services that charge extra for:
- "Rush" processing (legitimate services are already fast)
- "Official" registration (there's no such thing)
- Annual "renewal" fees before your letter expires
- "Certification" cards or IDs (not legally required)
The Bottom Line
A legitimate ESA letter typically costs $100-$200 from a telehealth service or $150-$300 from an in-person provider. This investment can save you $1,000+ per year in pet fees.
Don't let price be your only consideration—focus on finding a legitimate provider with proper licensing and good reviews.
Ready to see your potential savings? Use our free calculator to see how much you could save with an ESA letter.
Related Articles
- How to Avoid ESA Letter Scams - Protect yourself from fake services.
- What is an Emotional Support Animal? - Learn the basics about ESAs.
- Know Your ESA Rights - Understand your legal protections.
