Licensed mental health professional

Who counts as an LMHP

There isn't one federal list of who counts. In everyday use, the term covers clinicians whose state license lets them evaluate and treat mental health conditions. NAMI describes several common types:

• Psychiatrists (M.D. or D.O.), who can diagnose, provide therapy and prescribe medication
• Psychologists, who hold a doctorate and evaluate, diagnose and provide therapy
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), who hold a master's in social work
• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)
• Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, who may prescribe in some states

Why the license matters

A license shows that a state board has verified the clinician's education, supervised experience and exam results, and that the clinician is accountable to that board. Titles and requirements vary from state to state, which is why a credible letter lists the license type, number and issuing state so it can be checked.

Other physicians, including primary care doctors, may also assess mental health and document a disability. NIMH notes that primary care providers can screen for mental health concerns and refer you to a specialist.

Licensed professionals in PSD rules

For public places, the ADA doesn't require any documentation for a service dog, so no professional's letter is needed. Staff can't demand one.

Housing is different. Under the Fair Housing Act, when a disability or the need for an animal isn't obvious, a housing provider may ask for reliable information that verifies the disability and the link to the requested accommodation, according to the HUD and DOJ joint statement on reasonable accommodations. A letter from a licensed clinician who has evaluated you is a common way to provide it.

Signs of a credible clinician

Whether you're seeking treatment or documentation, a few checks help you avoid problems:

• The clinician's full name, license type and license number are easy to find
• The license can be confirmed on the state board's public lookup
• There's a real evaluation, not just a checkout page
• No one promises a specific result before evaluating you
• Your information is handled confidentially

How our clinicians work

At usaPsdletter.com, evaluations are carried out by Gabriel Warner, LCSW, and letters are reviewed and signed by licensed clinicians, including Andrew Patel, M.D., when the clinical findings support one. If a letter is appropriate after a short evaluation, it includes the clinician's name, license type, license number, issuing state and date. We never promise approval, and we only evaluate where our clinicians can lawfully do so.