{"id":20064,"date":"2022-12-29T15:59:53","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T20:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20064"},"modified":"2023-03-06T15:27:51","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T20:27:51","slug":"a-guide-to-psychiatric-service-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/a-guide-to-psychiatric-service-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Psychiatric Service Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animals make up an important part of our families and society at large. Some might think of them as pets, but to some, they help out in more specific ways. Service animals, in particular, are especially integral to a vast majority of people with disabilities by performing an important job and improving their owners\u2019 quality of life. According to the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/share.america.gov\/service-dogs-save-lives\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 500,000 service animals served<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in these roles in 2016.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, other animals may not be categorized as service animals, but they still perform assistance to their owners\u2019 mental health in some capacity. Generally speaking, all of these animals can be noted as \u201cassistance animals.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assistance animals is a broad classification that includes animals that perform a variety of tasks to help in a person\u2019s life. These animals can fit into a few categories.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Service animals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These animals are most often dogs, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/northeastada.org\/resource\/miniature-horses-as-service-animals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can also be miniature horses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These animals are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and are trained to provide a specific task that helps with a diagnosed issue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emotional support animals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These can be any animal that offers emotional support to a person. Often prescribed by a mental health professional, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/fair_housing_equal_opp\/assistance_animals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional support animals are recognized by the Fair Housing Act<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as animals that can live with a resident who needs their services.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Therapy animals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A therapy animal is any animal that provides therapeutic support to a person. These animals are less regulated, as they aren\u2019t officially protected by any federal laws. As such, it is up to individual businesses how they will treat these animals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although assistance animals are typically trained to perform a function that benefits their owners\u2019 mental health, they also can bring joy and laughter through everyday interactions \u2014 something that all animals can bring to people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>How do animals impact mental health?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The phenomenon of the joy of animal companionship can be traced back to the domestication of animals, however, experts have been able to truly examine the scientific reasoning behind it in the past several decades. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Blogs\/NAMI-Blog\/November-2020\/The-Remarkable-Human-Animal-Bond\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">animals can play an important role in our physical and mental health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Animals offer support and camaraderie that can reduce stress and anxiety, and animal companionship can even have health benefits such as lowered blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/health-benefits-of-having-a-pet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pets can provide several other health benefits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, service animals can offer more direct and immediate assistance. Service dogs can provide help to people with physical disabilities, and people suffering from different types of mental illnesses can benefit from the assistance of a psychiatric service dog.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>What are the different types of psychiatric service dogs?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychiatric service dogs receive robust training depending on the type of support they will provide. In general, though, PSDs can perform several tasks such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Respond to severe health issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: PSDs can also respond to more severe health issues by looking out for changes in breathing patterns or behavior. By doing so, they can take steps to stop the problem from progressing or bring it to someone else\u2019s attention.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ground and reorient<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A service dog can help to recenter someone who is experiencing a dissociative disorder. They can also help to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-youre-having-a-panic-attack\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recognize a panic attack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and offer a calming presence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Balance assistance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A PSD can help to regain balance for someone suffering from vertigo.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tactile stimulation and pressure therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: PSDs can provide calming relief through the reassurance of touch and physical contact.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PSDs can also help people with mental illness establish a routine. People diagnosed with mental health disorders can struggle to maintain a regular, healthy routine. A dog can help to bring regularity by reminding their companion when it is time to take medication or go to bed. Taking care of a dog also involves a degree of structure that can help to stabilize a routine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond these tasks, dogs may also receive training depending on the type of service they will provide, which may vary depending on the mental illness they accommodate to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below, find a couple of different types of psychiatric service dogs that specialize in helping those with specific mental health disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Depression psychiatric service dog<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose of a depression PSD is to help people suffering from depression. These dogs receive training to offer emotional support through companionship and tactile therapy. A depression service dog can be a helpful tool for combatting symptoms of depression and other similar conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The companionship of a dog also helps to give a feeling of perspective and purpose during troubling moments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Anxiety psychiatric service dog<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.servicedogcertifications.org\/how-dogs-can-calm-anxiety\/#:~:text=1)%20Dogs%20can%20predict%20panic,before%20any%20untoward%20incident%20happens.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Service dogs trained for anxiety support<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can recognize signs of occurrences like panic attacks. They will offer comfort and reassurance through physical touch. They can even help to remind their companion when it is time to take medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) psychiatric service dog<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These PSDs help those who suffer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptsd.va.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 which can develop within a person as a result of a life-threatening or traumatic experience. People with PTSD may experience symptoms their service dog is trained to recognize.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PTSD service dogs help by offering companionship, which helps to reduce anxiety, stress, loneliness and depression. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newlifek9s.org\/news-events\/blog\/service-dog-blog.html\/article\/2020\/12\/24\/6-ways-service-dogs-help-people-with-ptsd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A PTSD service dog <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can even recognize someone having night terrors and take action to wake them up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>How to qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To qualify for a psychiatric service dog, you must be diagnosed with a disability for which a PSD can offer assistance. In addition to anxiety, PTSD and depression, these include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Phobias<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: For people with life-altering phobias such as a social phobia or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-psychiatric-service-animals-help-4017361\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">social anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a PSD may be able to offer the support they need to get through difficult situations that involve the source of the phobia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: People who suffer from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/service-dogs-for-bipolar-disorder-379894\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder can use service dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help keep a regular sleep cycle, stay alert for dangerous behavior, and recognize manic or depressive episodes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ADD and Obsessive-compulsive disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/service-dog-for-ocd\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A service dog can help with OCD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or Attention Deficit Disorder by recognizing signs that their companion has gotten distracted and help to get their attention.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Autism Spectrum Disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/assistance-dog-information\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PSD can be helpful for people with autism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Providing companionship and tactile therapy, a service dog can help in uncomfortable situations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once diagnosed with one or more of these qualifying disorders, you\u2019ll receive a prescription for a psychiatric service dog, which you can utilize in private or public functions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Which doctors can prescribe a psychiatric service dog (PSD)?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several doctors can prescribe a psychiatric service dog. Your primary care physician can do it, or they may prefer to refer you to a specialist. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/who-can-prescribe-an-emotional-support-animal\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors that can prescribe a psychiatric service dog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/primary-care-doctors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family doctor<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychologists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychiatrist<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychologists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychologist<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/therapist-counselors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapist<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensed professional counselor (LPC)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health counselor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurse psychotherapist<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All these providers should be knowledgeable about the benefits of service animals and should provide you with the right resources to obtain a psychiatric service dog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Discussing a psychiatric service dog with your mental health provider<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think a psychiatric service dog would help you, it is time to discuss options with your mental health provider. If you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-find-the-right-mental-health-professional-for-you\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">don\u2019t currently see a mental health professional<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this could be a good <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/when-should-you-really-see-a-psychiatrist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reason to see a psychiatrist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or try to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/tips-on-transitioning-to-a-new-therapist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">find a new therapist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Be ready to explain your symptoms and ask if a service dog would help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If, for example, you are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-can-i-tell-if-my-antidepressants-are-working\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">worried that your antidepressants aren\u2019t working<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or you\u2019re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/7-common-types-of-therapy-explained\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">searching for a new type of therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. After being prescribed a PSD, the next step is finding one.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Where to obtain a psychiatric service dog<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several ways to find a psychiatric service dog. Typically, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assistancedogsinternational.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofits and other agencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> train and raise service dogs. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/service-animals-faqs\/#definition-of-a-service-animal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">normal dog can also be trained to become a psychiatric service dog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, they\u2019ll have to be capable of undergoing intense training, which is typically required of all service dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Can every dog become a psychiatric service dog?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other service dogs may have physical requirements for adequately performing their task, but there is no limitation to the type of dog that can become a psychiatric service dog. With the right training, any dog can learn to fill that role \u2014 regardless of size or breed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Training a psychiatric service dog<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A PSD requires complex training and care. Because of this, it is easier to leave the training to professionals, but this can be prohibitively expensive. Training a service dog yourself can be effective, though it is challenging, time-consuming and can be more difficult without previous dog training experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Individual training<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training a dog can be a difficult process, and service dogs require extensive training that most dogs don\u2019t receive. To keep fulfilling their duties, they may also require occasional training over time. This can be done at home, but it is easier and more efficient with the help of a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Obtaining a pre-trained psychiatric service dog<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A trained psychiatric service dog can help to solve the issues of training difficulty and time spent. However, due to the extensive training, this route can be quite costly. Additionally, service dogs require extra care and training, which can be expensive as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Rights and laws regarding psychiatric service dogs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since service animals provide a valuable and vital service, laws protect their use in a variety of situations. However, since the service being provided by a PSD is usually less visible than with other service animals, restaurants, stores and other businesses may want to see proof of a service dog\u2019s certification and training.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Do you need to register or certify your PSD?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no federal mandate to register your PSD, but individual businesses or locations may require certification or proof that your dog is a service animal. This can help when trying to receive accommodations at a housing complex that doesn\u2019t typically allow pets. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/airconsumer\/passengers-disabilities\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air Carrier Access Act requires service dogs to be allowed on airplanes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but some airlines may also have guidelines on what you must do to take a PSD on a flight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How do people verify your PSD?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A PSD can be registered in one of several third-party online databases. This may not afford any additional federal protection or recognition by the ADA, but it allows easy access to trainer information and certifications as needed. A service dog letter may also be enough since it is signed by a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What are your access rights?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While federal law offers certain protections for the use of service dogs, individual establishments may have their own rules regarding service animal access.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Workplace<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/adata.org\/service-animal-resource-hub\/work\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the ADA, employers must allow a service animal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that performs a specific important task, so long as that accommodation doesn\u2019t cause danger or undue hardship.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Housing and Lodging<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Fair Housing Act requires that housing providers make arrangements to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/fair_housing_equal_opp\/assistance_animals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allow service animals, even if they have a no-pet policy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transportation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Traveling via <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-bad-is-commuting-for-your-mental-and-physical-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">public transportation can be stressful<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With bright lights, loud noises and large crowds, traveling has the risk of numerous potential triggers. A PSD can help alleviate some of these issues. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/individuals\/aviation-consumer-protection\/service-animals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air Carrier Access Act protects the use of service animals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in air travel, though individual airlines may have their own rules regarding them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although many people no longer have to deal with limited legal protections to bring their PSDs into public spaces, other limitations exist, such as a lack of financial resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Covering the costs of service dogs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of a service dog may seem prohibitively expensive. But there are some ways to secure money to pay for a PSD. For example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/MS\/Veterans\/benefits\/Guide_and_Service_Dogs.asp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">qualifying veterans can apply for a service dog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through the VA. Non-veterans may need to rely on other methods for covering the cost. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Does insurance cover service dogs?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/your-health-insurance-might-cover-these-self-care-practices\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance may pay for some self-care practices<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but private health insurance and Medicare do not cover the costs associated with service dogs. However, those who need them can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/your-guide-to-paying-for-therapy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">find ways to pay for service dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through other means.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nonprofit grants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Organizations such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assistancedogunitedcampaign.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assistance Dog United Campaign<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aim to provide individuals with funding for obtaining service dogs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flexible Spending Account<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A Flexible Spending Account can help to provide funding for things like a service dog that insurance doesn\u2019t pay for.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Additional mental health resources<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/find-help\/national-helpline\"><b>SAMHSA<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a 27\/7 hotline that can put people in touch with information sources and care referrals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org\/mental-health-resources\/\"><b>Mental Health First Aid<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This page provides a collection of resources for those suffering from mental health issues and looking for support.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Additional service animal resources<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/adata.org\/service-animal-resource-hub\"><b>ADA National Network Service Animal Resource Hub<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This page offers information and other resources specifically dealing with ADA compliance and service animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1>Need a doctor\u2019s appointment? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A psychiatric service dog provides a valuable function for people suffering from trauma and other mental issues. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20065,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[12,103,41,81],"class_list":["post-20064","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-anxiety","tag-prep","tag-mental-health","tag-preventive-care","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>A Guide to Psychiatric Service Dogs - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A psychiatric service dog provides a valuable function for people suffering from trauma and other mental issues. 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