The legitimate use of Emotional Support Animals began when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was signed in to law. This law was intended to protect individuals against discrimination based on disability. Nationally it allows individuals and their animal to have access to all types of housing, if that animal is necessary to maintain their mental health as attested by a licensed mental health provider. This attestation is typically provided in the form of a letter.

After an individual evaluation Dr. Albina Tamalonis will provide this letter for people in need of an emotional support animal.

The definitions of Support Animals and Service Animals are often confused.

Emotional Support Animals can be used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals. They are not considered service animals under the ADA. There is no requirement to register an Emotional Service Animal anywhere.
A service animal means a dog that is specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Only service animals can follow the owner anywhere.

Since January 2021 airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals.

Emotional Support Animals are only allowed in others businesses at the discretion of the owner, or individual state laws.

Dr. Albina Tamalonis, A Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist

Albina M. Tamalonis, Psy.D., is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years experience in brief, cognitive, behavioral, and strategic psychotherapies, a myriad of active guided meditations, and other diverse meditation and hypnosis techniques. She was on the faculty of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the International Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Dr. Albina is among the first group of clinicians to be nationally certified by ASCH to teach hypnosis and other mental techniques to mental health practitioners. She lectures both nationally and internationally. Dr. Albina has been seen on "Good Morning America" and local radio programs. Her relaxation technique with Tom's (her husband & Office Manager) music was used in the movie "Union Square" with Mira Sorvino and Patti LuPone.