Growth in the presence of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in our society has recently garnered a substantial amount of attention, both in the popular media and the professional literature. Public media abounds with stories focusing on the increasing number of animals claimed as ESAs, the impact of this growth on society, the industry claiming to certify ESAs, and the various types of animals described as "certified." The authors propose an assessment model for ESAs certification comprising a four-pronged approach for conducting these types of assessments: (1) understanding, recognizing, and applying the laws regulating ESAs, (2) a thorough valid assessment of the individual requesting an ESA certification, (3) an assessment of the animal in question to ensure it actually performs the valid functions of an ESA, and (4) an assessment of the interaction between the animal and the individual to determine whether the animal's presence has a demonstrably beneficial effect on that individual. This model aligns with professional ethics, standards of professional practice, and the law and seeks to provide clear guidelines for mental health professionals conducting ESA evaluations.

中文翻译：

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情感支持动物评估：面向心理健康专业人员的标准和综合模型。

我们社会中情感支持动物 (ESA) 的出现最近引起了大众媒体和专业文献的大量关注。公共媒体上充斥着关于声称为 ESA 的动物数量不断增加的故事、这种增长对社会的影响、声称对 ESA 进行认证的行业以及被描述为“已认证”的各种类型的动物。作者提出了一种用于 ESA 认证的评估模型，包括用于进行此类评估的四管齐下的方法：(1) 理解、认可和应用规范 ESA 的法律，(2) 对申请 ESA 认证的个人进行彻底有效的评估, (3) 对相关动物的评估，以确保其实际执行 ESA 的有效功能，(4) 对动物与个体之间相互作用的评估，以确定动物的存在是否对该个体具有明显的有益影响。该模型符合职业道德、专业实践标准和法律，旨在为进行 ESA 评估的精神卫生专业人员提供明确的指导方针。