MHP Letter Rebuttals for Customers who want to use their own MHP

• Customer objection, I would rather go with my own MHP.
• Can I use my own MHP?

Rebuttals:

• Our company does encourage you to use a mental health provider within our network because we can guarantee the legal support you receive. This service is with a provider licensed within your state, along with the qualifications to write a letter that will meet the expectations according to the Fair Housing Act.

• We do suggest that our customers use our mental health provider network to ensure you receive beginning to end service. In some instances, landlords may request additional verification or additional documentation. With our providers, we can 100% help you with this and typically get it completed within a quick time frame.  

• My only concern would be how quickly you get this resolved. For many customers we have spoken with recently, there has been quite a delay in meeting with their provider to even see if this is an option. To help you get this expedited, because I know your time is valuable, let’s go with our network to ensure a smooth and quick resolution.  

• Keep in mind that this letter is very technical and isn’t as easy as saying your name with the animal’s name. To make sure you don’t run into potential issues with your property manager/landlord, I suggest going with our mental health provider, so things run smoothly for you.

Outline of Rebuttal Talking Points

1. Importance of MHP Experience with ESA: We have found that many MHP’s won’t recommend emotional support animal (ESA) therapy for various reasons.

Your MHP may:

• Lack professional experience with ESA therapy or believe it’s outside the scope of their practice.

• If your MHP hasn’t already suggested ESA therapy for you, this may be a sign of inexperience.

• Be unfamiliar with the published research supporting emotional animal therapy.
• Hesitate to write a letter that a housing provider may challenge.
• Move slowly – you may encounter scheduling delays and your MHP may drag out the process because of mistakes/unfamiliarity with ESA therapy.

Our MHP’s:

All of the providers in our network will be properly licensed in your state and have experience with ESA therapy, including:

• Diagnosing and assessing whether ESA therapy can benefit you.
• Appreciating the established therapeutic benefits of ESA’s.
• Writing the specific documentation needed to establish your housing rights.

• These letters must include certain items to limit your chance of rejection.

• Completing follow up forms your landlord may require. (Your MHP may not expect pushback.)

2. Our Company Value-Add:

• Familiar with all the various laws and potential pitfalls you may encounter.

• Up to date on the latest state law changes (some which happened this year!)
• We follow the latest trends in ESA housing accommodations to make sure our clients remain compliant.
• We can help you complete additional verification or fill out additional landlord forms:

• Help avoid “gotcha” questions landlords love to use.
• Can provide them quickly.

• We have experience with particularly difficult housing providers.

• We know what arguments they like to use and how best to respond.
• Our legal team has years of experience dealing with difficult cases and is a valuable resource your MHP doesn’t have.

• We manage our clients on an ongoing basis, including annual renewal reminders (ESA letters must be renewed annually to remain valid.)