A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is a type of service animal specifically trained to perform disability-related tasks for individuals with mental health disabilities, such as PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric conditions.
PSDs are classified as service animals (not emotional support animals).
They must be dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks that mitigate the handler's disability.
Examples of qualifying tasks include:
Applying deep pressure therapy during panic attacks or flashbacks.
Interrupting dissociative episodes or self-harm behaviors.
Retrieving medication or alerting to take it.
Providing tactile stimulation to ground the handler during dissociation.
Turning on lights or clearing rooms for someone with paranoia or PTSD.
Alerting to rising anxiety levels or nightmares.
General companionship, calming by presence alone, or untrained behaviors do not qualify—the tasks must be specifically trained and directly related to the disability.
Key rights and features:
Full public access under the ADA: Allowed in stores, restaurants, hotels, workplaces, planes, and most public spaces.
No certification, vest, or ID required (though many handlers use them for convenience).
Businesses may only ask: (1) Is this a service animal required for a disability? (2) What task does it perform?