Psychiatric Service Dogs
Written for Verywell Health
Psychiatric service dogs are a subset of service animals trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities due to a mental health illness. These conditions can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and panic disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others.
Psychiatric service dogs are different from emotional support dogs, as they provide a specific task rather than overall comfort. Tasks range from providing tactile stimulation for anxiety or bringing a person back to a level of awareness.
Read this article to learn more about psychiatric service dogs, laws covering them, training requirements, and more.