Understanding Emotional Support Animals and Mental Health

I’ve been looking into emotional support animals (ESAs) and how they fit into mental health care, especially for anxiety and stress.

From my experience, having a dog has added a sense of routine and calm to my day. It’s not a replacement for professional care, but it does seem to help in small, consistent ways.

I’m curious how others see ESAs as part of their overall support system. Do they complement things like therapy or counseling, and have you found them helpful long term?

Would appreciate hearing different perspectives.