Training ESA to become Service Dog

Hello all

My name is Mia Ybanez, I’m a Junior at Villanova University and I major in Peace and Justice with a minor in political science. I’m seeking help with paying for my emotional support animal, Benito, to be trained to become a licensed psychiatric service dog (a cost of $5,000) as recommended by my doctor. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and post-traumautic stress disorder due to a series of sexual assaults. I never imagined that I would be in the position that I am now while pursuing my undergraduate degree. My journey managing bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress have been challenging having to face vivid hallucinations and ptsd dreams of being sexually assaulted. My bipolar disorder is rapid cycling, meaning that I go through multiple episodes per year as opposed to two which is typical of someone with bipolar disorder. Having rapid cycling bipolar disorder makes it extremely hard to find the right course of medication. Benito has been a massive help since I got him this summer but he does not meet all the needs I have such as the skills and training to calm me during panic attacks and or to identify manic/depressive behaviors when they start.

A psychiatric service animal is an animal trained to perform the functions unique to their position. For people who suffer from bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress, dogs can aid in grounding. A psychiatric service dog can ground their handler through interaction, tactile stimulation, pressure therapy, or through other therapeutic means that assists their handler during mania or panic attacks.    

 

Although my psychiatrist has recommended that I have Benito trained be a psychiatric service dog for grounding, I do not have the funds to afford such a costly training program. Being a low-income and minority college student I’ve had a lot of difficulty accessing the resources and support needed 

to address my mental health needs exacerbated by my conditions. I’m asking that you please consider donating to this GoFundMe so that I can afford to have Benito trained as a service dog.

Anything and everything helps even just sharing this go fund me.