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The Psychiatric Service Dog Society (PSDS) welcomes you. Perhaps you are visiting us because of an unmet mental health need that may or may not be related to your service. If this is the case, and you truly love dogs, then you’ve come to the right place. Our online community numbers over three hundred members nearly all of whom live with chronic severe mental illness. We are a community and an organization that does not stigmatize, pass judgment, or devalue those who are living with and suffering from mental illness. Our unique neuro-chemistries are the product of nature and the experiences we have had. We deal with these limitations as best we can--responsibly, proactively, and with compassion for others who are suffering similarly.

We won’t replicate here what is written elsewhere on the website. Though we would like to say a few words about why this page was created. As many of you know, the Washington Post published a series of articles in 2007 that exposed many of the deficiencies of the military’s mental healthcare system. We were deeply moved by the stories of soldiers’ inabilities to access mental health services, and we wanted to do something about it. Creating this webpage and starting the PSDS veterans’ listserv are the first manifestations of what will become a long-term effort on the part of the Psychiatric Service Dog Society to assist veterans seeking Psychiatric Service Dog Partnership.

For many people ‘mental illness’ is still an unsettling term. Your mental illness may be something that you’ve hidden from others. We’ve been there. Yet, in order to envision a life where you can be functional again you must vanquish shame and silence. Our online community is a safe place to do this. We network with one another, exchange training tips, share resources, and support one another through tough times. We don’t discuss religion or politics, but we sometimes discuss night terrors, fears, anxieties, panic attacks, repetitive behaviors, rages, hallucinations, manic episodes,…you get the picture.

	The glue that keeps our community together is ‘Dog Medicine’. Each of us has had to learn how to care for our dog properly, train our dog to a high standard, and operate within the laws that govern one’s use of a Service Animal. If you decide to train a PSD for yourself, you will inevitably enter a new stage in your healing journey. We fully expect that you are already covering your bases with regard to talk therapy, medication, and reading up on your illness. By adding a well-trained dog to your treatment plan something profound and wonderful will begin to percolate. Your ability to cope improves, because you are no longer alone in this painful journey. You have a soul mate in your dog who is ever-loyal and compassionate. Additionally you have a community that not only accepts you but also understands what you are going through. Together, we are forging a new path guided by Dog. Joan Esnayra, Ph.D., President & Founder Psychiatric Service Dog Society                 Click Here

© 2008 Psychiatric Service Dog Society
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Consult your own physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with
respect to your symptoms or medical condition.