Does PTSD qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Yes. PTSD — combat, MST, civilian assault, MVA, medical trauma, complex/developmental trauma — qualifies under the ADA when a trained task meaningfully mitigates symptoms.

PSD Letter for PTSD in Colorado

A trained service dog cannot undo what was done. It can, however, take the second watch — so the part of your nervous system that has been on guard for years is finally allowed to stand down for a few hours at a time.

Start PSD Screening

PTSD Symptom Clusters Met by Trained Tasks

Each DSM-5-TR criterion can be partially mitigated by a specific service-dog task.

Intrusion

Nightmare interruption, flashback grounding

Avoidance

Confidence accompanying into avoided spaces

Cognition/Mood

Behavioral activation, social re-entry

Hyperarousal

Back cover, perimeter watch, deep pressure

PTSD-Specific Trained Tasks

Nightmare Interruption

Dog wakes handler when REM-sleep distress (vocalizing, thrashing) is detected — short-circuiting the trauma replay loop.

Room Search / Clearance

Dog enters and clears space ahead of handler in unfamiliar buildings.

Back Cover / Block

Dog stations behind handler in checkout lines, elevators, public transit — reducing the unattended-rear panic trigger.

Lights-On Cue

Trained nose press to designated switch on waking from nightmares.

Dissociation Alert

Persistent paw or nudge interrupts trauma freeze states.

Public Crowd Buffer

'Cover' command creates 18+ inch personal space radius.

Trauma-Aware Telehealth Evaluation

We do not require detailed retelling of the index trauma. Our intake confirms diagnostic criteria and functional impairment without re-exposure.

You can pause, return later, or request to switch clinicians at any point — and your dog can be present for the entire evaluation.

Colorado Trauma Resources Alongside Your PSD

Colorado Crisis Services — 1-844-493-8255 (24/7)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Press 1 for Veterans
Rocky Mountain MIRECC (PTSD research & treatment)
Denver Vet Center (combat & MST counseling)
Colorado Springs Vet Center
Aurora Vet Center

PSD for PTSD FAQ — Colorado

Does PTSD qualify for a PSD?

Yes. Combat, MST, civilian, medical, and complex trauma all qualify when severity meets ADA standards.

What does a PTSD service dog do?

Nightmare interruption, room search, back cover, dissociation alert, lights-on cue, deep pressure grounding.

Can VA fund a PTSD service dog?

VA's PAWS Act is limited. Most veterans owner-train or use non-profit programs.

Will my service connection be affected?

No. The PSD letter is a separate ADA recommendation independent of VA processes.

Can I do the evaluation if I'm not a veteran?

Yes. Civilian PTSD qualifies identically under the ADA.

Stand Down — One Watch at a Time

Your Colorado-licensed clinician will meet you with the respect this work requires.

Start Screening