Anxiety, Animals, and the ADA: Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace

In many cases, chronic stress and anxiety disorders are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It can be difficult for employers to evaluate reasonable accommodations for these common mental health conditions. In particular, do private employers have to allow emotional support animals as a reasonable accommodation? What if the mental health condition is worsened by the work environment? What are common reasonable accommodations for mental health conditions, and how should employers handle these requests? As mental health issues continue to arise in the workplace, it is imperative to understand your obligations as an employer under the ADA and your company’s processes for addressing these requests.