Looking for information regarding service dog for psychiatric disorder?

I have been living with social anxiety for over 20 years now. Yes, I used to be one of those "crazy" people who wouldn't even leave their house. I have been slowly working myself back into society but, it is really hard for me to do.
I still feel on the verge of a meltdown if enclosed in a small place (such as a waiting room at the dr.'s office, a grocery aisle, a bus, etc.) with many people. I feel like I can't breathe, I feel like they are closing in on me, I seriously feel like I could die.
Strangely enough, if I have someone there like my loving husband to hold my hand then I can work through it. I just need that additional comfort to know that I am not alone and that I am okay. My husband can't be with me everywhere I go though.
I recently read that there are service dogs for people with psychiatric disorders. Do I sound like a good candidate for one? Does anyone know where I can find more information regarding this? Thank you!

Peg I also suffer from 2 other psychiatric disorders but, did not disclose them as I felt it was getting too personal. Also there is a difference between someone having a few anxiety attacks to being unable to leave their home. I feel that it would fall under a psychiatric disorder.

I am presently retired on disability (Multiple Sclerosis) but prior to becoming disabled I worked as a Mental Health Counselor. I really think that a psychiatric service dog would be ideal for you. These dogs are wonderful. I am read a great deal about them and am amazed at how well many people respond when having one of these dogs with them. If you Google Psychiatric Service Dogs you will come up with a great deal of information. Your psychiatrist or whoever prescribes your psychiatric meds can document your need for one. Good Luck.

you are happy because you got the answer you WANTED not necessarily the one you NEEDED... typical though :) Report It

Usually your doctor can write something up for you stating that your dog is a "comfort animal" and needs to accompany you places. I have heard of it (my bf is a doctor) but I have never known someone who needed it. It sounds like it might help your symptoms - I wish I could take my dog everywhere too! Good luck!

I would think this is something you need to discuss with your psychiatrists first. Then locating a properly trained dog and obtaining it would be second. You can't just get any dog and make it a service dog -- it has to be trained as they have access to all public areas and as such need to be well behaved and trained to handle a lot of different situations. Once the psychiatrists has agreed (or disagreed) that it is the right thing to do, then you can contact any of the service dog supplies and see if they can help you locate what you need. You will need to be screened for suitability as well as trained to properly work with the dog and be responsible for its care and wellbeing. Good luck...

I also have a son that needs a "therapy animal" and when I looked into it. I found that there is a org. that is lic called Delta society . A therapy animal has to be certified and is trained. Therefore allowed to go anywhere. They can be dogs or cats.
I have just the opposite problem. I feel uncomfortable in wide open spaces (such as shopping alone) I can navigate, but always feel exposed. But the same it true as you stated. If my husband or someone goes with me, I am fine. Not sure if this is insecurity or what.... I wish you luck.

You are not having a psychiatic disorder, as much as you wish this to be explained so easy. You are having a anxiety disorder, otherwise known as panic attacks. My husband suffered through this for a few years before I told him, go see a shrink or else lol. A pet is the last thing you need, they pick up on emotions, you will have a dog having a anxiety attack with you. That is not going to help -). 20 years, I think you really should go speak with someone about this, it is not a abnormally....it affects half the population now. You don't need a pet, youre stress will, trust me, will affect them. Please make a appointment with a pshychiatris, no embarrassement now a days, talk stuff out. Also, I would recommend you read a book called ADAM. It teaches you how to deal with the feelings. It really worked for my hubby and he, to this day, when feeling "stressed" takes out that book and it works wonders. And I'm talking about a man that freaked out going grocery shopping. Don't bring a pet into it, they are way to tuned into your feelings.