Psychiatric

What are Psychaitric Service Dogs?

Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are dogs specifically trained to work and perform tasks for a person with mental health difficulties.

What tasks can PSD be trained to perform?

♦ Remind handler to take medication on time
♦ Turn on lights & search a room for intruders
♦ Warm handler’s body during a panic attack
♦ Interrupt repetitive behaviors
♦ Attend to handler during emotional distress
♦ Accompany handler outside of the home
♦ Alert to mania, panic attacks or dissociation
♦ Interrupt dissociative episodes or flashbacks
♦ Hallucination discernment
♦ Mitigate hyper-vigilance and fear
♦ Provide a safe grounding presence
♦ Mitigate paranoia w/reality testing