Problem: I need a response to this reply: Hello Ashley, Thank you for your thought-provoking questions. In some areas, medical staff collaborates with external programs that offer pet therapy. I believe this aspect is crucial because clinicians already have enough on their plates. Learning to incorporate other professionals into treatment and recovery efforts has been an ongoing process. The key question is how can they increase the availability of these specific services. Although I do not have the data to support this, significant funding would need to be allocated for everyone in America to benefit. I was fortunate enough to have experienced pet therapy. I witnessed how the patients' eyes lit up when the two therapy dogs were brought in for them to pet. In a similar story, researchers from the College of Health and Human Services studied low-income participants paired with shelter dogs or cats through the Hope and Recovery Pet Program. These individuals were at risk of social isolation and referred by mental health providers. Over a 12-month period, participants showed a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Biomarker analysis indicated increased levels of oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) after interactions with their emotional support animals. While findings are not broadly generalizable, they provide insights into how emotional support animals may help reduce symptoms related to chronic mental illness. Need Assignment Help?