Thread by @cwodtke

I have been trying to google this, but don't have the right language. How does one find a therapist who specializes in working with a service animal to address one's mental challenges?

I got my service animal over a year ago at a suggestion of my psychiatrist (who specializes in meds, and really nothing else. But he is very good at meds and respects I want as little of them as possible.)
I have worked with a service dog trainer for a year. It's made me realize

It's not enough to have a trainer. The trainer I worked with mostly focused on canine good citizenship and a handful of tasks. What I realize now I really need is someone who understands my challenges and can recommend a doggy response.

The training part is easy (just work.) But picking what triggers & responses to train to is harder.
After my service dog trainer retired, I started to work with a regular dog trainer to focus on the good behavior thing. She was a personal trainer before she switched to dogs...

And she spotted me starting to have a panic attack during our training and came up with a response for Nina. It was revelatory.
I need someone who can make those connections.
(and yes, I have found one in my fabulous trainer. But I could use more.)