Bring: a short list of current concerns and goals, any recent mental health or medical evaluations, a current medication list, allergy and mobility notes, emergency contact and guardian paperwork for minors, and questions you want to discuss. Those items let us make your first equine therapy conversation focused, safe, and useful.
What equine assisted therapy is
Equine assisted therapy is a form of experiential mental health care that uses interactions with horses to support emotional processing, skill building and relationship work. The approach can include mounted or groundwork activities and is designed to support therapeutic goals set by a licensed clinician, often alongside other talk based therapies. For a general definition and background, see the Wikipedia overview on equine assisted therapy, which describes common formats and objectives Equine assisted therapy, Wikipedia.
Why gathering information matters for your first conversation in Evona
We work with people across northern Utah, including clients coming from Evona, Utah and nearby communities. Bringing accurate, concise information to the first conversation helps us evaluate whether equine therapy fits your needs, assess safety for you and the horses, and plan reasonable first steps. Good preparation shortens the time from intake to meaningful therapeutic work, whether the focus is trauma, anxiety, family relationships or veteran care.
Key details to bring before your first equine therapy conversation
- Concise goals and concerns. One page describing what you hope to change or explore helps us set a shared agenda.
- Recent mental health records. Summaries from a psychiatrist, psychologist or school counselor give context and avoid repeating assessments.
- Medication and allergy list. This includes psychiatric and non psychiatric medications, and any animal or hay allergies.
- Physical mobility notes. Describe balance, recent injuries or limitations so we can plan safe activities with the horse.
- Legal guardianship or consent forms for minors. Bring documentation that clarifies who can consent to care.
- Emergency contact information. One or two people to call in case logistics require outreach between sessions.
- History of horse experience. Tell us about rides, falls, fear or familiarity so we can match expectations and pacing.
- Questions for your clinician. A short list of practical questions about safety, goals, time frame and how equine therapy fits with other treatments.
Checklist for the intake conversation
Bring these items
- Brief written goals and current concerns.
- Summaries of recent evaluations or therapy notes, if available.
- Medication list and allergy notes.
- Guardian consent or custody paperwork for children and teens.
- Photo ID if requested by the program operator, and any required release forms.
- Comfortable closed toed shoes if you plan a site visit with horses later.
- List of questions about safety, insurance, and how equine therapy will be integrated with other care.
How we use the information you bring
At Psychological Preventative Health, PLLC we combine what you share with clinical assessment to shape a plan that is trauma informed and person centered. Intake details help us choose the right activities, set boundaries for safety, and decide whether equine assisted work is best alone or paired with individual therapy, family therapy or veteran focused care.
Pro tip: If you do not have formal evaluations, a short timeline of symptoms and previous treatment works well. We can request records with your permission.
What we and the equine program look for during intake
| What you bring | What we observe or confirm |
|---|---|
| Medication and allergy list | Medication interactions, allergy risk, and safe handling protocols |
| Mobility and medical notes | Ability to safely participate in groundwork or mounted activities |
| History with horses | Comfort level and need for graded exposure or handling instruction |
Common questions people ask before the first conversation
Will the horse be part of the first meeting? Often the first conversation is administrative and clinical, and may be done by phone or in our office. If a site visit is safe and helpful, we will schedule a separate session at the equine facility.
Is equine therapy evidence based? Research shows promise for using horses to support outcomes such as emotion regulation, social skills and post traumatic symptom reduction when integrated with clinical therapy. Professional standards are available from industry groups such as PATH International, which describes best practices for safety and standards of care PATH International.
Do programs need special licensing in Utah? Mental health services follow state rules for clinician licensing. For regional resources and statewide mental health guidance see the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Utah DSAMH.
Related services that often accompany equine therapy
Equine work is most effective when it is part of a broader plan. We commonly pair equine therapy with Individual Therapy for focused skill building, Family Therapy when relationships are central, and specialized approaches for veterans through our Veteran Therapy service.
Related locations and logistics
If you are coming from Evona, Utah expect rural travel time and variable cell service. We also serve clients across northern Utah, including nearby appointments and follow up offers in Ogden, Utah. Tell us about travel constraints during the first conversation so we can plan a safe, accessible experience.
Helpful resources and standards
Standards for equine assisted programs are maintained by industry organizations such as PATH International, which outlines instructor credentials and safety practices PATH International standards. For background on the clinical use of equine assisted approaches see the Wikipedia page on equine assisted therapy Equine assisted therapy, Wikipedia. For Utah specific mental health policy and resources, consult the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Utah DSAMH.
How Psychological Preventative Health, PLLC approaches the first equine therapy conversation
We approach every intake with a prevention minded, family centered lens. Our clinicians are trauma informed and evidence aware. During the first conversation we clarify goals, review safety needs, gather the items above, and explain how equine therapy integrates with other treatments. If equine work is appropriate, we coordinate with a certified equine program and outline next steps safely and realistically.
Key takeaway
Bring concise goals, medication and allergy details, recent evaluations, guardian paperwork for minors, and questions about safety and logistics. That preparation lets us assess safety and quickly design a therapy plan that may include equine assisted work alongside other clinical services.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not have recent evaluation records?
No problem. Bring what you have, and provide a brief timeline of symptoms and treatments. With your permission we can request records from prior providers.
Will equine therapy be appropriate for my child or teen?
We consider developmental stage, attention, behavior, and safety. Equine work can help many children and teens, but it is selected when it supports clinical goals and when safety and consent are clear.
Are horses used for all sessions?
Not always. Some work begins with talk based sessions and then integrates groundwork with horses when appropriate. The plan depends on safety, goals, and the clinician assessment.
What if I am allergic to animals?
Tell us about any allergies up front. Some programs can adapt, use outdoor settings, or choose alternatives that do not increase health risk.
Learn more and check our local presence
Read reviews and get directions on our Google Business Profile to decide if equine therapy in Evona is right for you. You can also learn more about equine therapy and related services on our site, including our Equine Therapy page and topics such as Trauma Informed Care. If you are local to northern Utah, see our presence in Ogden, Utah for practical details about travel and access.
Psychological Preventative Health, PLLC offers equine therapy as part of a person centered, evidence informed plan for people facing anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges and other concerns.