Bill > AB2259

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) at two correctional institutions, one for each gender, to offer mental health therapy to incarcerated individuals who are not currently classified as needing intensive mental health treatment. This program will provide access to virtual therapy, including telehealth and telepsychiatry, or in-person counseling from contracted licensed professionals, with sessions offered at least twice a month. The therapy will focus on short-term, evidence-based models for pre-release planning, coping skills, and reentry preparation. Participation is limited to individuals within 90 days of their release or parole eligibility date, and the program aims to connect them with community-based providers and Medi-Cal benefits to ensure continuity of care. Communications during therapy will be confidential under HIPAA, and the California Correctional Health Care Services will manage treatment records. The CDCR will report on the program's progress and outcomes to legislative committees annually from March 2028 to March 2031, and the pilot program will become inoperative in July 2031.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2259