The 2026-27 Budget: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Feb 23, 2026 - CDCR provides tele ‑mental health services via live video by using specialized equipment. During a tele ‑mental health visit in prison, an incarcerated patient is escorted to a medical room within the prison where they communicate via audio and video with the mental health provider over a secure network.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137

Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - If people in other states were allowed to provide tele ‑mental health services in California prisons, the state might be able to attract qualified candidates living in lower ‑cost ‑of ‑living areas with higher pay, while still allowing them to maintain their residency in other states.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134