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 - For example, CDCR psychologists, according to the state Auditor, earn between $56 and $85 per hour —well above the average hourly rate paid in other states. According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the highest paying state for psychologists with the average hourly wage at $64 per hour, whereas psychologists nationwide earned a median of $53 per hour (21  percent less).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134