CA AB2142

Establishes a 3-year pilot program at 2 or more California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions to provide mental health therapy to incarcerated persons not currently classified as having a serious mental health disorder.

Offers therapy through virtual sessions (including telepsychiatry) or contracted licensed mental health providers, with minimum frequency of twice monthly for at least 50 minutes per session.

Protects confidentiality of communications between incarcerated persons and therapists under HIPAA privacy standards, with California Correctional Health Care Services acting as records custodian.

Requires enrollment to exclude persons already classified as having serious mental health conditions (Correctional Clinical Case Management System, Enhanced Outpatient Program, or Acute levels of care), and prohibits classification as having a mental health disorder unless the provider recommends it and the person consents in writing.

Mandates the department report to legislative fiscal and policy committees on March 1, 2025, 2026, and 2027, including enrollment numbers, program capacity, positive treatment outcomes, and successful linkages to community-based programs upon release.