CA SB513

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to conduct mental health treatment for state prison inmates with the goal of providing regular and consistent mental health therapy to those who seek it.

Mandates that inmates receive an introductory mental health therapy appointment within 2 weeks of requesting care.

Makes mental health therapy accessible to all inmates regardless of security level, sentence length, or mental health classification without requiring public classification as having a serious mental disorder.

Directs the department to increase virtual and in-person therapy opportunities, including contracting with outside mental health providers and utilizing telehealth technologies.

Defines mental health therapy as 50-minute psychotherapy sessions offered at minimum twice per month provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, or licensed therapists.