Back to Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder

Resources for Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder Independent Evaluators

Pursuant to Penal Code (PC) section 2962(d)(2), when there is a difference of opinion between psychologists from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) as to whether an inmate meets the Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder (OMHD) criteria, the Board of Parole Hearings is required to assign two independent evaluators to resolve the difference of opinion.

Evaluations for OMHDs are conducted at CDCR institutions, county jail facilities or state hospitals throughout the state.

The Board has grouped the 34 existing adult institutions located throughout the state, including Atascadero and Patton State Hospital into 14 panels based on their geographic proximity to each other. Psychologists can view evaluator participation by panel in the Evaluator Panels page.

If you are interested in becoming an independent evaluator for the Board, you must submit an application to DSH for approval. DSH accepts applications from May 1st to June 30th of each year. Licensed, qualified psychologists and psychiatrists are encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the application process please contact DSH at BPHIndependentPanel@dsh.ca.gov or by phone at (916)651-8543.

If you have any questions about the Board’s appointment panels and fee structure, please contact the Board at MDO.IndependentEvals@cdcr.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 445-4072.

Orientation Sessions for Independent Evaluators

Independent evaluators are required to attend a mandatory orientation which is held annually in September in Northern and Southern California.

2020 Independent Evaluator Orientation details will follow.

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