Mental Health Diversion Treatment Services
en español
Providing services throughout California via secure telehealth.
California Mental Health Diversion (also called Pretrial diversion) under Penal Code §1001.36 allows eligible individuals to participate in mental health treatment while criminal proceedings are paused. Participation is voluntary at entry but becomes court-monitored once granted. Successful completion may result in dismissal of charges, as determined by the court.
FCCS provides clinical treatment services that align with diversion requirements. We do not determine eligibility or legal outcomes.
This Program is Appropriate for:
• individuals granted mental health diversion
• individuals seeking treatment to support a diversion request
• misdemeanor and eligible felony cases appropriate for outpatient care
This Program is Not Appropriate for:
• clients requiring inpatient stabilization
• clients requiring substance use and abuse counseling*
• clients requiring forensic risk assessment
• clients who present a risk to public safety
• court-ordered psychological evaluations typically reserved for licensed psychologist (PsyD/PhD)
*We can collaborate with substance use and abuse counselors, but the primary focus of therapy cannot be substance related.
We provide:
• Comprehensive clinical assessment
• DSM-5 diagnosis when applicable
• Individualized treatment planning
• Ongoing outpatient therapy
• Risk monitoring and stabilization support
• Coordination with medication providers when indicated
• Structured compliance reporting when authorized
• Fully online sessions via telehealth
We do not provide forensic evaluations or make guarantees about future success.
Fully Online Throughout California
Services are provided via secure telehealth. Clients must have access to a private location and stable internet connection.
Limits on Treatment
FCCS provides clinical treatment services. We do not provide:
• forensic evaluations
• custody evaluations
• medication management
• guarantees regarding legal outcomes, diversion approval, or case dismissal
Fees & Payment
We accept insurance and have a reduced fee for those who do not have insurance.
The Provider of Record
The Provider of Record will hold an active California license (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, psychologist, or psychiatrist) and will provide:
• Clinical oversight of treatment
• Risk assessment and monitoring
• Supervision of any assigned trainee or associate
• Review and approval of all court-related communications
Pre-Licensed Providers
FCCS is a clinical training organization. Diversion clients may receive therapy services from supervised trainees or associates.
FCCS may accept diversion clients when:
• The client’s needs fall within our scope of practice
• Risk level is manageable within the telehealth / outpatient setting
• A licensed Provider of Record is available
• The client agrees to treatment participation and authorized reporting
FCCS reserves the right to decline or refer cases that require a higher level of care or specialized forensic services beyond the scope of our outpatient model.
Court Communication
When properly authorized by signed release, FCCS provides structured documentation that may include:
• Confirmation of intake
• Treatment progress / attendance summaries
• Completion or termination letters
Documentation reflects attendance, participation, and treatment status. It does not include character opinions, legal recommendations, or predictions about outcomes.
FCCS maintains client confidentiality consistent with California law and professional ethics. Session content is not disclosed except as legally required or authorized.
Risk Management
If significant non-compliance or risk emerges, the Provider of Record will determine appropriate clinical steps, which may include notification to the referring party when required.
Participation Expectations
Clients participating in diversion treatment are expected to:
• attend scheduled sessions consistently
• actively engage in treatment goals
• communicate in advance regarding attendance concerns
• sign required Releases of Information
• comply with treatment expectations outlined at intake
Participation requires consistency, not perfection. Failure to attend or engage may impact diversion compliance.
Completion
Upon successful treatment participation, FCCS may provide a completion letter and/or certificate.
Participation in treatment does not guarantee diversion approval, continued eligibility, dismissal of charges, or any specific legal outcome.
To Get Started:
Review provider bios here and reach out directly to the provider who seems like a good fit.
en español
Download a pdf of this page below:
Off site resources:
California Courts (self-help info)
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
California Penal Code §1001.36
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Court Ordered Treatment and Its Impact on the Therapeutic Process
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6474319/
Guidelines for Court- Involved Therapy (pdf)
www.afccnet.org/Portals/0/Committees/Therapy-2011-Family_Court_Review.pdf?ver=2017-01-18-222910-007
Benefits of Court Ordered Therapy
https://www.carepatron.com/guides/court-ordered-therapy
Understanding Court Ordered Counseling
https://lawsandmore.com/court-ordered-counseling/
Understanding Court Mandated Therapy
https://www.grouporttherapy.com/blog/court-mandated-therapy
Mandatory Therapy- Ethical Implications
https://neurolaunch.com/mandatory-therapy/
Related Topics:
court-ordered therapy
mental health court
pretrial diversion
diversion court
diversion program
California diversion code 1001.36