LA County Jail Adds Mental Health Assessment Area

New facility aims to improve care and efficiency for inmates with mental health needs.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has opened a new Mental Health Assessment Area at the Inmate Reception Center, part of an effort to strengthen care and improve efficiency for incoming jail detainees with mental health issues. The project was launched amid overcrowding at the facility, and the new area increases capacity from 5 to 9 assessment windows to allow clinicians to conduct evaluations more efficiently.

Why it matters

The new Mental Health Assessment Area reflects the department's commitment to providing better care and services for inmates with mental health disorders, which have been on the rise in the county jail system. By improving the assessment environment and increasing capacity, the department aims to respond more effectively to the complex mental health needs of the jail population.

The details

The Inmate Reception Center serves as the primary intake and release facility for all males entering the LA County jail system, processing over 50,000 bookings in 2025. Previously, the assessment space was not equipped to meet the growing mental health needs of the jail population, with around 49% of inmates having a diagnosed mental health condition in 2022. The new expanded area increases capacity from 5 to 9 assessment windows, allowing clinicians to conduct evaluations more efficiently and reduce waiting times.

  • The project to open the new Mental Health Assessment Area was launched in 2022 amid overcrowding at the Inmate Reception Center.
  • In June 2022, the LA County Board of Supervisors directed the Jail Closure Implementation Team and the Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative to explore using AB109 funding to alleviate overcrowding.
  • The remodeling project was approved in April 2023.

The players

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for operating the Inmate Reception Center and jail system in Los Angeles County.

Sheriff Robert Luna

The current Sheriff of Los Angeles County who stated the new Mental Health Assessment Area reflects the department's 'unwavering commitment to providing safe, and professional care' for inmates.

Correctional Health Services

The organization that conducts comprehensive medical and mental health evaluations for all individuals entering the LA County jail system.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

The governing body that directed the Jail Closure Implementation Team and Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative to explore using AB109 funding to address overcrowding at the Inmate Reception Center.

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What they’re saying

“This new Mental Health Assessment Area reflects our unwavering commitment to providing safe, and professional care.”

— Sheriff Robert Luna (dailybreeze.com)

“By expanding our capacity and improving the assessment environment, we are better equipped to respond to the complex mental health needs of our population while strengthening efficiency and accountability.”

— Sheriff Robert Luna (dailybreeze.com)

What’s next

The department plans to continue monitoring the impact of the new Mental Health Assessment Area and explore additional ways to improve care and services for inmates with mental health needs.

The takeaway

The addition of the new Mental Health Assessment Area at the LA County Inmate Reception Center represents a significant step forward in the department's efforts to provide better care and support for inmates struggling with mental health issues, which have become increasingly prevalent in the jail system.