How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at California Health Care Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at California Health Care Facility is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of California Health Care Facility.

Frequently asked questions about California Health Care Facility

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by California Health Care Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to California Health Care Facility?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at California Health Care Facility?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at California Health Care Facility. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at California Health Care Facility. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of California Health Care Facility?

   Mailing address:

   California Health Care Facility
   7707 Austin Rd
   Stockton, CA 95215
   Phone: (209) 467-2500

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at California Health Care Facility?

   Visiting hours at California Health Care Facility vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (209) 467-2500 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to California Health Care Facility?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with California Health Care Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at California Health Care Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at California Health Care Facility through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at California Health Care Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At California Health Care Facility, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at California Health Care Facility?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact California Health Care Facility for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at California Health Care Facility, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Medical care and mental health treatment form the cornerstone of services at California Health Care Facility - Stockton (CHCF), which specializes in providing comprehensive care to incarcerated individuals with the most severe and long-term health needs. The facility operates both outpatient and inpatient mental health services specifically designed for patients with serious mental disorders. The licensed Psychiatric Inpatient Program delivers intensive treatment for patients who cannot function adequately in less restrictive settings, complementing the intermediate level care certification that distinguishes this 1.4 million square foot facility from other CDCR institutions.

Beyond the specialized medical and psychiatric services, CHCF may offer educational programs that typically include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities suited to the facility's healthcare-focused environment. Incarcerated individuals may have access to counseling services, substance abuse treatment programs, and life skills development courses designed to support their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration. The facility likely provides library services, recreational activities, and religious programs that accommodate the diverse needs of its population while maintaining the therapeutic environment essential for those receiving intensive medical and mental health care.

Support services for families and friends include established visitation procedures and communication options, with the facility maintaining specific mailing addresses and contact protocols. The location in Stockton provides families with access to community resources and amenities, including cultural attractions and recreational facilities that may enhance the support network available to incarcerated individuals during their treatment and recovery process.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the California Health Care Facility in Stockton, incarcerated individuals receiving specialized medical and mental health treatment follow structured routines designed around their therapeutic needs. The 1.4 million square foot facility operates as a certified intermediate care institution, where patients with serious mental disorders may participate in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric programs depending on their treatment requirements.

Family connections remain an important part of the recovery process, with visitors able to maintain contact through the facility's established visitation program. Those wishing to visit should follow CDCR's standard procedures for scheduling and approval, while correspondence can be sent to incarcerated individuals at P.O. Box 213040, Stockton, CA 95213, including the person's name and CDCR number. The facility typically allows approved packages and maintains communication policies that support therapeutic relationships while ensuring security protocols are followed.

The specialized nature of CHCF means that daily schedules often revolve around medical appointments, psychiatric evaluations, and treatment sessions rather than traditional work assignments. Patients may participate in therapeutic programming designed for their specific mental health needs, with the licensed Psychiatric Inpatient Program providing intensive treatment for those who require higher levels of care. Located in Stockton along the San Joaquin River, the facility serves as a crucial component of California's correctional healthcare system, focusing on providing comprehensive treatment for incarcerated individuals with the most severe and long-term medical and mental health conditions.