Section 600.8 - Court-ordered counseling for certain offenses involving animal cruelty(a) For a defendant who is granted probation for an offense specified in subdivision (d), the court shall order the defendant to successfully complete counseling, as determined by the court, designed to evaluate and treat behavior or conduct disorders, unless the defendant is ordered to complete treatment as specified in subdivision (b).(b) The court shall consider whether to order the convicted person to undergo a mental health evaluation by an evaluator chosen by the court. Upon evaluation, if the evaluating mental health professional deems a higher level of treatment than described in subdivision (a) is necessary, the defendant shall complete such treatment as directed by the court.(c) Counseling or mental health evaluations and any subsequent treatment described in subdivisions (a) and (b) shall be paid for by the defendant. The court shall determine the defendant's ability to pay. If the court finds that the defendant is financially unable to pay, the court may develop a sliding fee schedule based on the defendant's ability to pay. A person who meets the criteria set forth in Section 68632 of the Government Code shall not be responsible for any costs. The counseling specified in this section shall be in addition to any other terms and conditions of probation, including any term of imprisonment and fine.(d) This section applies to a conviction for any of the following offenses: (e) A finding that the defendant suffers from a mental disorder, and any progress reports concerning the defendant's treatment, or any other records created pursuant to this section, shall be confidential and shall not be released or used in connection with any civil or criminal proceeding without the defendant's consent.Added by Stats 2023 ch 546 (AB 829),s 3, eff. 1/1/2024.