About the Board

The Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB), established in 1977, was created to oversee individuals who, having successfully utilized Oregon's insanity defense, are not held criminally responsible for their actions. Recognizing that those with persistent mental health conditions require specialized treatment approaches distinct from traditional criminal defendants, Oregon has invested in a mental health system designed to foster recovery while ensuring public safety.

The Board is comprised of two separate panels: the Adult Panel and the Juvenile Panel. Each panel consists of five members, appointed by the Governor for up to two, four-year terms and confirmed by the Senate. The Adult Panel includes a psychiatrist and a psychologist with expertise in the criminal justice system, an experienced parole and probation officer, a criminal practice attorney, and a member of the general public. The Juvenile Panel mirrors this structure but with a focus on child psychiatry, child psychology, a parole and probation officer experienced in juvenile justice, an attorney specialized in juvenile criminal law, and a member of the general public.

With public safety as its primary focus, the Board has an impressive track record in reintegrating clients into the community, maintaining a notably low 0.50% adult recidivism rate over the past 13 years. With its proven record, the Board’s responsibilities have expanded to include supervising youth (2007) and certain civil commitments (2013), restoring firearm rights to individuals previously barred due to Oregon mental health determinations (2009), and managing the classification, reclassification and relief of individuals acquitted by reason of insanity from sex offender registration (2013).

The agency employs 13 dedicated staff members to support the Board and operates with a biennial budget of approximately $4.2 million, continuing to balance public safety with effective, compassionate management of those under its jurisdiction.

Click here to learn more about the PSRB's legislative history.