This naturalistic exploratory study describes the characteristics of women prisoners referred to the forensic psychiatry service of the largest women's prison in New Zealand. Forensic psychiatrists diagnosed more than one‐third of the referred female inmates with psychotic disorders, and they diagnosed post‐traumatic stress disorder in one‐fifth. The majority of the women reported substance use prior to incarceration, as well as a history of personal victimization by family violence. Of the women prisoners referred to community mental health services at release, two‐thirds attended the arranged outpatient mental health follow‐up appointment. This study highlights the need for secondary prevention and rehabilitation for female inmates, and it provides suggestions for intervention. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.