Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for providing presence-based communications in a controlled environment. In an embodiment, a presence management system monitors communication status information related to communication devices within a controlled facility as well as communication device external to the controlled facility. Communication statuses indicate the availability of users to receive certain types of communications, such as, for example, video conferencing, audio calls, and/or textual messages. In an embodiment, an inmate of the controlled environment can view communication statuses of external individuals. The presence management system informs the inmate of the availability of the external individuals and facilitates communications between the inmates and external individuals.