The Steinberg Institute
The Steinberg Institute is an independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization with a bold vision: to make California the national leader in accessible, high-quality, and equitable mental health and substance use care.
Founded over a decade ago by former Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, the Institute advances evidence-based policy solutions that strengthen behavioral health systems across California. We work alongside policymakers, providers, researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience to improve how these systems serve communities.
Our roadmap to transforming behavioral health care in California
We believe people living with serious mental illness and substance use disorders can recover, and deserve the chance to lead stable, meaningful lives. But despite billions invested, our systems remain fragmented, access remains inconsistent, and outcomes are not always clear.
Vision 2030 is our plan to address these challenges and transform California’s behavioral health system—aligning policy, implementation, and accountability to improve outcomes for Californians with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
Vision 2030 Goals
Build our workforce
Modernize and strengthen California’s behavioral health workforce to meet the diverse needs of the entire state.
reduce homelessnesss
Reduce the number of unhoused people with mental illness or substance use disorders by half.
reduce incarceration
Reduce the number of people with mental illness entering our criminal justice system by half.
reduce hospitalization
Reduce the number of people entering hospital emergency departments due to behavioral health crises by half.
Help transform California’s behavioral health system
Together, we can ensure every Californian living with serious mental illness or substance use disorders has access to timely, effective care whenever and wherever they need it.