California State of Mind
Who makes up California’s behavioral health workforce?
Much like the needs of Californians, there are many different types of professionals who make up the state’s behavioral health workforce. Here’s your break down all clinical and non-clinical behavioral health providers: what they do, credentials needed,
BHSA County Integrated Plans: A reader’s guide to what they are and why they matter
As of July 1, 2026, counties are operating under their BHSA Integrated Plans. Here’s your guide to what they are, how they differ from prior plans, and how to read one yourself.
The California behavioral health acronyms you need to know in 2026
When navigating California behavioral health policy, you cannot escape the alphabet soup of acronyms. This is your essential cheat sheet to mental health and substance use disorder acronyms, organized by treatment models, facilities, state agencies, and legislative
Building the Continuum: How the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Is Expanding Care in California
BHCIP funding has reached a wide geographic footprint across California, with dozens of counties represented in each round and near-statewide coverage for mobile crisis investments.
AI and mental health: Promise, risks, and the future of care
How AI is currently being used in mental health care, the potential benefits and risks of those applications, the emerging regulatory landscape, and the policy questions states and health systems are beginning to confront.
Behavioral health & homelessness in California: What the data show
What the data show on the relationship between behavioral health and homelessness in California, why they are unable to access housing or care, and what policies and initiatives are needed to solve this crisis.
A warning from Idaho: the stakes of cutting behavioral health care
States are making difficult decisions about how to preserve behavioral health care amid federal funding and budget challenges—and the consequences of these actions are becoming clear. For Idaho, it was ACT programs. For California, it’s mobile crisis
From policy to practice: Making behavioral health reform work in California
At this year’s Vision 2030 Solution Symposium, leaders discussed how to ensure California’s behavioral health reforms work. Here’s what they said.
California’s Behavioral Health Workforce: Progress, Gaps, and What Comes Next
A new national report from Inseparable underscores the urgency and the opportunity for California to strengthen its behavioral health workforce. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Critical Role Peer Support Specialists Play on ACT and FACT Teams
ACT and FACT are evidence-based models designed for people with the most complex behavioral health needs, and peers are a critical part of their success, especially during key moments of transition. Learn how these models work and
AB 988 selected for Outcomes Review: Strengthening accountability for California’s crisis response systems
Assembly Bill 988, the law that established and funded California’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, has been selected for a formal legislative Outcomes Review as part of a new initiative to evaluate how effectively recently enacted policies
Proposition One and the Peer Support Movement: A False Divide
Karen Larsen, CEO of the Steinberg Institute, reflects on the “us vs them” mentality between supporters of Proposition 1 and the Peer Support Specialist movement—and how framing the two as competing priorities presents a false choice.
Fixing California’s crisis response system: Why the ER isn’t the right destination for all emergencies
How alternative destination programs work—and what they mean for California’s behavioral health system When someone in California experiences a behavioral health crisis, help usually comes through a 911 call, where they get sent to an emergency department.
Bridging the gap: How Placer County is rethinking serious mental illness levels of care
Placer County new behavioral health level of care, Mid-Service Partnerships (MSPs), offer an option for people whose needs fall in between low-intensity clinic services and highly intensive Full Service Partnerships (FSPs). Learn more about what MSPs are
Essentials: California’s Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative
The CalAIM Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative allows Medi-Cal services to begin before release from incarceration. Learn what it is, how it works, and why it matters for behavioral health access.
Modernizing 911 to Meet the Moment: How Phoenix Is Strengthening Coordinated Behavioral Health Crisis Response
By adding a behavioral health option to 911 calls, Phoenix is evolving emergency response to better match people in crisis with the care they need. Source: Center for American Progress Behavioral health crises make up a growing
From Policy to Practice: Lessons from the Front Lines of Behavioral Health Implementation
What does good implementation really look like? Steinberg Institute’s Director of Implementation, Tracey Dickinson, shares lessons from the field on turning behavioral health policy into practice in California.
Peer Support Specialists: An Essential Part of California’s Behavioral Health Workforce
Peer Support Specialists, often called “Peers,” have become a vital element of California’s behavioral health system. Peers use their lived experience, paired with formal training, to help people navigate recovery with empathy and credibility.
Protecting Our Behavioral Health Progress from National and State Shifts
California’s behavioral health system is at a critical inflection point. Read about the federal threats, state progress, and the collective effort needed to protect hard-won reforms.
San Francisco’s Crisis Clinic: An Innovative Model for Behavioral Health Crisis Response
A new San Francisco clinic is an early case study on how cities can strengthen behavioral health crisis response systems centered on compassion and respect.
California’s History with Criminal Justice & Behavioral Health Reform
Proposition 47 (2014) and Proposition 36 (2024) represent two key shifts in how California approaches incarceration and behavioral health treatment California’s Proposition 47, passed by voters in 2014, changed how California defines and prosecutes non-violent crimes, especially
Broken Systems Can’t Heal With a Broken Workforce
This blog is part of Perspectives, our blog series where Institute leaders, partners, and subject matter experts share their insights on the most pressing challenges — and opportunities — in behavioral health and substance use care. Let’s
Behavioral Health Bills Signed into Law by Governor Newsom in the 2025-2026 Legislative Year
In this past legislative year, Governor Newsom signed over 20 bills pertaining to behavioral health into law. Below outlines each bill—who wrote it, what it does, and the populations it impacts. We defined “behavioral health-related” as bills
MHSA to BHSA: Understanding California’s Behavioral Health Funding Evolution
The biggest changes 2024’s Behavioral Health Services Act made to its Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) predecessor The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), established in 2004 through Proposition 63, created a stable funding source for community-based mental
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA): Transforming a System in Crisis
The BHSA, passed through California’s Proposition 1 in 2024, takes a modern approach to an evolving mental health, substance use, and homelessness crisis Two decades after the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) first transformed California’s behavioral health
Essentials: Full Service Partnerships
Full Service partnership (FSP) programs have become a priority for California’s public behavioral health system. But what exactly are they, and why do they matter?
Talking with kids about wildfires and other natural disasters
By: Jillian Hughes The devastating fires in California have left many families grappling with loss and uncertainty. Children, in particular, may struggle to process this event, feeling overwhelmed by fear or anxiety. Parents, caregivers and educators can
More work to do to ensure fair mental health and SUD insurance coverage in Caliornia
By: Tara Gamboa-Eastman Steinberg Institute Director of Government Affairs In 2020, the Steinberg Institute partnered with The Kennedy Forum and Senator Scott Wiener (D – San Francisco) to pass landmark legislation, SB 855. The legislation helped California
Backpacks, pencils, calculators and…stress! Tips for navigating back-to-school anxiety
By: Saskia Perks It’s back-to-school season, when children often feel anxious about the upcoming year. Managing anxiety is not an overnight process. It takes both the caregiver and child working together to discover the best coping strategies.
Answering the call: The 988 crisis line in California one year after its launch
By Saskia Perks July 16th marked one year since the nationwide launch of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline allows anyone in the U.S. to call or text a trained mental health counselor for free
Mayors: Mental health crisis an urgent issue for U.S. cities
By: Saskia Perks Mayors from major cities across the United States are sounding the alarm about a growing mental health crisis within their communities. In a recent United States Council of Mayors survey, 88% of city leaders
Beyond Quiet Quitting: How to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health in 2023
“Okay boomer,” are the words you might hear if you ask someone under 30 to put in long work hours or take on more extra responsibilities on the job. Often (and not always accurately) called “quiet-quitting”, this
The cast of Ted Lasso takes on mental health from the White House podium
In the feel-good comedy-drama “Ted Lasso,” Jason Sudeikis often faces the British press as coach Lasso, positively explaining away his soccer team’s latest struggle. But recently, Sudeikis found himself standing behind one of the most visible microphones
A public show of support for Senator John Fetterman’s mental health
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) recently shared his mental health journey when he checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for clinical depression. Fetterman suffered a stroke last year and has dealt with what he describes as
Let Your Mission Be Your Guide
A solid mission and vision statement is a staple for most, if not all, organizations. And, if asked, I would assume we’d agree that mission statements are an important tool for organizations to look toward while conducting
Biden Puts Mental Health, Suicide and the Trauma of Police Violence at Center of State of the Union Speech
For the second year in a row, mental health played a leading role in a State of the Union message delivered by President Joe Biden. One year ago, Biden outlined a four-part “unity agenda” that focused largely
Supporting the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities after traumatic events. AAPI mental health matters.
The “year of the rabbit” in 2023 began with multiple acts of gun violence impacting California’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Two mass shootings, first in Monterrey Park on lunar new year’s eve and then in Half
Steinberg Institute’s top 10 mental health acronyms you need to know
Whether you’re a veteran mental health advocate or a newly inducted legislative staffer, keeping track of all the acronyms used in mental health policies and legislation can get overwhelming. So, we’re here to help reduce the number
One Student’s Lingering Lockdown Trauma
Everything seemed to be going well for Jason Finuliar. The Filipino-American high school student from Fremont, California had exceptional grades and was president of the debate club. But a year into the pandemic, he began to show
Can Peers Power the Mental Health Workforce of the Future?
Peer support providers have the potential to play an important role in the mental health field, not only because they can help fill the gap in the workforce, but also because they have something unique to offer.
Five things you need to know about the Mental Health Services Act
California relies on multiple streams of revenue to fund public mental health services from federal, state, and local levels. One of the many sources of income is the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). It’s a vital source
My Mental Health Journey: It’s Never to Late to Ask for Help
Michael Hansen is a Sacramento County resident living with Bipolar 2 Disorder. From a young age, he faced extreme mood swings that took a toll on his relationships and life. Unfortunately, he wasn’t diagnosed with bipolar until
Schools emphasize group emotional learning in post-pandemic education
Socialization is a crucial part of child development, so when, in the midst of the pandemic, students were pulled from schools and forced into a new reality of online learning, it had an outsized impact on their
Many Refugees Dealing with Trauma Face Obstacles to Mental Health Care
As a young boy living in what was then Zaire, Bertine Bahige remembers watching refugees flee from the Rwandan genocide in 1994 by crossing a river that forms the two Central African nations’ border.
My Mental Health Journey: Dan Tibbits chooses connection through his recovery
Sacramento County resident Dan Tibbits is 30 years in recovery from substance use disorder, with the support of 12 Step Recovery. He was dual-diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 33. Dan shares his story to
Robert’s story is our story
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and in the spirit of breaking through the stigma and discrimination that keeps so many of us from reaching out for help, I’d like to tell you about my sweet nephew, Robert,
Essentials Spotlight: allcove takes an innovative approach to youth mental health, letting young people lead the way
It’s a startling statistic: Nearly half of all lifetime mental illness cases in the U.S. begin by age 14, yet 79% of youth needing care don’t receive it. A new approach to youth mental health care in
Overdose Deaths Now Top 100,000 a Year. Why Do So Few People Addicted to Opioids Get Treatment that Could Save Them?
The opioid crisis that helped kill a record 108,000 Americans last year — and more than one million since 1999 — is by now a well-known tragedy. Less understood is that many if not most of these
Essentials Spotlight: Be Well OC is reimagining the mental healthcare system
Reducing stigma, bridging gaps, improving communication, and making care more accessible are required to ensure quality mental health care for all. To address these barriers, innovation projects across California, funded through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA),
988 is live: let’s make sure Spanish speakers know too
In July, the 988 the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline went live nationwide. This critical number will make mental health and crisis support much more accessible to anyone who needs it.
BIPOC Mental Health Month: Common barriers to mental health services
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) are less likely than their white counterparts to utilize mental health services despite experiencing mental illness at a similar rate to white individuals.
My Mental Health Journey: From dusty beginnings to giving back
La Viola Ward is a mental health speaker and advocate. After obtaining her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she made it her mission to share her experience living with mental illness and hopes to
Overworked and exhausted, California’s firefighters face a mental health crisis
Climate change has led to drought, hotter summers and longer fire seasons in California. The wildfires have only grown more intense and widespread as the state heats up. To make matters worse, wildland firefighters are short-staffed and
What is 988? The suicide prevention lifeline
Too often a lack of resources and social stigma leaves people who need mental health support without help. As a consequence, we have seen an “ineffective and deadly” response to people experiencing mental health crises. The 988
What are peer supporters?
For some people, getting clinical treatment for mental illness or substance use disorders isn’t enough to help them succeed in their recovery. They need more personal care that empowers them to follow through with their care plan.
Members of California’s LGBTQ Caucus continue their fight for mental health access and LGBTQ+ rights
June is officially Pride month, but the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health is important year-round. To close out this month we asked members of the California Legislature’s LGBTQ Caucus, Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes
My Mental Health Journey: Ponte Las Pilas
There’s a saying in Spanish that goes “ponte las pilas,” literally meaning “put the batteries in. I heard this phrase from my dad all the time growing up and even now as an adult. If you heard
We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health
On this Father’s Day, I’d like to ask something of dads out there. I realize Father’s Day is when dads are supposed to receive, rather than give. But I’m asking you to give yourself something. Because it’s
The mental health impact of being LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
“Being black already makes life hard…adding being gay on top [of] that is extremely difficult.” A student quote from a 2018 Human Rights Campaign report highlights the struggles LGBTQ+ youth of color face. Discrimination and mental health
Mental health risk factors facing the LGBTQ+ community
In middle school, Juan Acosta was teased about his sexuality, something he didn’t fully understand yet. As a consequence, he struggled with his mental health and at one point even contemplated suicide. In an interview for our
Meet the Steinberg Institute 2022 Mental Health Champions
Each May during Mental Health Awareness Month, the Steinberg Institute announces our Mental Health Champions. We believe it is important to celebrate folks who are having an outsized impact on the mental health of their fellow Californians.
How to start the conversation with kids about mental health
Mental health and mental illness can be difficult to discuss, especially for teenagers who are already going through many changes and figuring life out. Social stigma and shame have painted mental health with a negative brush, causing
What is mental health prevention and early intervention?
Most mental health challenges begin early on in life. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses start by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Knowing this, we have
Helping mentally ill people: The debate over ‘involuntary treatment’
Lee Davis says flatly that without involuntary treatment for her raging psychosis, she would be dead. “It saved my life.” A mental health activist, she chairs the Alameda County Mental Health Advisory Board, which advises the board
My Mental Health Journey: Owning My Light
Mental Health? What is that? I grew up questioning what mental health was. Growing up I did not learn in school or at home that one must care for their mental health. Conversations around the topic were
What is mental health?
Only one-third of Californians who live with a mental illness receive the care they need. Our healthcare system often intervenes only when mental illness becomes serious or, in some cases, does not intervene at all. During Mental
Young Advocates Take the Lead to Curb Campus Suicide
When the campus alert system at the University of California at Los Angeles notified students of a possible shooter this February and directed them to shelter in place, senior Meera Varma found herself surrounded by frightened students.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and time to announce our 2022 Champions!
here are many unsung heroes among us — dedicated to bettering the mental health of their fellow Californians. Each May during Mental Health Awareness Month we announce our Mental Health Champions and share their stories, with the
Nurses in California organize to support their mental health
Nurses are among the many frontline workers that have faced the brunt of the pandemic. During its many peaks, while hospitals filled, the demands on nurses grew. From staff and protective gear shortages to watching countless patients
My Mental Health Journey: First Generation
South Asian culture often gives precedence to physical health, sometimes at the expense of mental health needs. You might hear, “If you are physically healthy, you’re fine.” If someone expresses being anything less than happy or content
Are you refilling your cup?
Have you lost sleep over your work? How many days in a row did you forget to eat lunch, or take time away from your desk to get some fresh air? How often do you work through
Black Students Experiencing Racism on Campus Lack Mental Health Support
College campuses are a microcosm of racial strife happening across the nation. From 2018 to 2021, the Southern Poverty Law Center identified 1,341 incidents of white supremacist pamphleteering on college campuses. The Anti-Defamation League recorded around 630
What is a community health worker?
Navigating complex public health systems and social services can be painfully difficult for those who don’t understand it, and California’s mental health system is no exception. For some people, not knowing what public mental health services are
More Latino Men Are Dying By Suicide Even as National Rate Declines
While still jarringly high, U.S. suicide rates fell in 2019 and again in 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last month. The year-over-year rate declined by 3 percent overall, falling by 8 percent among
My Mental Health Journey: Finding Identity
Weird. Unaccepted. Judged. Growing up as a Mexican-American in a home that did not prioritize Mexican culture, I developed these feelings early in my youth. I was influenced by many different cultures growing up. As I encountered
Thank You, President Biden, For Your Leadership on Mental Health
There are few more important venues than the State of the Union to highlight issues of urgent importance for our country. So we were thrilled to hear President Joe Biden include mental health as part of his
“Report Card” on school mental health policies outlines work needed for California’s youth
If you are the parent or guardian of school-aged children, then you likely are aware of the toll the pandemic has taken on their mental health. Our children and youth are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and
Who makes up California’s behavioral health workforce?
Much like the needs of Californians, there are many different types of professionals who make up the state’s behavioral health workforce. Here’s your break down all clinical and non-clinical behavioral health providers: what they do, credentials needed,
The California behavioral health acronyms you need to know in 2026
When navigating California behavioral health policy, you cannot escape the alphabet soup of acronyms. This is your essential cheat sheet to mental health and substance use disorder acronyms, organized by treatment models, facilities, state agencies, and legislative
AI and mental health: Promise, risks, and the future of care
How AI is currently being used in mental health care, the potential benefits and risks of those applications, the emerging regulatory landscape, and the policy questions states and health systems are beginning to confront.
Behavioral health & homelessness in California: What the data show
What the data show on the relationship between behavioral health and homelessness in California, why they are unable to access housing or care, and what policies and initiatives are needed to solve this crisis.
The Critical Role Peer Support Specialists Play on ACT and FACT Teams
ACT and FACT are evidence-based models designed for people with the most complex behavioral health needs, and peers are a critical part of their success, especially during key moments of transition. Learn how these models work and
Fixing California’s crisis response system: Why the ER isn’t the right destination for all emergencies
How alternative destination programs work—and what they mean for California’s behavioral health system When someone in California experiences a behavioral health crisis, help usually comes through a 911 call, where they get sent to an emergency department.
Essentials: California’s Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative
The CalAIM Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative allows Medi-Cal services to begin before release from incarceration. Learn what it is, how it works, and why it matters for behavioral health access.
Peer Support Specialists: An Essential Part of California’s Behavioral Health Workforce
Peer Support Specialists, often called “Peers,” have become a vital element of California’s behavioral health system. Peers use their lived experience, paired with formal training, to help people navigate recovery with empathy and credibility.
California’s History with Criminal Justice & Behavioral Health Reform
Proposition 47 (2014) and Proposition 36 (2024) represent two key shifts in how California approaches incarceration and behavioral health treatment California’s Proposition 47, passed by voters in 2014, changed how California defines and prosecutes non-violent crimes, especially
MHSA to BHSA: Understanding California’s Behavioral Health Funding Evolution
The biggest changes 2024’s Behavioral Health Services Act made to its Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) predecessor The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), established in 2004 through Proposition 63, created a stable funding source for community-based mental
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA): Transforming a System in Crisis
The BHSA, passed through California’s Proposition 1 in 2024, takes a modern approach to an evolving mental health, substance use, and homelessness crisis Two decades after the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) first transformed California’s behavioral health
Essentials: Full Service Partnerships
Full Service partnership (FSP) programs have become a priority for California’s public behavioral health system. But what exactly are they, and why do they matter?
Talking with kids about wildfires and other natural disasters
By: Jillian Hughes The devastating fires in California have left many families grappling with loss and uncertainty. Children, in particular, may struggle to process this event, feeling overwhelmed by fear or anxiety. Parents, caregivers and educators can
Essentials: Understanding Mental Health Parity
What is parity? The word “parity,” simply means “equality in amount or status.” When used in the context of mental health and substance use disorder care, it refers to the belief that insurance plan benefits offered for
Expanding the Mental Health Workforce: The Power of Interstate Compacts
By: John Drebinger IIISenior Advocate California faces a critical need to expand access to mental health services. One promising approach is through interstate compacts—agreements that allow licensed professionals to practice across state lines with fewer barriers. By
Backpacks, pencils, calculators and…stress! Tips for navigating back-to-school anxiety
By: Saskia Perks It’s back-to-school season, when children often feel anxious about the upcoming year. Managing anxiety is not an overnight process. It takes both the caregiver and child working together to discover the best coping strategies.
Answering the call: The 988 crisis line in California one year after its launch
By Saskia Perks July 16th marked one year since the nationwide launch of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline allows anyone in the U.S. to call or text a trained mental health counselor for free
Beyond Quiet Quitting: How to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health in 2023
“Okay boomer,” are the words you might hear if you ask someone under 30 to put in long work hours or take on more extra responsibilities on the job. Often (and not always accurately) called “quiet-quitting”, this
Steinberg Institute’s top 10 mental health acronyms you need to know
Whether you’re a veteran mental health advocate or a newly inducted legislative staffer, keeping track of all the acronyms used in mental health policies and legislation can get overwhelming. So, we’re here to help reduce the number
Five things you need to know about the Mental Health Services Act
California relies on multiple streams of revenue to fund public mental health services from federal, state, and local levels. One of the many sources of income is the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). It’s a vital source
Essentials Spotlight: allcove takes an innovative approach to youth mental health, letting young people lead the way
It’s a startling statistic: Nearly half of all lifetime mental illness cases in the U.S. begin by age 14, yet 79% of youth needing care don’t receive it. A new approach to youth mental health care in
Essentials Spotlight: Be Well OC is reimagining the mental healthcare system
Reducing stigma, bridging gaps, improving communication, and making care more accessible are required to ensure quality mental health care for all. To address these barriers, innovation projects across California, funded through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA),
BIPOC Mental Health Month: Common barriers to mental health services
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) are less likely than their white counterparts to utilize mental health services despite experiencing mental illness at a similar rate to white individuals.
What is 988? The suicide prevention lifeline
Too often a lack of resources and social stigma leaves people who need mental health support without help. As a consequence, we have seen an “ineffective and deadly” response to people experiencing mental health crises. The 988
What are peer supporters?
For some people, getting clinical treatment for mental illness or substance use disorders isn’t enough to help them succeed in their recovery. They need more personal care that empowers them to follow through with their care plan.
We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health
On this Father’s Day, I’d like to ask something of dads out there. I realize Father’s Day is when dads are supposed to receive, rather than give. But I’m asking you to give yourself something. Because it’s
The mental health impact of being LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
“Being black already makes life hard…adding being gay on top [of] that is extremely difficult.” A student quote from a 2018 Human Rights Campaign report highlights the struggles LGBTQ+ youth of color face. Discrimination and mental health
Mental health risk factors facing the LGBTQ+ community
In middle school, Juan Acosta was teased about his sexuality, something he didn’t fully understand yet. As a consequence, he struggled with his mental health and at one point even contemplated suicide. In an interview for our
What is mental health prevention and early intervention?
Most mental health challenges begin early on in life. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses start by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Knowing this, we have
What is mental health?
Only one-third of Californians who live with a mental illness receive the care they need. Our healthcare system often intervenes only when mental illness becomes serious or, in some cases, does not intervene at all. During Mental
What is a community health worker?
Navigating complex public health systems and social services can be painfully difficult for those who don’t understand it, and California’s mental health system is no exception. For some people, not knowing what public mental health services are
BHSA County Integrated Plans: A reader’s guide to what they are and why they matter
As of July 1, 2026, counties are operating under their BHSA Integrated Plans. Here’s your guide to what they are, how they differ from prior plans, and how to read one yourself.
Building the Continuum: How the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Is Expanding Care in California
BHCIP funding has reached a wide geographic footprint across California, with dozens of counties represented in each round and near-statewide coverage for mobile crisis investments.
The May Budget Revision & the BHSA: What you need to know
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) represents a large portion of the state’s funding for mental health and substance use programs. The May Revision leverages BHSA funding in an attempt to balance the budget that directly impacts
A warning from Idaho: the stakes of cutting behavioral health care
States are making difficult decisions about how to preserve behavioral health care amid federal funding and budget challenges—and the consequences of these actions are becoming clear. For Idaho, it was ACT programs. For California, it’s mobile crisis
California’s Behavioral Health Workforce: Progress, Gaps, and What Comes Next
A new national report from Inseparable underscores the urgency and the opportunity for California to strengthen its behavioral health workforce. Here’s everything you need to know.
AB 988 selected for Outcomes Review: Strengthening accountability for California’s crisis response systems
Assembly Bill 988, the law that established and funded California’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, has been selected for a formal legislative Outcomes Review as part of a new initiative to evaluate how effectively recently enacted policies
Bridging the gap: How Placer County is rethinking serious mental illness levels of care
Placer County new behavioral health level of care, Mid-Service Partnerships (MSPs), offer an option for people whose needs fall in between low-intensity clinic services and highly intensive Full Service Partnerships (FSPs). Learn more about what MSPs are
Modernizing 911 to Meet the Moment: How Phoenix Is Strengthening Coordinated Behavioral Health Crisis Response
By adding a behavioral health option to 911 calls, Phoenix is evolving emergency response to better match people in crisis with the care they need. Source: Center for American Progress Behavioral health crises make up a growing
San Francisco’s Crisis Clinic: An Innovative Model for Behavioral Health Crisis Response
A new San Francisco clinic is an early case study on how cities can strengthen behavioral health crisis response systems centered on compassion and respect.
Behavioral Health Bills Signed into Law by Governor Newsom in the 2025-2026 Legislative Year
In this past legislative year, Governor Newsom signed over 20 bills pertaining to behavioral health into law. Below outlines each bill—who wrote it, what it does, and the populations it impacts. We defined “behavioral health-related” as bills
My Mental Health Journey: Penelope Oliver
“I have never fit into the mold of a stereotypical teen,” said Penelope Oliver, executive director and founder of the nonprofit, All Access Arts. Her nonprofit works with shelters and schools in Sacramento to provide youth with
My Mental Health Journey: Dan Tibbits chooses connection through his recovery
Sacramento County resident Dan Tibbits is 30 years in recovery from substance use disorder, with the support of 12 Step Recovery. He was dual-diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 33. Dan shares his story to
My Mental Health Journey: From dusty beginnings to giving back
La Viola Ward is a mental health speaker and advocate. After obtaining her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she made it her mission to share her experience living with mental illness and hopes to
My Mental Health Journey: Ponte Las Pilas
There’s a saying in Spanish that goes “ponte las pilas,” literally meaning “put the batteries in. I heard this phrase from my dad all the time growing up and even now as an adult. If you heard
My Mental Health Journey: Owning My Light
Mental Health? What is that? I grew up questioning what mental health was. Growing up I did not learn in school or at home that one must care for their mental health. Conversations around the topic were
My Mental Health Journey: First Generation
South Asian culture often gives precedence to physical health, sometimes at the expense of mental health needs. You might hear, “If you are physically healthy, you’re fine.” If someone expresses being anything less than happy or content
My Mental Health Journey: Finding Identity
Weird. Unaccepted. Judged. Growing up as a Mexican-American in a home that did not prioritize Mexican culture, I developed these feelings early in my youth. I was influenced by many different cultures growing up. As I encountered