The Steinberg Institute has been at the forefront of efforts to transform California’s behavioral health system for over a decade. As part of our continued commitment to responsible advocacy, we recently released our Statement of Ethical Practices and Transparency — a reflection of our core values and the principles that guide our work.
This statement was developed in recognition of the responsibility we carry as policy advocates, thought leaders, and stewards of resources dedicated to improving behavioral health and substance use care. In an era where trust in institutions is fragile, we believe it is critical that we uphold clear ethical standards to ensure accountability, transparency, and meaningful impact.
This statement reinforces five key commitments: integrity in advocacy and decision-making, transparency, accountability to our mission, respect for equity and inclusion, and the ethical use of resources. These principles are essential to ensuring that our work leads to measurable, lasting improvements in behavioral health outcomes.
We know that individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges are among California’s most vulnerable populations. They are overrepresented in jails, emergency rooms, and on our streets, facing systemic barriers that prevent them from receiving the care they deserve. Addressing these challenges requires not only bold policy solutions but also an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. By adhering to the principles outlined in this statement, we aim to foster trust, amplify the voices of those most affected, and responsibly steward the resources entrusted to us.
Read the full statement here and join us in our ongoing mission to bring more transparency and accountability to California’s behavioral health and substance use care systems.