California’s premier mental health and substance use organization
Learn moreBuilding a California where everyone can access quality mental health and substance use care when, where, and for as long as they need it
The Steinberg Institute
We are an independent, nonprofit public policy institute dedicated to advancing sound public policy and inspiring leadership on issues of mental health and substance use.
Vision 2030 is our plan to come armed with information, ready to rally resources where they are needed, and ultimately have care systems in this state that are rising to the challenge and helping people. We’ll challenge assumptions, ensure transparency and provide recommendations based on solid data to fix what’s broken and rapidly scale what’s working.
Our Model
California’s behavioral health workforce will be modernized and strengthened to meet the diverse needs of the entire state.
California will reduce the number of unhoused people with mental illness or substance use disorder by half.
The number of people with mental illness entering our criminal justice system will be reduced by half.
The number of people entering Hospital Emergency Departments due to behavioral health crisis will be reduced by half.
Issue Spotlight
SACRAMENTO (November 15, 2023) – Today the Steinberg Institute announced a organizational expansion and commitment toward the goal of ending the mental health and substance use crisis in California. The Institute outlined the details of its ambitious new initiative, Vision 2030.
“Now is the time for us to double down on ending this crisis and put every resource we have into fighting for our state’s most vulnerable,” said Steinberg Institute CEO Karen Larsen. “Substance use rates have skyrocketed and tens of thousands of people struggling with addiction and mental illness find themselves cycling through our hospitals, jails and homelessness. Our workforce is overwhelmed, hospitals are overcrowded, and our criminal justice system is dealing with a challenge it isn’t built for.”
“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 access to visual and performance arts. In an interview with the Steinberg Institute, Oliver shared how she juggles running a successful nonprofit and being a full-time student while also taking care of her mental health.
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 joining these compacts, the state can significantly enhance the availability of behavioral health services.
WHAT WE DO
Education
Sharing innovative best practices and policy approaches with leaders across the state of California.
Advocacy
We believe equitable access to care and recovery should be available for all Californians living with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Accountability
Vital information about California’s spending and outcomes must be collected, analyzed, made publicly available, and met with a focus on quality improvement and accountability.
Inspired leadership
Breaking down the barriers created by stigma and discrimination, we educate and inspire leadership on all issues related to mental health and substance use disorders.