(November 7, 2024) Today the Steinberg Institute announced that Dr. Lauren Bullard has joined the team as Director of Research. In the role, Dr. Bullard will lead the Institute’s public policy research efforts. As part of our Vision 2030 Initiative, the Steinberg Institute is investing in research and implementation, in addition to our policy work.
As the state of California embarks on transformation of its behavioral health system, it is critical that policies are guided by trusted research. The Steinberg Institute’s research arm, launched in 2023, plays an important role in that transformation – digging into challenges currently facing our systems of care and providing a foundation for policy recommendations.
“Lauren’s work leading our public policy research is critical to our Vision 2030 Initiative,” said Steinberg Institute CEO Karen Larsen. “Right now our team is taking a close look at California’s behavioral health workforce, to better understand how we can address the provider shortage that’s preventing people from getting the care they need.”
“Our research efforts are designed to produce results,” said Bullard. “The Steinberg Institute is focused on actionable research that leads to policy changes and implementation recommendations on the ground. This research will ultimately improve the lives of California’s most vulnerable through access to quality care for anyone who needs it. I’m excited to get to work.”
Dr. Bullard comes from Woebot Health, where she served as Senior Clinical Project Manager. She brings many years of health research to the Steinberg Institute, including investigating barriers to accessing services and health equity outcomes and how digital therapeutics can support mental health across diverse populations including adolescents, adults with and without a history of substance abuse, as well as postpartum mothers. Bullard has a Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of California, Davis focused on lifespan research and person-centered methodologies.
The Steinberg Institute research efforts focus on the four goals outlined in the Vision 2030 Initiative;
- Modernize and strengthen California’s behavioral health workforce to meet the diverse needs of the entire state.
- Reduce the number of unhoused people with mental illness or substance use disorder by half.
- Reduce the number of people entering hospital emergency departments due to behavioral health crises by half.
- Reduce the number of people with mental illness entering our criminal justice system by half.
About the Steinberg Institute
Founded in 2015 by Sacramento Mayor and former state Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg,the Steinberg Institute has been the driving force behind sweeping improvements in California behavioral health policy. The Institute is dedicated to transforming California’s mental health and substance use care systems through our Vision 2030 Initiative. Our Vision: California sets the standards for the nation in prevention, treatment and recovery, where all people receive quality care and support when, where, and for as long as they need it. Visit us at www.steinberginstitute.org.