Since our founding in 2015, the Steinberg Institute’s work has generated billions of dollars for vital programs that directly impact the lives of California’s most vulnerable. At the same time, we’ve shifted the narrative around mental health and substance use policies. We achieve these victories by partnering with like-minded organizations and individuals and inspiring leadership on mental health and substance use policy.
A few notable highlights...
- More than 13,000 supportive housing units have been built for people who are homeless living with a serious mental illness thanks to the No Place Like Home Program, approved by California voters in 2018, with thousands more on the way.
- Californians facing a mental health crisis will have someone to call, someone to come and somewhere to go, thanks to our leadership in implementing the new 988 crisis line.
- Insurance companies are now required to provide the same level of coverage for mental health treatment as physical health, thanks to Senate Bill 855, landmark legislation that continues to place California at the forefront of battling mental health discrimination.
But there’s much more work to do. To meet the urgent challenges facing our state, this year, our dedicated staff and board developed a strategic plan focused on our commitment to tackling key challenges and ensuring everyone receives the quality care they deserve whenever, wherever and for as long as they need it.
Launching the 988 crisis hotline
Key sponsor of first-of-its-kind law establishing a framework and ongoing funding for the 988 crisis continuum through a small telephone line fee.
Secured $20 million to launch California’s 988 hotline for mental health crisis calls, ensuring California leads the way in connecting people in crisis with trained mental health professionals.
Housing for people with mental illness
The state is now required to collect critical data on board and care homes that provide a crucial housing option for people with severe mental illness.
Addressing the workforce shortage
Made an immediate impact on the workforce shortage by allowing licensed nurse practitioners to work at the top of their license without direct physician oversight.
Requiring insurance coverage for mental health
Established California as the first state in the nation to require true parity, commercial health insurers are now required to cover needed mental health and addiction services, just as they cover treatment for physical health.
Certifying people with lived experience for support
Proposition 2: Housing for homeless facing mental illness
Safe discharging of hospital patients
Workplace mental health support
Training for primary care providers
Primary care providers now receive the basic training they need to recognize the symptoms of common brain health conditions, and provide appropriate treatment or referrals.
Early detection of serious mental illness
Inspired the first of its kind public-private partnership to fund evidenced-based treatment for the early detection of psychosis and other symptoms of serious mental illness in young people before they become disabling.
Supporting foster youth
Decriminalizing mental illness
Steinberg Institute Founded
Darrell Steinberg launches the Steinberg Institute, dedicated to advancing sound policies on mental health in California.
Securing Mental Health Funding
The Steinberg Institute’s efforts have led to $5 BILLION toward initiatives impacting all Californians
$2B
Proposition 2: Establishing the No Place Like Home Program, financing permanent housing for people with mental illness who are homeless or at risk for chronic homelessness
$2.1B
Addressing California’s homelessness crisis through evidenced-based solutions and mental health treatment
$340M
Increasing access to mental health resources for California’s students, including drop-in centers, school/county partnerships, workforce development and trauma screening programs
$200M
Funding for innovative training, fellowship and retention programs to rebuild California’s behavioral health workforce
$186M
Dedicated annual funding for the 988 crisis continuum in California, connecting callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline through an easy to remember three digit number
$134M
Early intervention services for California county mental health departments and increasing access to the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline by adding additional languages
$130M
Annual funding to build apartments for people living with severe mental illness and experiencing homelessness, including wrap-around services
