Expand impact. Drive change.
Tailored support to mission-aligned organizations and systems leaders who want to help shape California’s behavioral health policy landscape
California’s behavioral health system is at an inflection point. Facing both historic opportunities and significant challenges. Major statewide reforms like CalAIM, Behavioral Health Transformation, Proposition 1, and the 988 crisis system are reshaping our systems of care, while shifting federal dynamics are adding new complexities. Navigating this evolving landscape requires more than bold ideas—it takes strategy, alignment, and leadership.
The most impactful solutions often come from those closest to the work—the organizations, agencies, and advocates that advance care, equity, and innovation every day. But to drive lasting systems change, those solutions need to effectively influence the policies and structures that govern behavioral health in California.
That’s where the Steinberg Institute team comes in.
About the Steinberg Institute
The Steinberg Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening California’s behavioral health systems through policy, research, and implementation. We work with California state leaders, counties, providers, advocates, and peers to drive meaningful change in mental health care.
We specialize in turning bold ideas into actionable policy, building internal advocacy capacity, and supporting the rollout of complex reforms — all while centering equity, lived experience, and long-term impact.
Partnership opportunities that amplify impact
Policy & Advocacy Strategy
We help translate ideas into legislation or budget proposals, and provide strategic counsel on navigating California’s policymaking process.
Advocacy & Systems Training
Our immerseive training programs build internal capacity for organizations, boards, peer leaders, and coalitions, empowering them to engage effectively and compliantly. Learn more about our Advocacy 101 Training program.
Implementation Assistance
We provide hands-on support for implementing complex policy reforms such as CalAIM, Prop 1 implementation, and Medi-Cal transformation. Learn more about our implementation work.
Cross-Sector Convenings
We design and lead events, roundtables, and coalition spaces with state, county, and community leaders to foster collaboration and accelerate change. Explore our Vision 2030 Ideas to Action Convening series.
impactful storytelling
We help partners develop compelling narratives that resonate with decision-makers, media, and the communities they serve. Explore examples of our storytelling.
We drive lasting change through experience, trusted relationships, and a proven record of reform
Proven Outcomes
We’ve led the drafting and sponsorship of landmark behavioral health legislation and secured major state investments in initiatives like 988 implementation, peer support specialist certification, and behavioral health parity. Our team has shaped budget proposals, guided complex regulatory rollouts, and played a central role in designing the reforms that are redefining California’s behavioral health system.
Proven Outcomes
We work at the intersection of state leadership, county systems, community providers, and philanthropy – with relationships and insight that build bridges and open doors. Our team brings experience from inside the legislature, county behavioral health departments, the private sector, media, academia, and advocacy. We draw on this diverse expertise to craft strategies and solutions that are not only ambitious but practical, politically viable, and responsive to real-world dynamics.
Mission-Driven Approach
We exist to help California move smarter, faster, and more collaboratively toward a better behavioral health future for all.
Let’s work together
If your organization is ready to deepen its impact in California’s behavioral health systems—or simply needs help navigating what’s next—we’re here to help.