Founded by former Sacramento Mayor and Speaker pro Tem Emeritus of the California State Senate Darrell Steinberg, the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sound public policy and inspiring leadership on issues of mental health and substance use.
Since its inception in January 2015, the Institute has helped enact sweeping improvements in California behavioral health policy, including securing $2 billion to provide housing and care for homeless people living with mental illness (No Place Like Home); promoting prevention and early intervention programs and research so that people receive the care they need before their condition becomes disabling; expanding school suicide prevention programs and college mental health services; establishing peer support specialist certification as a recognized and reimbursable part of the behavioral health workforce; advocating for sentencing reform and law enforcement training with the aim of decriminalizing mental illness; leading the way on implementation of the new 988 crisis line; and educating elected officials and leaders so that they embrace quality mental health and substance use care as a top-tier priority.
In 2023, the Institute launched Vision 2030, a bold initiative to dramatically reduce the number of people with behavioral health needs who cycle through homelessness, incarceration, and unnecessary hospitalization. Vision 2030 provides a shared framework and measurable goals for state and local leaders, philanthropy, and advocates to transform California’s behavioral health systems and build a strong behavioral health workforce.
To advance this work, the Institute has built out dedicated research and implementation teams, ensuring that the policies we champion are not only visionary but also backed by evidence and supported with practical tools for statewide adoption.
Inspiring leadership remains central to the Steinberg Institute’s mission. Each May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor Mental Health Champions—unsung heroes working across all facets of care delivery, advocacy, and policymaking to ensure Californians receive the mental health and substance use care they deserve.
Despite momentum around destigmatizing mental illness and substance use disorder, serious challenges remain. Through Vision 2030 and our expanded capacity, the Steinberg Institute is working to ensure California leads the nation in behavioral health transformation—anchored in equity, transparency, accountability, and a belief that access to care is a fundamental right.