Stephen Mayberg, PhD, retired as Director of the California Department of Mental Health in December 2010, after serving in this capacity for more than 17 years.  During his tenure, he embarked on an ambitious agenda that included major initiatives to reform the mental health system.  These reforms reflected changes based on programmatic research, and program outcomes and accountability.  Of greatest significance was his work on system change and services integration; Dr. Mayberg has always advocated for better access, the reduction of stigma and discrimination, and for the development of programs that meet the unique needs of disparate populations.  During his public service career, he was a consistent advocate for the importance of interagency programming and planning at the both the state and local levels.  Dr.  Mayberg received his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Minnesota.  He completed his internship at the University of California Davis and worked in clinical, program coordination, and managerial positions in the California Mental Health System until his retirement, serving, among other positions, as Director of Mental Health for Yolo County.  Dr. Mayberg was appointed to the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health in June 2002.  In addition, he has served on many Boards, Commissions and Task Forces related to mental health issues.  Dr. Mayberg has been recognized and honored numerous times at the state and national levels for his work in the mental health field.  Most important to Dr. Mayberg is his work as a clinician, placing primary focus on the needs of the individuals and families being served.  Throughout his entire public service career, he continued to make time to provide direct clinical services and is still active as a clinician in his retirement.

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