Rachel Bhagwat
Deputy Director of Cross-Systems Advocacy

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Rachel joined the CBHDA team in 2026. Rachel brings nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit and government, with particular expertise at the intersection of behavioral health and the court, crisis, and housing systems.

Rachel came to CBHDA from the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), and before that served as the statewide lead for mental health and homelessness policy at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) California Action.

Rachel started her career in Chicago as a social worker and community organizer, and spent several years in leadership at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago, directing external affairs and policy work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel lives in Benicia and serves on several city, county, and nonprofit boards and commissions.

Education:

·      Masters’ in Public Policy, University of Chicago

·      Bachelors’ in Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University.