Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

02/23/2026

“By late 2019, …the state’s two high courts jointly established a Legislative Research Committee of the JCMH. Since that time, the JCMH has engaged in significant efforts relating to mental health legislative initiatives” - Texas Tech University School of Law Distinguished Professor and JCMH Commissioner, Brian Shannon, in the Texas Tech Law Review Vol. 58. Professor Shannon.

Read the full article here:

02/20/2026

The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health recently convened the Texas Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Collaborative to learn more about the Treatment Advocacy Center’s AOT Peer Review Tool and to discuss potential legislative considerations and data collection practices related to AOT implementation in Texas.

We appreciate the collaborative members who joined the call and contributed to a thoughtful discussion.

02/19/2026

Congratulations to the Honorable John Specia, Jr. (Ret.) for receiving the Texas Bar Foundation's Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award!

Judge Specia is a partner at Anderson Clifone as well as a JCMH Jurist-in-Residence. Judge Specia’s life-long dedication to public service includes work in civil, family, and juvenile programs with a special commitment to children and the prevention of child abuse.

02/12/2026

JCMH Commissioners participated in the National Dialogue on Schizophrenia at the Texas Capitol, contributing to statewide discussions on policy and community-based responses to schizophrenia.

Hon. Oscar Kazen, Bexar County, and Deputy Executive Commissioner Trina Ita, HHSC, served on the Policy Panel alongside Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody, discussing policy initiatives, cross-sector collaboration, and strategies to improve outcomes for individuals living with schizophrenia in Texas.

Eric Smith participated in the Community Panel, which focused on lived experience, access to treatment, community-based strategies, and unmet needs for individuals and families affected by schizophrenia.

02/11/2026

The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health hosted Texas HHSC Associate Commissioner and JCMH Commissioner Dr. Courtney Harvey for a collaborative meeting to share ideas and lessons learned when conference planning for statewide audiences.

02/09/2026

Supreme Court of Texas Justice and JCMH Deputy Liaison Rebeca Huddle served as a panelist at the 2026 Texas Women’s Leadership Conference on “You Belong Here: Addressing Imposter Syndrome in Women Leaders.”

Justice Huddle shared perspectives from her professional experience, contributing to the panel’s discussion on imposter syndrome, leadership confidence, and the broader conversation on advancing women’s leadership.

02/06/2026

NEW PODCAST EPISODE! 🎙️

In this episode, we are joined by Patrick Martin, the Philadelphia Jury Commissioner, and Dr. Michele Pole, West Chester University’s Mental Health Services Director. They tell us about the Post-Trial Support Program, a partnership between the Philadelphia court system and West Chester University, which offers free counseling to jurors after trials.

Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental Health · Episode

02/06/2026

“Rural Texans across the state will benefit from this historic federal investment. We will strengthen our rural hospitals, expand access to critical mental and physical health care, and help reduce chronic disease through wellness and nutrition initiatives," said Governor Abbott.

Local governments, rural hospitals, rural federally qualified health centers, rural behavioral health providers, and other qualified applicants will be eligible to apply for funding in the spring. More information will be available on the HHSC Grants webpage.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas will receive a historic investment of over $1.4 billion in federal funding over five years to improve rural health care throughout the state. 

01/31/2026

The 427th District Courtroom was full as Judge Tamara Needles and Judge Kim Williams convened judges, attorneys, court staff, law enforcement, and mental health professionals for an important discussion on Magistration and Mental Health. Throughout the day, attendees actively engaged in thoughtful questions, dialogue, and collaborative conversations—both during sessions and in the breaks.

K**a Harris, Assistant Director, served on two panels, sharing her expertise on mental health statutes related to the 16.22 process and Peace Officer Emergency Detention (POED). Kristi Taylor, Executive Director, shared the JCMH mission with attendees before welcoming Kyle Walker, Legal Systems Manager for ECHO and JCMH Collaborative Council member, who courageously shared her lived experience.

Travis County previously participated in a JCMH County Mental Health Law Plan, and we are encouraged to see the county continuing to bring partners together to strengthen collaboration and create meaningful, lasting impact. Thank you to Judges Needles and Williams for inviting our staff to participate in this insightful and engaging event.

01/16/2026

The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health will not hold its virtual Commission meeting today, January 16, 2026. JCMH staff are attending a Recognition of State Service Ceremony for Sonja Gaines, the former HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner for Behavioral Health and a former JCMH Commissioner.

Sonja Gaines devoted her career to public service and helped shape a more responsive and compassionate system of care in Texas. Her impact will be felt for years to come by colleagues, partners, the countless individuals and families she served.

A written report has been prepared in lieu of the JCMH meeting. Thank you for your understanding.

01/09/2026

NEW YEAR NEW SPECIAL PODCAST EPISODE! 🎙️

In this special New Year's episode, we are joined by Jessica Chevrier, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate at The Relationship Center of El Paso. She talks about workplace wellness, and how we can prevent systemic issues like burnout with practical, scalable interventions that promote sustainable wellbeing.

Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental Health · Episode

12/31/2025

Come work with us at the JCMH! We are hiring for two roles: Communications Manager & Program Management Specialist. We've got a great team and we get to do impactful work! Check out the job descriptions for more information and to apply.

Communications Manager:https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1461750/communications-manager-2025.pdf

Program Management Specialist:https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1461751/program-management-specialist-ii-2025.pdf