Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

07/22/2026

The wait is over! The 2026 Judicial Summit on Mental Health Agenda at-a-Glance is now available.

Get a preview of this year's sessions, keynote topics, and event schedule as we prepare for two days of learning, collaboration, and innovation in mental health and the justice system.

Join us November 5–6, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas. Whether you attend in person or virtually, registration is free. In-person seating is limited, so register early to reserve your spot.

Agenda at-a-Glance:https://iemvirtual.com/wp-content/uploads/2026-JSMH-Agenda-at-a-Glance.pdf

Register to Attend: https://web.cvent.com/event/49c9d4d8-af1a-4a5d-8965-a81d4434ee48/summary

07/17/2026

This summer, the JCMH had the privilege of welcoming Jackson Boyer as an intern!

Jackson is a rising sophomore at Amherst University studying Law Jurisprudence and Social Thought and Economics on the pre-law track. Throughout the summer, he demonstrated a genuine commitment to learning about the intersection of the judicial system and mental health while contributing countless hours to JCMH projects, including the Summit and the Innovations Map.

We are incredibly grateful for Jackson's hard work, curiosity, and dedication. It has been a pleasure having him as part of the JCMH team, and we look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the future.

Thank you, Jackson!

07/16/2026

Several JCMH Commissioners and Collaborative Council Members recently shared their expertise during a hearing before the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services as it examined interim charges related to crisis services, mental health, homelessness, and substance use.

JCMH Commissioner Judge David "Dave" Jahn and Collaborative Council members Lee Johnson and Cpt. Shawn Edwards were invited to provide testimony, sharing their professional expertise on important issues affecting communities across Texas.

Please note: Judge Jahn, Lee Johnson, and Cpt. Shawn Edwards testified in their individual professional capacities and not on behalf of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health.

07/16/2026

NEW PODCAST EPISODE! 🎙️

This month, we're joined by Kristen Gooch and Liz Ross, co-founders of TUBU Fest, an award-winning theatre festival that showcases the work of playwrights, directors, and actors with disabilities. They discuss how TUBU Fest creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to share their stories, celebrate their talents, and strengthen community through the performing arts.

Listen to the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0WbyJ2U07fR8JwQBLIApge?si=N5JIdWodQumxplH9Hq4nIA

07/15/2026

🚨 Today's the Day — Last Chance to Register! 🚨

Join us today at 12:00 p.m. for Part 2 of our Summer Webinar Series as we examine what happens after an NGRI verdict, including inpatient commitment, treatment planning, court oversight, and the legal and clinical framework that guides recovery while protecting public safety.

Hear directly from expert panelists with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as they share their experience overseeing treatment and recovery for individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Texas.

Whether you joined us for Part 1 or are attending for the first time, this webinar offers valuable insight into one of the most complex intersections of the behavioral health and justice systems.

Register now:

What happens after a jury returns a verdict of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity is, for most legal practitioners, almost entirely unfamiliar territory. However, it is the phase of the process that most directly governs public safety, individual liberty, and the prospect of recovery. This webinar exa...

07/14/2026

In case you missed it: JCMH Commissioner Professor Brian Shannon was recently interviewed by KCBD about Lubbock County's efforts to explore a mental health diversion program.

During the interview, Professor Shannon discussed how AOT programs can connect eligible individuals with court-supervised treatment and services, helping reduce unnecessary incarceration while improving outcomes for people living with serious mental illness. He also highlighted how successful AOT programs in other Texas counties have reduced hospitalizations and strengthened long-term recovery.

Read more below:

Lubbock County stakeholders are exploring whether a formal mental health diversion program could keep qualifying offenders out of jail and into treatment, according to officials and advocates who spoke with KCBD’s Investigates Team.

07/14/2026

Our July episode of Reimagining Justice drops this Thursday!

This month, we’re featuring Kristen Gooch and Liz Ross, co-founders of TUBU Fest, an award-winning theatre festival showcasing the work of playwrights, directors, and actors with disabilities. They discuss how TUBU Fest creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to share their stories, celebrate their talents, and strengthen community through the performing arts.

Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation—you won't want to miss it!

07/13/2026

🚨 Only Two Days Left to Register! 🚨

What happens after a verdict of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity?

Join us this Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. for Part 2 of our Summer Webinar Series as we explore the next phase of the NGRI process, including inpatient commitment, treatment planning, court oversight, and the legal and clinical framework that guides recovery while protecting public safety.

This session features expert panelists from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), who will share their experience overseeing treatment and recovery for individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Texas.

Whether you joined us for Part 1 or are tuning in for the first time, this session offers valuable insight into one of the most complex areas where the behavioral health and justice systems intersect.

Register here: https://txcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a1QYJlUKTbeevQiaxfai7Q

There is no cost to attend the webinar, and attendees will have the opportunity to earn 1.5 hours of CLE credit.

What happens after a jury returns a verdict of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity is, for most legal practitioners, almost entirely unfamiliar territory. However, it is the phase of the process that most directly governs public safety, individual liberty, and the prospect of recovery. This webinar exa...

07/08/2026

🚨 One Week Away 🚨

Last call to register for Part 2 of our Summer Webinar Series on Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI).

The webinar begins at 12:00 p.m. and takes a closer look at what happens after an NGRI verdict, including inpatient commitment, treatment planning, court oversight, and the legal and clinical framework that guides recovery while protecting public safety. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here: https://txcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a1QYJlUKTbeevQiaxfai7Q

There is no cost to attend the webinar, and attendees will have the opportunity to earn 1.5 hours of CLE credit.

What happens after a jury returns a verdict of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity is, for most legal practitioners, almost entirely unfamiliar territory. However, it is the phase of the process that most directly governs public safety, individual liberty, and the prospect of recovery. This webinar exa...

07/07/2026

JCMH Executive Director Kristi Taylor and Assistant Director K**a Harris enjoyed presenting at the Texas Council Annual Conference on one of the most pressing behavioral health issues facing Texas: emergency detention law and policy.

Thank you to the Texas Council for the opportunity to continue these important conversations and advance collaborative solutions that improve outcomes for Texans experiencing behavioral health crises.