Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

06/17/2026

Are you prepared to handle a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) case?

Join us for NGRI Basics, part one of the JCMH Summer Webinar Series, featuring a panel of experts with extensive experience in forensic psychiatry, criminal defense, and the courts.

Our speakers include:

Dr. Maureen Burrows, board-certified forensic psychiatrist, affiliate faculty member at Dell Medical School, and expert witness who has provided forensic testimony in more than 150 cases over the past five years.

Krista Chacona, J.D., Austin criminal defense attorney whose practice focuses on representing individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other complex behavioral health needs.

Associate Judge Nelda Cacciotti, Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2, former Chief of the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office Mental Health Unit, and Commissioner on the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health.

This webinar will provide a foundational overview of the NGRI process in Texas, including the legal standards for insanity, forensic evaluations, court proceedings, and what happens after an NGRI verdict. Whether you are a judge, attorney, behavioral health professional, or justice system stakeholder, this session will offer practical insights from professionals who work with these cases every day.

Register today: https://txcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rSV0wM35TtWtQqJKQLm4PQ

06/10/2026

Registration is now open for the JCMH Summer Webinar Series!

This three-part series will explore different aspects of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI), one of the most complex and often misunderstood intersections of criminal law, constitutional doctrine, and clinical psychiatry in the Texas legal system.

Our first session begins in just two weeks and features Judge Nelda Cacciotti, Dr. Maureen Burrows, and Defense Attorney Krista Chacona as they provide a foundational overview of NGRI and set the stage for the sessions that follow.

Participants will receive 1.5 hours of CLE credit for each webinar.

Register for June 24: https://txcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rSV0wM35TtWtQqJKQLm4PQ #/registration

Register for July 15: https://txcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a1QYJlUKTbeevQiaxfai7Q #/registration

Register for August 26: https://txcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qHeQ4OKTSwK-YHZAIRuE2Q #/registration

06/05/2026

NEW PODCAST EPISODE! 🎙️

This episode features Laura Elmore LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Sobering Center. She shares what you need to know about the Sobering Center and the vital role it plays in supporting the Austin-Travis County community.

Listen to the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SFuRjvbbonqMigVBXJGCc?si=zMolVaqhQnuRcNvBFS3phw

Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental Health · Episode

06/04/2026

We still have SIM Mapping spots available! If your county is interested in strengthening collaboration across systems and improving outcomes for individuals with mental health needs, we encourage you to apply today.

Join this collaborative process to identify gaps, strengthen connections, and create meaningful change in your community.

Learn more and apply here:https://www.texasjcmh.gov/media/eeqaz3zt/jcmh-rural-sim-application.pdf

06/03/2026

This month, we’re featuring Laura Elmore LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Sobering Center. She shares what you need to know about the Sobering Center and the vital role it plays in supporting the Austin-Travis County community. Tune in to learn more about their impact and the services they provide—you won’t want to miss this episode!

05/29/2026

This October, JCMH Executive Director Kristi Taylor will be speaking at the Criminal Justice Mental Health Conference, where she will share her expertise in understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on behavior, brain development in youth, and the important role grief plays in the lives of young people. She will also highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and improve system-wide outcomes at the intersection of mental health and justice.

05/28/2026

After 17 years on the bench, Judge Leon Grizzard has retired from one of Texas’s first mental health courts, leaving a lasting impact on our justice system. Known for his compassion, integrity, and deep expertise in mental health law, Judge Grizzard has been a true champion for those navigating the intersection of mental illness and the law. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary legacy. Thank you, Judge Grizzard.

05/27/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Month ends, we are reminded that mental health matters every day, not just this month.

If you or someone you know needs support, you’re not alone. For resources, visit texasjcmh.gov.

05/26/2026

Thank you to all of our JCMH Commissioners and Collaborative Councilmembers who were able to attend our Commission Meeting on May 15! We are grateful to each of our Commissioners for their continued dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving outcomes at the intersection of mental health and justice every day.

05/26/2026

Today is the deadline to apply to speak at the 9th Annual Judicial Summit on Mental Health!

There’s still time to submit your presentation proposal for this year’s Summit, taking place November 5–6, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, Texas.

Have a great idea for a session or presentation? We’d love to hear from you!

The application closes tonight at 11:59 PM CST: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRVTZSP