Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

09/02/2026

JCMH Executive Director Kristi Taylor and Assistant Director K**a Harris recently attended All Rise 2026 in Nashville where they learned about the latest research regarding specialty courts.

The conference brought together professionals from across the justice system, behavioral health providers, researchers, recovery leaders, and others working to improve outcomes.

08/28/2026

Missed a session from our 2026 Summer Webinar Series? It’s not too late to catch up!

You can now watch the replays from the series on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wGuG-6LHevHfpgzdyAnGx5OCzp-7GPR&si=2USRTFivNSWQtdBS

If you missed a session and would like to receive credit for watching the replay, simply complete the form linked in the video description after viewing the recording.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Summer Webinar Series!

08/28/2026

The detailed agenda for the 9th Annual Judicial Summit on Mental Health is officially here!

Take a look at the newly released agenda to explore confirmed session topics, timing, and more as we prepare for this year’s Summit.

View the detailed agenda now:https://iemvirtual.com/wp-content/uploads/2026-JSMH-Detailed-Agenda.pdf

08/26/2026

🚨 Today's the Day! 🚨

The final part of the JCMH Summer Webinar Series is happening TODAY at 12:00 p.m. You don't want to miss it!

Join us for Part 3: Conditional Release Following an NGRI Verdict, as a distinguished panel of legal, judicial, clinical, and community experts examines the framework governing the transition from inpatient treatment to community supervision.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight into one of the least-understood areas of Texas mental health law.

Join us today at 12:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register:

The court's jurisdiction over a person acquitted by reason of insanity does not end with inpatient discharge. The legal, clinical, and supervisory framework that governs conditional release is among the least-understood areas of Texas mental health law. This webinar brings together a judge, a prosec...

08/24/2026

Thank you to Governor Greg Abbott and the Office of the Texas Governor for highlighting the many programs and initiatives of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health on the Governor’s website.

We appreciate the opportunity to share JCMH resources with a broader audience, including information on diversion courts, the Court Liaison Pilot Program, SIM Mapping, and more.

To explore all JCMH programs and initiatives, visit: https://texasjcmh.gov/

https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/criminal-justice-and-public-safety-models

People with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, brain injuries, dementia, autism, and other communication-related disabilities may face increased risk of misunderstanding, escalation, or unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system...

08/20/2026

🚨 One Week Away 🚨

Join us on August 26 at 12:00 p.m. as a distinguished panel of legal, judicial, clinical, and community experts explores what happens after inpatient treatment and the framework governing conditional release following an NGRI verdict.

The webinar will examine court jurisdiction, conditions of release, review hearings, revocation standards, victim notification requirements, and the balance between individual liberty and public safety. Presenters will also discuss the practical challenges of community supervision and the coordination required among courts, LMHAs, probation, and treatment providers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into one of the least-understood areas of Texas mental health law and the transition from inpatient treatment to community supervision.

Register here: https://txcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qHeQ4OKTSwK-YHZAIRuE2Q

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

08/18/2026

Earlier this month, JCMH Communications Manager Kiley Phillips attended the Conference of Court Public Information Officers in Minneapolis, connecting with court communicators from across the country and learning new strategies to support the work of the JCMH.

The conference featured sessions on emerging communication tools, including AI, accessible design, working with journalists, judicial security, developing engaging stories, and effectively communicating during high-profile events.

Kiley came back with new ideas, resources, and connections that will help support JCMH’s continued communications efforts throughout the state.

08/17/2026

The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health is pleased to announce the five counties selected to participate in Cohort Two of the Court Liaison Pilot Program:

📍 Brown County

📍 Burnet County

📍 Hays County

📍 Hopkins County

📍 Tom Green County

Made possible through legislative funding, the Court Liaison Pilot Program supports local courts in improving outcomes for individuals with mental health needs by enhancing coordination between the justice system, behavioral health providers, and community partners.

Over the next four years, these counties will receive funding, technical assistance, and data collection support to implement and sustain court liaison positions that help connect individuals to services and reduce barriers to treatment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to every county that submitted an application. The strong interest in this program reflects the dedication of communities across Texas to improving outcomes for individuals with mental health needs who interact with the justice system.

Congratulations to the selected counties. We look forward to partnering with you as you work to strengthen local responses at the intersection of mental health and justice.

08/12/2026

Join us on August 26 for Part 3 of the JCMH’s Summer Webinar Series as a distinguished panel of legal, judicial, clinical, and community experts examine the framework governing conditional release following an NGRI verdict.

This webinar will explore the scope and limits of ongoing court jurisdiction, the structure and conditions of conditional release, review hearing standards and procedures, and the legal and clinical thresholds that govern revocation. The session will also address victim notification requirements, the balance between individual liberty and public safety, and the interagency coordination required among courts, LMHAs, probation, and treatment providers to make community supervision work.

Presenters will also discuss the practical challenges of supervising individuals in the community, including the impact of varying treatment resources across the state. Where available, data and outcomes on conditional release populations will help ground the discussion in evidence and inform future policy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into one of the least-understood areas of Texas mental health law and the critical transition from inpatient treatment to community supervision.

Register today:

The court's jurisdiction over a person acquitted by reason of insanity does not end with inpatient discharge. The legal, clinical, and supervisory framework that governs conditional release is among the least-understood areas of Texas mental health law. This webinar brings together a judge, a prosec...

08/11/2026

NEW PODCAST EPISODE! 🎙️

This month, we're joined by Alyse Ferguson, President of Bralle Home and Of Counsel with Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian. She shares an inside look at how Bralle Home supports individuals with mental health needs and fills critical gaps in the mental health care system. Alyse also discusses what life looks like for residents and the organization’s vision for the future.

Listen to the episode here:

This episode features Alyse Ferguson, President of Bralle Home and Of Counsel with Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian.Bralle Home is a residential program that supports individuals with mental health needs. Alyse shares an inside look at how Bralle Home fills critical gaps in the mental health care system...