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2024 JCMH Summit

Nearly 1,200 people attended the 2024 Judicial Summit on Mental Health either online or in person at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, Texas. The one and a half-day conference attracted registrants who work in all 254 Texas counties. Additionally, we had registrants from all 39 local mental health authorities (LMHAs) and local behavioral health authorities (LBHAs).

This year, we had so many great speakers we wanted to feature that we broke Thursday afternoon into three breakout sessions. Each session had seven options for presentation topics - meaning attendees got to choose from 21 different presentations.

Th Summit has been approved for 9.75 continuing education hours, and 4.50 hours of ethics credit for judges and lawyers. An additional 4.50 hours will be available by video after the Summit. Videos will be posted on this page soon. For more information and the continuing education form, visit the Summit website. 

Thank you to all who joined us in person or online and to the many contributors who made it possible. We hope to see you for our 8th Annual Summit in 2024!

Every County Counts!

Whole Body, Whole Mind, Whole Texas

For the first time, we reached our goal of registering at least one person who works in every one of Texas's 254 counties for the Summit! Additionally, people from eight different states participated in this year's event. We also had at least one registrant from each of Texas's 39 local mental health authorities (LMHAs) and local behavioral health authorities (LBHAs).

Hon. Jane Bland, Justice, The Supreme Court of Texas, JCMH Chair

Hon. Barbara Hervey, Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, JCMH Chair

Kristi Taylor, J.D., Executive Director, Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

In the 1970s, thirty-two Texas men with intellectual disabilities were moved from Texas State Supported Living Centers to work in a turkey processing plant in Atalissa, Iowa. Lacking basic freedoms and foundational supports, the men were housed together in a converted schoolhouse and worked in abusive, neglectful conditions for more than 30 years. Robert Canino, who prosecuted the case of EEOC v. Hill Country Farms, Inc., dba Henry’s Turkey Services, will discuss how the EEOC used the Americans with Disabilities Act to win compensatory and punitive damages for intentional discrimination of the plaintiffs. The outcome of the case raised national awareness of similar situations across the country and illuminates the vital role in protecting and monitoring the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Presented by: 

Robert Canino, J.D., Regional Attorney, Dallas District Office, U.S. EEOC

Lesli Fitzpatrick, J.D., Director of Special Civil Litigation, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection between clinical expertise and legal frameworks in civil commitment cases. Participants will gain an understanding of the clinical assessments and legal criteria that guide commitment decisions, the challenges in balancing patient rights with public safety, and the procedures involved in performing a civil commitment. 

Presented by:

Daniela Chisolm, J.D., Senior Trial Attorney, El Paso County Attorney’s Office Mental Health Unit

Roberto Kutcher-Diaz, M.D., Psychiatry Fellow, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

What are the ethical considerations of representing a client with mental illness or intellectual disabilities? And how do you foster a work-life balance as the lawyer or system partner at the intersection of mental health and the judicial system? This session will provide concrete actions that individuals or organizations can make to continue to provide ethical representation and protect the wellbeing of the professionals involved.

Presented by: 

Jessica Chevrier, M.S., Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

In this session, a Dallas District Court Judge and the Special Programs Division Chief of the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office will discuss diversion techniques and considerations for the beginning of a case before formal diversion programs are considered.

Presented by: 

Hon. Raquel “Rocky” Jones, Presiding Judge, 203rd Judicial District Court, Dallas County

Vickie Rice, J.D., Special Programs Division Chief, Dallas County Public Defender’s Office

On Wednesday before the Summit, a few attendees experienced a simulation of the common barriers facing someone returning to society after a period of incarceration. This session discusses lessons learned during this simulation and underscores best practices in court diversion programs, early identification competency restoration, and re-entry.

Presented by: 

De’borah Jones-Poole, LCDC-I, Director of Reentry Initiatives, On Point Reentry Consortium

Rochion Gregg, Training Development Manager, On Point Reentry Consortium

By using mental health treatment and resources as a protective factor, practitioners can proactively address the mental health of children who find themselves in high-risk situations. This session emphasizes the importance of nurturing resilience and adaptability to address symptoms of grief and trauma before negative behaviors lead children to become involved in the criminal justice system.

Presented by: 

Julie Kaplow, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., Executive Vice President for Trauma and Grief Programs and Policy and Executive Director, Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health

Yolanda Lewis, M.P.A., Executive Vice President for Justice and Health and Executive Director, Center for Justice and Health, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute

This panel will explore the harmful effects of biases and stereotypes that affect girls and women within the criminal legal and mental health systems. It will specifically address stereotypes related to adultification, personality disorders, and addiction. Panelists will discuss strategies for professionals working within these systems to recognize and challenge their internal biases in ways that lead to more person-centered and equitable approaches.

Presented by:

Angel Carroll, Director of Advocacy, Measure

Marci Simmons, Director of Community Engagement, Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance

Jennifer Toon, Executive Director, Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance

Critical to the success of individuals who suffer from a substance use disorder is ensuring that evidence-based treatment services are available for their children and families. During this session, participants will review the importance of having access to and using a continuum of evidence-based substance use treatment resources—from in-patient residential treatment to outpatient services. Referral processes, case planning, use of family-based therapies, mental health services, and applying trauma-focused care for youth and families will all be discussed.

Presented by:

Erin Rodriguez, M.S., L.C.P.C., L.A.C., President and Owner, Selah Clinical Services P.C.

HHSC began the Jail In-Reach Learning Collaborative (JIRLC) in 2021 to support efforts to monitor and reduce the number of cases where defendants are found incompetent to stand trial in county jails. Learn from the successes and challenges the JIRLC and its participants have faced from its inception until now.

Presented by: 

Omar Hernandez, Waitlist In-Reach Coordinator, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Felix Torres, M.D., M.B.A., Chief of Forensic Medicine, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

This panel of judges, attorneys, and mental health experts will walk attendees through one or more real case fact patterns while identifying the points at which a child’s potential MH or IDD needs could be identified, the points at which the child could be diverted, & the appropriate services and dispositions that could be ordered.

Presented by:

Hon. Cyndi Porter Gore, Judge, Allen Municipal Court

Hon. Cynthia Wheless, Judge, 417th District Court, Collin County

Molly Davis, J.D., Director of Operations, JCMH

Lynn Hadnot, M.S., Director, Collin County Juvenile Probation Services

Jerri Clark is family resource and advocacy manager at Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC). Her work honors her son, who died from an under-treated severe bipolar disorder. In this session she will speak about how her lived experience has moved her to support system change for people with the most severe and disabling mental illness conditions and the people who love them.

Presented by:

Jerri Clark, Family Resource and Advocacy Manager, Treatment Advocacy Center

Attendees will explore methods for recognizing mental health issues among individuals involved in court proceedings, including strategies for identifying major MH disorders. The session will offer practical guidance on supporting individuals with mental illness in court. Additionally, this presentation will address the importance of fostering a healthy work environment for court staff, with a focus on mitigating stress and promoting self-care practices.

Presented by:

Hon. Brent Carr, Jurist-in-Residence, JCMH

Carol Nati, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, MHMR of Tarrant County

This presentation will teach attendees what it’s like to take on the multidisciplinary role of a Social Worker in a rural setting working with forensic mental health clients. Speakers will discuss the intersectionality of their roles, and how they use diversion tactics that focus on communication, early intervention, and collaboration. Information will be presented so that other counties may replicate these programs.

Presented by:

Robert Fox, Mental Health Deputy, Llano County Sheriff's Office

Wesley Patton, Community Paramedic Captain, Blanco County EMS

Jeff Phillips, Mental Health Deputy, Llano County Sheriff's Office

Christina Sanders, M.C.J., Mental Health Case Worker, Hill Country Regional Public Defender’s Office

The Downtown Austin Community Court uses a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to help people resolve outstanding cases. Learn how this is accomplished through completing activities that help resolve their experience with homelessness, such as participating in case management and accessing MH & substance use treatment.

Presented by:

Yvonne Mboss, L.C.S.W.-S, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, Downtown Austin Community Court

Jennifer Sowinski, L.C.S.W., Clinical Operations Manager, Downtown Austin Community Court

This session offers a step-by-step guide for developing and implementing a specialty court. Attendees will gain insights into key considerations such as stakeholder engagement, program development, legal frameworks, and effective case management strategies.

Presented by:

Hon. Victor Villarreal, Judge, Webb County Court-at-Law II

Morgan Miller, J.D., General Counsel, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department

Focusing on hands on experiences and practical insights from the Terrell State Hospital, this presentation offers a detailed look at the strategies employed to assess and address the needs of patients undergoing competency restoration at Texas State Hospitals.

Presented by:

Mark Messer, D.O., Superintendent and Medical Director, Terrell State Hospital

This presentation will use the lens of youth interactions with the judicial system to highlight alternatives to incarceration, early identification of at-risk individuals, and cross disciplinary collaborations to create safer and more resilient communities.

Presented by:

Kate Shaw, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., Regional Prevention Coordinator, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security

For a critical and often overlooked aspect of criminal justice and mental health care, attend this session regarding safeguarding the well-being of individuals involved in the justice system. We will explore strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating suicide risk among justice-involved individuals, who are disproportionately affected by mental health issues and suicidal ideation.

Presented by: 

Blake Harris, Ph.D., Director, Texas Veteran’s Commission

Terri Williams, L.P.C., Justice Involved Veterans Coordinator, Texas Veterans Commission

Research has proven that the more time mental health practitioners spend with patients who have experienced trauma, the higher the risk they have of experiencing vicarious trauma. The question that will be addressed: how do we provide adequate care for trauma patients and not become victims of vicarious trauma ourselves?

Presented by:

Aaron Salinas, D.N.P., APRN, FNPBC, PMHNP-BC, Assistant Professor/Nurse Practitioner, UTRGV /UT Health Rio Grande Valley

Patricia Lerma, M.A., Graduate Research Assistant, UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling

This powerful session takes attendees on a 360-degree journey through Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) by weaving together three critical perspectives: an AOT program graduate, an AOT judge, and a mental health prosecutor.

Presented by:

Hon. Joseph Strelitz, Judge Probate Court No. 1, El Paso County

Daniela Chisolm, J.D., Senior Trial Attorney, El Paso County Attorney’s Office Mental Health Unit

Isaac Pino, Dedicated Advocate, AOT Court Graduate

In the 2022-2023 school year, Emergence Health Network launched a CIT initiative with local school districts in El Paso to provide crisis emergency response and intervention. Find out how this CIT program uses a multi-disciplinary response to meet the needs of children and adolescents who are in crisis and students with disabilities, such as autism and IDD.

Presented by:

Bridgette Leyva, L.M.S.W., Director of Crisis Intervention Teams, Emergence Health Network

Specialty courts require a nuanced understanding of both their unique operational dynamics and the established practices that contribute to their effectiveness. If an established specialty court has recently come under your purview, this session is for you. This presentation will provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities faced by new judges, administrators, and practitioners stepping into these roles.

Presented by:

Hon. Raquel “Rocky” Jones, Presiding Judge, 203rd Judicial District Court, Dallas County

Hon. Lela Mays, Presiding Judge, 283rd District Court, Dallas County

This presentation will provide a high-level overview of individuals served in Texas State Hospitals. We will then provide considerations and implications for inpatient competency restoration, discuss treatment goals within state hospitals for those deemed IST, and enhance awareness of alternative pathways to competency restoration and least restrictive settings.

Presented by:

Kaylee Reza, L.C.S.W., Forensic Services Manager, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Felix Torres, M.D., M.B.A., Chief of Forensic Medicine, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Adolescent relationship abuse, also known as teen dating violence, has been on the rise for more than three decades. In this session, the presenter will discuss why youth will or will not disclose issues in their relationship; if they do inform someone, why they choose that particular person(s); and how to build trust and confidence in youth seeking help.

Presented by:

Patricia Lerma, M.A., Graduate Research Assistant, UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling

Learn how animals can be used in the justice system to promote positive mental health outcomes. This presentation includes a visit from a therapy dog and research from a current case study.

Presented by:

Hon. Charles Stephens, Judge, Comal County Court at Law #2

Amy Binder, Ed.D., MA, MAT, LPC, CPDT-KA, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Florida; Founder/Director, Teacher's Pet Michigan

In this session you will learn about the cutting-edge treatment methods that may be appearing in your treatment court or defendant’s treatment plans and how to best utilize them to assist in promoting a defendant’s progress.

Presented by:

Kelly Bellamy, BSW, LCDC, Owner, PSI Mitigation & Counseling

James Montgomery, M.D., Addiction Psychiatrist, APN-DFW

In this session, you'll hear from a County Court at Law Judge and a trauma therapist who partnered to use trauma-informed practices in the Transformative Youth Justice program in Travis County, a court-led diversion program utilizing holistic, community-centered approaches to provide participants developmentally appropriate support, intervention, and mentorship.

Presented by:

Hon. Denise Hernandez, Judge, Travis County Court at Law #6

Diana Anzaldua, L.C.S.W., Clinical Director, Austin Trauma Therapy Center

Domestic Violence Courts target the domestic violence offender with the intent to reduce recidivism among this population through intense supervision by multidisciplinary team. Hear from two judges who preside over these unconventional, but effective, treatment courts.

Presented by:

Hon. Tammy Kemp, Presiding Judge, 204th Judicial District Court, Dallas County

Hon. Rosie Speedlin-Gonzalez, Judge, Bexar County Court #13 and REFLEJO Court 

This module introduces practitioners to the research and the importance of engaging in and utilizing contingency management skills and processes. This session will allow participants to review and understand the research on contingency management and how teams can support families by using a therapeutic response to behavior to improve outcomes.

Presented by:

Erin Rodriguez, M.S., L.C.P.C., L.A.C., President, Selah Clinical Service PC

Hon. Rebeca Aizpuru Huddle, Justice, Supreme Court of Texas, JCMH Deputy Liaison

Hon. Jesse F. McClure, III, Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, JCMH Deputy Liaison

Leading experts and policymakers Professor Brian Shannon and Dr. Courtney Harvey will share the top priorities and proposed initiatives from the JCMH and HHSC aimed at advancing mental health care and support across Texas in the 2025 Legislative Session.

Presented by:

Courtney Harvey, Ph.D., Associate Commissioner, Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Office of Mental Health Collaboration

Prof. Brian D. Shannon, J.D., Horn Distinguished Professor, Texas Tech University School of Law

JCMH traveled to nine counties this year for the County Mental Health Law Plan Workshops. The nine counties analyzed how their counties stack up in the areas of Civil Commitment, Early Intervention, Mental Health Courts, and Competency Restoration. JCMH Executive Director Kristi Taylor will tell you what we’ve learned and how to troubleshoot problems and apply best practices in your own county.

Presented by:

Kristi Taylor, J.D., Executive Director, Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

In this presentation, Dr. Blake Harris delves into how the Risk-Needs- Responsivity Model—an evidence-based framework designed to assess and address the criminogenic risks and needs of offenders—can be effectively adapted to meet the unique challenges faced by justice-involved veterans. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to tailor risk assessments, identify specific needs related to trauma, mental health, and substance abuse, and apply targeted interventions that align with veterans' individual responsivity factors.

Presented by:

Blake Harris, Ph.D., Director, Texas Veteran’s Commission

Be prepared with practical de-escalation and crisis negotiation techniques that can be employed by judges, court staff, and other professionals to maintain a safe and orderly environment while addressing the needs of individuals exhibiting disruptive or distressing behavior. Attendees will learn key approaches for effectively calming tense situations, minimizing conflict, and facilitating constructive communication with parties in crisis.

Presented by:

Melvin Bowser, Mental Health Trainer, Texas Commission on Jail Standards

Sgt. Shawn Edwards, Mental Health Officer, Burleson County Sheriff’s Office

Eric Fox, Law Enforcement Liaison, Central Counties Services