Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health

As May comes to a close, we want to recognize that mental health matters every month.

Mental health conditions can affect anyone. Compassion, understanding, and access to care can make a meaningful difference.

At TIEMH, we recognize the importance of creating systems, services, and communities that support mental health with compassion and respect.

There is treatment available: https://bit.ly/4tY1jAk

Through Project AWARE, schools across Texas are strengthening the ways they support student mental health and well-being.

The Voices of Texas video series highlights real stories from schools and communities working to create supportive environments where students can thrive.

In the latest Voices of Texas video, Principal Kash Greathouse shares how Rodriguez Elementary, San Marcos CISD in San Marcos Consolidated ISD uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to identify student needs, build strong partnerships with families, and foster a campus culture where students feel supported and valued.

From collaborative care teams to innovative spaces like the school’s motor lab, the campus has implemented systems that help students regulate emotions, strengthen social connections, and thrive in the classroom.

🎥 Watch the video: https://bit.ly/4tY4YhE

Happy Memorial Weekend!

As we observe Memorial Day and honor those who served, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health will be closed on Monday, May 25. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

The results are in! We're honored to share the winners of the 2026 Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest.

Thank you to everyone who submitted artwork this year. Each piece reflects a different perspective and reminds us that creativity can open doors to meaningful conversations about mental health. Every contribution helps shine a light on the topic of mental health.

Explore the winning artwork and the artists' stories:

🔗 https://bit.ly/4wcXWYQ

The judges of the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest met last week to select the 2026 winners and honorable mentions. Each entry shared a thoughtful and deeply personal perspective on what mental health means — highlighting how art can help us process experiences, express what’s hard to put into words, and build connection.

We’re honored to help share these stories and are looking forward to announcing the winners of this year's artwork next week.

Stay tuned for the announcement May 5th. 🧡

On April 15, the Texas Department of State Health Services hosted a Joint Committee on Access and Forensic Services (JCAFS) meeting. Research associates Annie Smith and Mahgul Mansoor from the Texas Behavioral Health and Justice (TXBHJ) Team shared a high-level overview of the major findings from a recent Length of Stay Study evaluating Texas state hospitals.

“We are very grateful to be able to share the experiences of hospital staff and are committed to ensuring their voices remain central to this work," Smith said.

Mansoor and Smith used both qualitative and quantitative data to identify factors that contribute to long hospital length of stay for individuals under forensic commitments. By examining literature alongside their own findings, the team aimed to develop actionable strategies that address barriers related to length of stay while maintaining safety and quality of care.

“It has been a great privilege to do this important work and have the state hospital staff trust us enough to tell their stories,” Mansoor said.

Check out the presentation here: https://bit.ly/4w1EQoA

We’re excited to share a new Early Childhood Resource Page focused on supporting infant and early childhood mental health in Texas.

This resource brings together practical tools, guidance, reports, and materials for systems, providers, and caregivers working with young children.

The collection highlights Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC), a prevention-based approach that helps strengthen the adults around young children and supports healthy social and emotional development from the start.

You’ll find implementation tools, readiness assessments, outreach materials, and evaluation resources designed to support real-world use across early childhood settings.

Explore the resource page: https://bit.ly/4vOB55x

www.tiemh.org

Organizational change takes more than a plan. It takes the right people, a thoughtful approach, and space to reflect on what effective implementation really requires.

Hosted by our Southwestern Plains Hub of the Center of Mental Health Implementation Support, Mordecai Dixon will be leading an interactive learning session on April 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT focused on the role of implementation support practitioners in organizational change.

During this session, participants will explore how to:
✔️ Assess change and organizational readiness
✔️ Identify key characteristics of effective implementation team members
✔️ Strengthen cross-functional collaboration
✔️ Apply the 4Rs of implementation planning

This learning opportunity is especially relevant for leaders in behavioral and mental health services, as well as those supporting operations, implementation, quality improvement, and data efforts.

👉 Learn more about the learning event: https://bit.ly/4mNy8OH

Role of Implementation Support Practitioners in Organizational Change - Center for Mental Health Implementation Support (CMHIS) Leaders in behavioral and mental health systems are constantly balancing multiple priorities—monitoring emerging needs, engaging communities, supporting individuals receiving services, and guiding organizational change. As…