2025 Mental Health & Substance Use Summit

Join Us at the UT-Thompson Conference Center for the TCHM Summit!
Dive into a full day of dynamic panels, expert insights, and meaningful networking focused on behavioral and mental health policy. CE credits will be provided for each session. Panels will spotlight education around funding, skill-building with media and capitol staff, and pressing issues impacting our communities today. Whether you're a policymaker, advocate, professional, or interested in any of these topoics this is your chance to join the conversations that will help the future of how we can approach the issues of mental health and substance use. Be part of the conversation—drive change for the upcoming session!

The event is free, but registration is required.

This is conference is made possible by generous donations from: H.E. Butt Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of NASW-TX, Continuing Education credits will be available for each session.

Info: Registration opens at 9:00 AM — come early for breakfast tacos, coffee, and conversation!

We’ll kick things off right at 10:00 AM, so don’t miss it!

Info: This plenary provides a legislative and policy overview of Article II of the Texas state budget, which encompasses health and human services funding. Panelists will discuss key investments and policy decisions shaping Texas’ approach to mental health and substance use—across youth, adult, and community systems of care.

Info: This panel will focus on policy and community collaboration to address youth substance use and mental health, especially in the context of public safety. Expect discussion on:

Juvenile justice reform and diversion programs.

School safety and mental health integration.

Community-based recovery models and cross-sector partnerships.

Potential Key Questions Explored:

How can Texas balance youth recovery with public safety concerns?

What role do schools, law enforcement, and health providers play?

Are there bipartisan efforts or pilot programs showing promise?

Info: Get the inside scoop from seasoned reporters on what makes a story sing—and how to make your message impossible to ignore. Hear directly from reporters about what grabs attention, builds trust, and keeps your message from getting lost in the noise. Learn how to frame your story for impact—and what to avoid when working with the media.

Tabletop Exercise: Making the "Ask"

Info: This panel explores how AI-powered tools—ranging from mental health apps and chatbots to virtual companions and educational platforms—are shaping the emotional and social lives of young people in Texas. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, especially for digitally native youth, questions arise about its role in addressing or exacerbating loneliness, isolation, and emotional development. The discussion will consider both the potential benefits and unintended consequences of AI as a source of support, connection, and influence.

Info: A conversation with Harvey Kronberg, seasoned Capitol observer and publisher of the Quorum Report, sharing stories and insights from decades covering Texas politics.

Info: Go beyond the talking points. Hear directly from legislative staff about how to effectively engage with lawmakers and their teams—during the session and the interim. Learn what opens doors (and what quietly closes them), and practice turning your message into a compelling, one-minute pitch that sticks.

Tabletop Exercise: Crafting Your Elevator Pitch for Impact

Info: This panel explores community-level strategies to support youth recovery and mental health. Topics may include:

Peer support networks, family engagement, and trauma-informed care.

Workforce development for youth-serving professionals.

Local innovations in recovery housing, school-based supports, and wraparound services.

Potential Key Questions Explored:

What defines a “recovery-ready” community for youth?

How can Texas scale successful local models?

What partnerships are essential for long-term impact?

Info: This panel addresses geographic disparities in access to care, especially for youth in rural Texas. Topics may include:

Telehealth expansion and broadband challenges.

Culturally responsive care and community trust-building.

Potential Key Questions Explored:

What are the biggest barriers rural youth face in accessing care?

How can Texas ensure equitable funding and service delivery?

Are there successful rural models that could be replicated?

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