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State of Mental Health Panel - 1.5 CE hours
Monday July 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:50am CDT
Stars at Night Ballroom
CBMT Approved

Objectives:
  1. Identify the most significant challenges facing the State of Texas in providing community-based mental health services for children and adolescents. 
  2. Examine existing gaps in knowledge, access, and delivery of children’s mental health care.  
  3. Describe current innovative programs and emerging approaches aimed at improving mental health outcomes for children and adolescents.  
Statement of need:
This session will provide attendees with a current overview of the successes, challenges, gaps, and systemic factors impacting children’s mental health services in the State of Texas to support informed, evidence-based practice.  
Speakers
avatar for Senator José Menéndez

Senator José Menéndez

Texas State Senate
The son of immigrants, José Menéndez grew up working at his family’s small business located in San Antonio's West Side. During his terms in office, Menéndez passed over 245 bills that benefited children, seniors, veterans, and San Antonio families.  Senator Menéndez began... Read More →
avatar for Jessie Higgins, MA, LPC, LMFT

Jessie Higgins, MA, LPC, LMFT

Chief Mental Health Officer, City of San Antonio
Jessie Higgins is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a passion for improving community systems so that they are better able to provide excellent patient care and vulnerable populations are able to improve.   After graduating with... Read More →
avatar for Courtney Harvey, Ph.D., LPC-S,EOL Doula

Courtney Harvey, Ph.D., LPC-S,EOL Doula

Associate Commissioner for Mental Health Programs, Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Dr. Courtney Harvey is a Licensed Professional Counselor–Supervisor, End of Life Doula, and serves as the Associate Commissioner for Mental Health Programs within the Behavioral Health Services Division at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. She brings extensive experience... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Knudsen, LCSW, FACHE

Jessica Knudsen, LCSW, FACHE

CEO & President, Clarity Child Guidance Center
Jessica Knudsen, LCSW, FACHE, is the CEO and President of Clarity Child Guidance Center. Since joining Clarity CGC in 2019, she has successfully guided the nonprofit organization through the alarming negative effects in children’s social development, academic development, and emotional... Read More →
Monday July 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:50am CDT
Stars at Night Ballroom
  Keynote session

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