Business Details
27 Years
experience
Mental Health Advocacy & Collaboration in Tarrant County
Mental Health Connection is a collaborative network of dues-paying members dedicated to transforming the mental health service system through long-term systemic changes and responsive solutions to community needs. Established in 1999 following the Wedgwood Baptist Church shooting, our organization was founded by local mental health leaders who recognized the urgent need for improved access to quality mental health services. Over 100 member organizations, including county agencies, hospitals, schools, and individual practitioners, work together to address systemic challenges and emerging mental health issues. Our initiatives focus on professional development, resource alignment, and partnership-building to enhance care quality and outcomes.We provide discounted training opportunities, continuing education units, networking platforms, and collaborative frameworks to strengthen the mental health workforce. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in mental health, education, and nonprofit management, ensuring strategic direction grounded in community needs. Through targeted communications and member-driven initiatives, we foster innovation and equity in mental health service delivery. Our work reflects a deep commitment to community wellbeing, organizational excellence, and sustainable systems change that benefits all Tarrant County residents.
Services
Training Programs
CEU Certification
Networking Events
Job Placement
Policy Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer discounted training opportunities with continuing education units for mental health professionals
- Our network connects over 100 member organizations for cross-sector collaboration and resource sharing
- We provide exclusive job board access for mental health workforce development
- Our team includes certified fundraising executives with decades of nonprofit leadership experience
- We facilitate monthly expert-led meetings addressing emerging mental health challenges
Services
Training Programs
Our training programs deliver specialized mental health education with continuing education units for professionals. These initiatives focus on communication, resilience, and staff development through workshops and online learning modules. Participants gain practical skills to enhance client care and organizational effectiveness while connecting with industry experts.
CEU Certification
We provide accredited continuing education units through expert-led sessions and collaborative training programs. These certifications help mental health professionals maintain licensure requirements while staying current with best practices. Our CEU offerings combine theoretical knowledge with real-world applications to improve service delivery across Tarrant County.
Networking Events
Monthly meetings and networking opportunities connect mental health professionals with industry leaders and member organizations. These events facilitate knowledge sharing, partnership development, and collaborative problem-solving for systemic challenges. Participants build valuable relationships that enhance resource sharing and service coordination.
Job Placement
Our exclusive job board connects mental health professionals with employment opportunities across member organizations. This service supports workforce development by matching qualified candidates with positions that align with their expertise. Employers benefit from targeted access to skilled professionals committed to community mental health.
Policy Advocacy
We drive long-term improvements in mental health services through policy advocacy and collaborative planning. Our initiatives identify systemic gaps and develop sustainable solutions that address both chronic challenges and emerging needs. This work involves cross-agency task forces and strategic partnerships to create equitable access to care.
People
Christina Judge
Executive Director
Christina Judge is a nonprofit leader with 30+ years of experience in mental health, healthcare, and child welfare. She directs Mental Health Connection with expertise in organizational development and strategic communications.
Lauren Pohl
Office & Membership Coordinator
Lauren Pohl manages membership operations with administrative expertise and a background in finance and esthetics. She connects with members and stakeholders to support organizational growth and community impact.
Kim Brennan
Strategic Initiatives Director
Kim Brennan leads training and organizational development initiatives with a decade of education and social work experience. She develops leadership programs and collaborative frameworks to strengthen mental health systems.
Ashley Elgin
Board Chair
Dr. Ashley Elgin serves as Board Chair while leading Lena Pope as CEO. Her leadership combines executive experience with a commitment to advancing mental health services through governance and strategic direction.
Matthew Robison
Board Vice Chair
Matthew Robison contributes clinical and administrative expertise as Executive Director of Child Study Center. His board role supports policy development and organizational strategy for improved mental health outcomes.
Questions
What mental health workforce development programs do you offer?
We provide discounted training opportunities with continuing education units (CEUs), monthly expert-led meetings, and a Mental Health Leadership Certificate Program to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
Who can join Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County?
Membership is open to nonprofit service providers, hospitals, school districts, universities, child welfare agencies, county officials, individual practitioners, and impacted community members.
How does your organization improve mental health services?
We strengthen mental health systems through collaboration, professional development, and organizational partnerships that improve care quality and access for Tarrant County residents.
What training resources are available to members?
Members receive discounted or free training opportunities, access to a Learning Management System, and specialized programs like our Mental Health Leadership Certificate initiative.
How was your organization established?
Founded in 1999 after the Wedgwood Baptist Church shooting, we began as a coalition of local mental health leaders working to improve access to quality mental health services countywide.
