Maryland Judge Receives Award for Mental Health Work
Judge Marina L. Sabett is honored for leading efforts to improve mental health outcomes for Maryland's justice system participants.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Mental Health
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Maryland District Court Judge Marina L. Sabett has received the 2026 Judge Stephen S. Goss Memorial Award for her leadership in improving mental health outcomes within the justice system. The national honor recognizes her work in bridging judicial practices and behavioral health support for Maryland residents.
Why it matters
This award highlights the ongoing efforts to integrate mental health and substance use care into the justice system, a critical area for improving outcomes for individuals with complex behavioral needs. It underscores Maryland's current focus on steering committees that align judicial procedures with clinical health strategies.
The 2026 award selection involved a national committee of judges, psychiatrists, and individuals with lived experience who reviewed candidates from 20 states. Only 2 recipients were chosen, recognizing leadership that addresses mental health and substance use needs within justice systems.
The players
Marina L. Sabett
An associate judge for the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County and the coordinate judge for behavioral health for the state's judiciary.
Judges & Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative
A collaborative partnership that presents awards to leaders working to improve outcomes for justice system participants with mental health needs.
The details
The Judge Stephen S. Goss Memorial Award acknowledges individuals who advance the intersection of law and behavioral health. Judge Sabett serves as the coordinate judge for behavioral health in Maryland, leading the Statewide Steering Committee on Behavioral Health and the Justice System to reform how courts manage participants with mental health needs. This initiative relies on multidisciplinary cooperation to ensure that those involved in the justice system receive appropriate clinical support.
Timeline
January 20, 2017: Judge Sabett began her service on the District Court of Maryland.
2026: Judge Sabett was named as a recipient of the Judge Stephen S. Goss Memorial Award.
Health Landscape
This award aligns with the national trajectory of the Judges & Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative, which works to formalize the role of behavioral health expertise within the judicial process. It marks a shift toward integrating clinical oversight directly into court steering committees.
For residents navigating the justice system, this focus on behavioral health signifies an increased prioritization of clinical support over purely punitive measures. If you or a loved one are facing legal issues involving mental health or substance use, it is worth discussing available court-led support resources with your attorney.
The takeaway
Recognizing the intersection of mental health and the judiciary is essential for creating more effective and compassionate community outcomes. For those interested in this field, following the work of statewide behavioral health steering committees can provide insight into how judicial policy evolves to better support mental health.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support wellness at the Mental Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
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