Dr. Elizabeth Miller Reappointed to the Texas PANS Advisory Council
Strengthening Care for Children with Sudden-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorders
We are honored to share that Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Dr. Elizabeth Miller, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT-S, to continue serving on the Texas Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Advisory Council for the 2026 term.
This reappointment reflects Dr. Miller’s ongoing leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to helping families navigate the complex intersection of mental health, immune function, and sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms.
The Council includes physicians, mental health professionals, researchers, family advocates, and leaders from across Texas, all collaborating to strengthen early identification, evidence-based treatment, and statewide awareness of PANS and PANDAS.
What Is PANS/PANDAS And Why Does This Council Matter?
Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are neuroimmune conditions that can cause a sudden and dramatic onset of symptoms such as:
Severe anxiety
OCD behaviors
Motor or vocal tics
Emotional regression
Eating restriction
Behavioral changes
Cognitive challenges
Sleep disruption
Because symptoms can appear overnight, families often feel scared, confused, and unsure where to turn. Misdiagnosis is common, and treatment often requires a coordinated team that spans medical, psychological, and immune-focused care.
The Texas PANS Advisory Council plays an essential role in:
Developing clinical guidelines
Improving access to diagnosis and treatment
Supporting ongoing research
Providing education to Texas families, educators, and clinicians
Recommending statewide policies to improve outcomes
Reducing stigma and increasing understanding
Dr. Miller’s voice on this council helps ensure mental health providers are included in conversations about whole-person, trauma-informed, and family-centered care.
Dr. Miller’s Contribution
As an integrative psychotherapist specializing in trauma, neurobiology, and the mind–body connection, Dr. Miller brings a unique and necessary perspective to this work. She has worked with children and teens experiencing sudden-onset anxiety, OCD symptoms, and emotional dysregulation, and she understands the profound impact these disorders have on the entire family system.
Her contributions to the council include:
Advocating for earlier mental health involvement in evaluation and treatment plans
Supporting trauma-sensitive and developmentally appropriate care
Helping families understand the neurobiological roots of sudden behavioral changes
Promoting collaboration between mental health clinicians and medical providers
Bringing the lived experiences of families into policy and practice discussions
Above all, she brings compassion. Dr. Miller is deeply dedicated to ensuring that families feel seen, supported, and guided toward the right resources at the right time.
Why This Matters for Texas Families
This reappointment is more than professional recognition, it is a step toward better care for children and adolescents across our state. With continued collaboration at the statewide level, Texas can:
Improve early recognition of PANS/PANDAS
Expand access to qualified providers
Reduce unnecessary suffering due to delayed diagnoses
Increase awareness in schools and pediatric clinics
Ensure families receive comprehensive, integrative support
At Well Mind Body, we believe that mental health care must address the whole child, brain, body, and environment especially when symptoms feel sudden, overwhelming, or unfamiliar.
We are proud of Dr. Miller’s continued service, advocacy, and leadership in this critical area.
For Families Seeking Support
If your child has experienced sudden changes in mood, anxiety, behaviors, or functioning, you are not alone and you deserve answers.
Our team at Well Mind Body is here to help you navigate next steps with clarity and compassion.
📍 Houston & Virtual | wellmindbody.co
📧 info@wellmindbody.co
📞 (832) 303-1228
Together, we can build greater understanding, stronger systems of care, and healthier futures for the children of Texas.
