CA SB968

Requires California State University to employ at least one full-time equivalent mental health counselor per 1,500 students at each campus; requests same from University of California campuses.

Defines "mental health counselor" as a licensed professional providing individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, emergency services, referrals, or outreach to the campus community.

Mandates reporting to the Legislature by January 1, 2020, and every three years thereafter on mental health counselor employment numbers and how funding was spent at each campus.

Requires each campus to conduct surveys and focus groups at least every three years to assess student mental health needs, emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and academic success, with special attention to students of color.

Mandates campuses collect data on attempted suicides through self-reporting, counselor records, and known hospitalizations; data must be reported without personally identifiable information and comply with state and federal privacy laws.