HI SB1164

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hire three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) psychologists to provide student mental health services.

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hire one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) case manager to provide student mental health services.

Addresses findings that college counseling centers are understaffed, with UH Manoa having only 7.5 FTE psychologists for an enrollment of 20,000 students despite national guidelines recommending one licensed psychologist per 1,000-1,500 students.

Notes that UH Manoa's counseling center experiences significant waitlists for non-urgent services, with initial intake appointments ranging from five days to two and a half weeks at peak times.

Takes effect on July 1, 2017.