Why Therapy Works
Talking to a trained counselor can help you:
- Understand your feelings better
- Learn healthy ways to cope with stress
- Work through difficult experiences
- Build better relationships
- Find hope when life feels overwhelming
Therapy is for everyone. You don’t need to be “crazy” or in crisis. Many people go to therapy just to have someone listen without judgment.
How Much Does Therapy Cost in Kenya?
Free or Low-Cost Options
- County hospitals: KES 100-500 per session
- University counseling centers (if you’re a student): Free
- Faith-based organizations: Often free or donation-based
- NGO programs: Free for specific groups (youth, abuse survivors, etc.)
Mid-Range Options
- Private counseling centers: KES 2,000-4,000 per session
- Group therapy: KES 500-1,500 per session (cheaper than individual)
Higher-End Options
- Private psychologists/psychiatrists: KES 5,000-15,000 per session
- Specialized clinics: KES 8,000-20,000 per session
Tip: Many counselors offer sliding scale fees based on what you can afford. Always ask!
Therapy & Counselling in Nairobi
Affordable Options
-
Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital
- Location: Kirichwa Road, Nairobi
- Cost: Very affordable (government rates)
- Services: Psychiatrists, counselors, medication
-
Amani Counselling Centre & Training Institute
- Multiple locations in Nairobi
- Cost: Around KES 1,500-3,000
- Services: Individual, couples, family therapy
-
Oasis Africa
- Location: Westlands, Nairobi
- Cost: Sliding scale (affordable options available)
- Services: Counseling, support groups
Mid to Higher Range
-
Chiromo Hospital Group
- Locations: Parklands, Westlands, Ruaraka
- Cost: KES 5,000+ per session
- Services: Full mental health services, psychiatry
-
Nairobi Women’s Hospital
- Cost: Around KES 4,000-6,000
- Services: Psychology, psychiatry, maternal mental health
-
The Retreat
- Location: Karen
- Cost: Higher-end pricing
- Services: Residential and outpatient mental health care
University Counseling (Free for Students)
- University of Nairobi - Counseling Center
- Kenyatta University - Student Wellness Center
- Strathmore University - Counseling Services
- USIU - Student Support Services
Therapy & Counselling in Mombasa
-
Coast Provincial General Hospital
- Location: Mombasa town
- Cost: Government rates (affordable)
- Services: Mental health department
-
The Mombasa Hospital
- Cost: KES 3,000-5,000
- Services: Psychiatry, counseling
-
Pandya Memorial Hospital
- Cost: Mid-range
- Services: Mental health services
-
The Aga Khan Hospital, Mombasa
- Cost: Higher range
- Services: Psychiatry and counseling
Therapy & Counselling in Kisumu
-
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH)
- Cost: Government rates
- Services: Mental health unit
-
Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu
- Cost: Mid to higher range
- Services: Mental health services
-
Kisumu County Referral Hospital
- Cost: Affordable
- Services: Mental health department
Online Therapy in Kenya
Online therapy is great if you:
- Live far from major cities
- Have a busy schedule
- Feel more comfortable talking from home
- Want more privacy
Online Therapy Providers
-
Shammah Counseling Centre
- Phone/WhatsApp: 0722 723 589
- Services: Phone and video counseling
- Cost: Affordable rates
-
Talk to Hear Kenya
- Platform: Phone, WhatsApp, video
- Services: Individual and group support
- Cost: Varies (ask when you call)
-
AfyaMind
- Platform: Mobile app
- Services: Mental health support and resources
-
Tele-psychiatry through Major Hospitals
- Many hospitals now offer video appointments
- Call the hospital to ask about online options
How Online Therapy Works
- You book an appointment via phone, WhatsApp, or website
- Pay through M-Pesa (usually)
- Meet your counselor through video call or phone
- Sessions are private and confidential
Other Counties
Most county referral hospitals have mental health departments. Ask for:
- “The psych unit”
- “Mental health services”
- “Counseling department”
Don’t be shy—the staff will direct you to the right place.
How to Book Your First Therapy Session
Step 1: Choose Where to Go
Think about:
- What can you afford?
- How far can you travel?
- Do you prefer in-person or online?
Step 2: Contact Them
- Call or WhatsApp the facility
- Say: “I’d like to book a counseling appointment”
- They’ll ask basic questions and schedule you
Step 3: Prepare for Your First Session
You don’t need to prepare much, but you can:
- Write down what you want to talk about
- Bring any medical records if you have them
- Arrive a few minutes early
Step 4: During the Session
- Be honest with your counselor
- It’s okay to feel nervous
- Don’t worry about crying or feeling emotional
- You can change counselors if you don’t feel comfortable
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Counselor/Psychologist
- Trained to talk through problems
- Can diagnose mental health conditions
- Cannot prescribe medication
- Use talk therapy, CBT, and other techniques
Psychiatrist
- Medical doctor specializing in mental health
- Can prescribe medication
- Often work with psychologists
- Handle more severe mental health conditions
Psychiatric Nurse
- Nurse trained in mental health
- Often work in hospitals
- Can provide counseling and monitor medication
What to Expect in Therapy
First Session (Assessment)
- Counselor asks about your history
- You explain what brought you in
- Together, you create a plan
Following Sessions
- You talk about your challenges
- Counselor helps you find solutions
- You practice new coping skills
- You track your progress
How Long Does Therapy Take?
- Some people feel better after 3-6 sessions
- Others need months or longer
- It depends on your situation
Common Questions
”How do I know if I need therapy?”
If you’re:
- Feeling sad, anxious, or angry most days
- Having trouble sleeping or eating
- Struggling with relationships or work
- Feeling hopeless
- Using alcohol/drugs to cope
…it’s a good time to talk to someone.
”What if I don’t like my counselor?”
It’s okay to switch! A good fit matters. You should feel comfortable and understood.
”Will they tell my family?”
No. Counselors keep everything confidential unless you’re in danger or harming someone else.
”Do I need a referral?”
For government hospitals: Sometimes yes. Ask your local dispensary or health center. For private centers: Usually no, you can book directly.
Emergency Mental Health Help
If you or someone you know is in crisis (thinking about suicide, hearing voices, etc.):
- Kenya Red Cross Toll-Free Line: 1199
- Befrienders Kenya (24/7): 0722 178 177
- National Police Service: 999 or 112
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room
Take the First Step
Finding help is brave. You deserve to feel better. Start by:
- Saving these contacts in your phone
- Talking to someone you trust
- Calling one of the centers listed above
- Booking your first appointment
Remember: The hardest part is reaching out. Once you do, you’re already on the path to healing.