+254722457898WHO estimates that 60% of people attending primary care clinics have diagnosable mental disorder (WHO: 2008). Clearly, the burden of psychological illnesses is on the rise and there’s a need for more people to access free therapy/affordable mental health and psychological counselling services in Kenya. Mental disorders increase the risk of getting ill from other diseases such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and vice-versa especially when they are not addressed early enough. Notably, unaffordability, stigma and discrimination against patients and families prevent people from seeking mental health care.
Whereas mental health services can be quite costly especially in private clinics, below is a list of some institutions which offer free psychological counseling services in Nairobi, Kenya for those looking for mental health and psychological support. The mental health centres/organisations offer online and physical counselling and free mental health support and resources meaning you can contact the institutions from wherever you may be. You can also visit the facilities for help. In case you are distress psychologically or emotionally, do not hesitate to ask for help.
a. Free Psychological Counselling at Kenya Red Cross Society
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) is a humanitarian and disaster response organisation that was established in 1965 through the Kenya Red Cross Society Act. The society supports and runs a number of projects whilst raising awareness to the Kenyan public about the current issues or problems which may affect them. Some of the projects which are either run by or assisted by the Kenya Red Cross are Famine, blood services, first aid projects, disaster and emergency services and education services.
Kenya Red Cross has branches all over Kenya. Since January of 2019, Kenya Red Cross continues to offer free on-call counselling services 24/7 and to create mental health awareness through the mental health helpline 1199 (Toll Free Number). If you are on the Safaricom network, you can dial the number anytime free of charge and access free mental health information and psychological counselling services. The modality of therapy is online. In case the toll-free number is not working, KRC can be access through (+254) 703 037 000. You can also write an email to them on info@redcross.or.ke
b. Free Mental Health Services at Kenyatta National Hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital is a leading public facility that offers free therapy/ mental health help and psychological services in Nairobi. The hospital is located along the intersection of Mbagathi Road and Ngong Road. You can either use the entrance along Mbagathi Road which is adjacent to the Fly Over in Kenyatta Market. You can also use the main entrance which is along Ngong Road opposite the Bus Station. The Department of Mental Health is in the Old Hospital on the ground floor behind the Human Resource Division and adjacent to the Dental Unit.
Specialized services offered include: Child Psychiatry Clinic on Mondays from 8AM; Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic on Tuesday from 8AM; Psychotherapy Clinic on Tuesday from 8AM; Adult (General) Psychiatry Clinic on Wednesday from 8AM; Gender Based Violence Management daily from Monday to Friday; Liaison Psychiatry services 24/7 Social work evaluation; referral and management; Rehabilitation through Occupational therapy; Support Group sessions for people suffering from depression once a month and Support Group sessions for persons recovering from alcohol and drugs, once a month.
The modality of offering the services is by physical counselling done onsite. The contact information 020 2726300, 0709854000, 0730643000. You can also email the facility at: knhadmin@knh.or.ke.
c. Befriend Kenya(Free Psychological Counseling for Suicide Prevention)
Befrienders Kenya is a charitable organization focusing on suicide prevention by offering FREE emotional support to those who may be in distress and therefore in danger of dying by suicide as well as creating awareness on suicide within communities. The organization’s focus is on Suicide prevention. They also offer free psychological support for individuals who are battling depression. The organisation offers both physical and online therapy. For those seeking physical therapy, the organisation is located along Masaba Road off Bunyala Road. Click HERE for google maps link. For those seeking online therapy, they can be contacted through the mental health hotline 0722178177. Online support is available 24/7. You can also write to themusing their email addressbefrienderskenya@gmail.com.
d. NACADA-Free Counselling for Addiction
NACADA is agovernment entity that was created in 2001 to address drug abuse through undertaking public education and awareness campaign against drug abuse. The campaigns especially target the youth in schools and other institutions of higher learning. Later, the mandate of NACADA was expanded to include coordination of a multi-sectoral campaign to prevent, control and mitigate the impact of alcohol and drug abuse in the country. The Authority works with schools, workplaces, colleges, universities, technical institutions, county governments, ministries, parastatals, national government administrative offices, faith-based institutions, CBOs, NGOs, self-help groups as well as individuals interested in a society free from alcohol and drug abuse.
NACADA operates a free 24-Hour mental health helpline/hotline which is 1192. The counsellors provide adequate information on alcohol and drug abuse; offer free basic counselling to persons abusing alcohol and other drugs and their affected families. Additionally, they give informed referrals to treatment or counseling centers for personalized attention to persons abusing alcohol or drugs who can call in day or night. For more inquiries, you can write them on info@nacada.go.ke
e. Free Therapy at Kamili Organisation
Kamili Organisation provides affordable mental health services via 30+ clinics across Kenya. They also have an option of free mental health and psychological services for those who cannot to pay for services. They have model clinics around the country which provide accurate diagnosis, treatment, support to patients and their families and psychosocial care in the form of education. They work with the local community to raise awareness about the symptoms and stigma associated with mental health. The main clinic is on Lower Kabete Road, next to Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. The offer physical therapy. They can be contacted on +254(0)700327701 for more information. You can also write to them on kenyakamili@gmail.com.
f. Free Psychological and Psychiatric services at Mathari National Referral Hospital
Mathari hospital is a specialized National Referral, Training and Research Public Institution in mental health in Kenya. Many people are oblivious of the fact that Mathari Hospital is a premier psychiatric hospital and among the best options if you are looking for cost effective services. The hospital has more than 40 psychologists and a few counsellors who provide free mental health and counselling services for walk-in clients. It also has a bed capacity of over 600 (a third of which are reserved for females) for clients who may need to be admitted. For more information on the kind of services offered and availability of slots call +2540202337694 | +254721336017. You can also write to them on matharireferral@gmail.com .
h. Free Mental Health Services for the Youth and GBV Survivors at One2One
One2one is an initiative by LVCT Health that remains the place for all young people in Kenya to get accurate information related to their sexual and reproductive health. They also offer free psychological and Counselling services for HIV, Gender-based Violence, Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights and Mental Health. One2one has a comprehensive and informative website that is designed to respond to SRH, GBV, Mental health & HIV Issues for Adolescent and Youth. The modality for therapy is online/telecounselling using the toll-free mental health helpline/hotline 1190. The target groups that can benefit from the services include women, the deaf, lgbtq+ and the youth. They can also be contacted on +254733 333268 +254722 203610 / +254724 256026 and using the email address one2onewebsite@lvcthealth.org.
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