Best Online Therapy and Psychologist in Kenya: The Ultimate Guide

Kenya is the seventh most populated country in Africa. The country, like many other Sub-Saharan nations, faces many problems with its mental healthcare system. According to World Health Organization (WHO), one out of four Kenyans seeking healthcare has a mental disorder.

Could online therapy help bridge the gap in its healthcare system for mental wellness?

To support the work of the people working on TherapyHunter.com, we may receive compensation if you sign up for online counseling through the links provided.

Africa, as a continent, is seeing a remarkable increase in internet connectivity, which has made telehealth services possible for even remote regions of the continent. This is a big step in the direction of more accessible healthcare, including psychotherapy on platform such as BetterHelp.com.

But when looking for online therapy Kenya, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Things to Consider When Looking for Online Therapy in Kenya

Here’s everything you need to know before you start looking for online psychologist Kenya:

Lack of Psychologists in Kenya

While the number of therapists in major cities like the capital Nairobi is rising, the country overall suffers from a lack of mental health professionals. This has created a dire need for accessible counseling services.

If you live in a region of the country with underfunded healthcare facilities, there’s a chance you may not find an appropriate psychologist to help you. This is where online therapy can come in handy. As long as you have an internet connection, you can now get any kind of therapy in Kenya, such as trauma & PTSD therapy, christian marriage counselling and much more.

Public and Private Healthcare

Kenya’s healthcare system comprises of two parts: public primary healthcare and private healthcare. Private healthcare can be further divided into two: non-profit private healthcare and for-profit private healthcare.

The public healthcare system does offer some mental healthcare services, including psychotherapy, but those are often limited to big cities. For instance, Nairobi public hospitals have seen a growth in the number of therapists available. The same can’t be said about smaller towns, especially villages.

The public healthcare system is underfunded, understaffed, and most importantly, there’s a disparity in distribution.

When looking for a therapist, the private sector may provide better quality therapy, as compared with the therapists in the public hospitals, which are far lower than the estimated needs of the country.

To support the work of the people working on TherapyHunter.com, we may receive compensation if you sign up for online counseling through the links provided.

Cost

As a rural country, much of Kenya’s population is poor. As much as 35.5 percent of the population lives below poverty. This also creates a big problem when it comes to good healthcare, especially mental healthcare.

Many people in Kenya cannot simply afford to go to a therapist privately and pay exorbitant prices for therapy sessions.

So you also have to keep your budget in mind when looking for online therapy Kenya.

Language

Kenya is a hodgepodge of different cultures and ethnicities, which means people speak many languages. While Swahili and English are the most common languages in the country, there are many other local languages as well.

When looking for a therapist online for online therapy, make sure that you pick one who speaks in the language you’re fluent in. Of course, with English being a universal language, it would be much easier to find an English-speaking therapist both in and outside Kenya. That said, it’s not impossible to find a therapist that speaks your native language.

How is Online Therapy Better?

Online therapy can be a great option for people in Kenya for several reasons:

• Remote access in areas with little to no mental healthcare services
• Avoiding social stigma associated with mental health
• Convenience and flexibility of choosing time
• Getting quality counseling services from therapists with years of experience
• Working with the therapist in the comfort and privacy of home

Despite all these benefits, it’s also important to mention that online therapy may not be affordable for all in Kenya. There’s a need for more affordable private, and most importantly, public mental healthcare services.

Online Therapy Options in Kenya & Nairobi

The best online therapy in Kenya can solve a big problem of the country, which is the lack of adequate mental healthcare with enough professionals. If you’re looking for an online psychologist Kenya, there are several options you can try.

Keep in mind that all these options come under private care, which means you’ll need to pay for it out of pocket. However, given the many benefits therapy can bring into your life, investing in it is worth it.

You basically have two options when seeking online therapist in Nairobi, Kenya:

• Therapists that provide online therapy independently
• Therapists that provide online therapy on a platform

If you want to work with a therapist independently, the best place to start looking is a reliable online directory or database that lists registered and licensed psychotherapists.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many reliable and updated databases of psychologists available from within Kenya. You can find local therapists here who may be located near you and conduct sessions online as well.

A better option is going with an online therapy platform. This makes a search and match with a therapist very easy. One of the most popular platforms worldwide is BetterHelp.com, which has therapists licensed from the US.

The advantage of going with BetterHelp is that the platform has a wider range of therapist skills. This means that if you’re facing specific problems like post-traumatic stress disorder, identity issues, or relationship problems, you can work with a therapist that specializes in these issues.

Another platform worth mentioning is the homegrown Wazi, which hosts certified therapists based in Kenya. The obvious advantage here is that of language, as you can find a therapist who speaks your language and speaks your culture.

Wrap Up

Kenya is a diverse country but not without its challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare, especially mental healthcare. Online therapy is a great solution for counseling and therapy for those who can afford it.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a qualified therapist near you or online, you can work on improving your mental health, learning skills to cope with all sorts of tough situations in life. Remember that a healthy mind is essential for a healthy life!