Online Therapy Kenya, On-Demand Talk Therapy Support

Mental health is a serious issue in the Republic of Kenya and other East African countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four Kenyans seeking healthcare are living with a mental disorder. This number is even higher for women, with 28% reporting symptoms of mental illness.

There’s also a notable lack of awareness around mental health issues in Kenya. So how can people access offline or online therapy in Kenya to maintain their mental well-being?

Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Kenya

Anxiety ranks second among major mental health issues in Kenya after depression, which affects 8.3% of adults and 15.6% of adolescents. Both are worsened by limited and underfunded mental health services in the country.

According to the WHO, 6.5% of adults in Kenya suffer from panic- and anxiety-related conditions. This is echoed by an estimated 13.2% of adolescents suffering symptoms of these conditions.

The prevalence of depression among Kenyan adults aged 18 and above is estimated to be around 13.3%. Despite this, there isn’t much interest in conventional or online therapy in Kenya. Rates of PTSD among survivors of the 2007-2008 post-election violence were as high as 36%.

Most concerningly, it’s estimated that up to 75% of people with severe mental disorders in Kenya are not receiving any treatment.

For many people, online therapy is the solution. This is especially true for those who speak fluent English.

Advantages of Offline vs. Online Counseling

Category	Offline Therapy	Online Therapy
Accessibility	Requires in-person visits, which may be difficult for people with mobility issues or remote areas	Can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, which is convenient for those with mobility issues
Privacy	In-person sessions may pose a privacy risk	Can attend sessions from a private location, need a secure and private internet connection
Communication	A personal and intimate experience, non-verbal cues easily picked up	May miss non-verbal cues, text-based communication available
Cost	More expensive due to additional expenses	Often more affordable due to fewer overhead costs
Flexibility	Limited by therapist availability and scheduling	Offers greater flexibility with a wider range of appointment times and short-notice bookings
Effectiveness	Effective for many individuals, particularly those with severe mental health issues	Just as effective for many individuals, particularly those with milder mental health concerns, may be easier for some to open up online

How Much Do Therapists in Kenya and Nairobi Cost?

The cost of online therapy in Kenya and Nairobi varies depending on the type of therapy and the provider.

Generally speaking, online therapy sessions cost between Ksh 1,000 and Ksh 5,000 per session in Kenyan shillings (KES). This is equivalent to about $10 – $50 in US dollars.

Online therapy costs depend on the type of therapy and the provider. For example, some providers offer their services for free, while others charge a fee. Generally, online therapy is more affordable than traditional face-to-face therapy, as it does not require a physical location or travel costs.

Online therapy costs also depend on the type of therapy offered. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is typically more expensive than other forms of therapy, such as psychodynamic therapy. CBT requires a more complex understanding of the patient and their symptoms.

In addition, the cost of online therapy also depends on the length of the session. Most providers offer 60-minute and 90-minute sessions. However, some providers offer shorter sessions, such as 30-minute sessions, which can be more cost-effective.

Finally, the cost of online therapy may also depend on the provider’s qualifications and experience. For example, some providers may charge a higher fee for their services because they are more experienced or have a higher degree.

Cost comparison between in-person therapy & online therapy

BetterHelp	In-person therapy
Cost ranges from $65-$100 per week (you can message your therapist anytime)	$100 to $200 per session
$260- $400 monthly Get 15% off for Healthy Minded visitors

How to Sign Up for Affordable Online Therapy in Kenya

Signing up for online therapy providers like BetterHelp is fast and easy. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Visit the BetterHelp website and click “Sign Up” at the top right of the page.
2. Enter your name, email address, and create a secure password to finish setting up your account.
3. Decide how you would like to pay — either with a credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay.
4. Choose a plan that best fits your needs and budget.
5. Select the type of counseling you seek: online counseling, phone sessions, messaging therapy, or live chat.
6. Enter your payment information and submit your request.
7. That’s it! Once you have submitted your request, a qualified therapist will contact you shortly and begin the counseling process.

Types of Mental Health Challenges in Kenya

People in Kenya often hesitate to get therapy because of the stigma and taboo associated with psychotherapy.

Mental health is still seen as a weakness or lack of faith in many African communities.

Those who seek help can be stigmatized by their peers — more so than for substance abuse, for example.

Negative Stereotypes Around Mental Health Problems and Counseling Services

Many people who seek therapy are often judged and labeled with negative stereotypes that can be hurtful and damaging. These include assumptions such as:

• People in therapy must be “crazy” or have a serious underlying mental disorder.
• Those in therapy are weak and unable to solve their own problems without outside support.
• People in therapy are attention seekers or unable to maintain their own well-being.
• Seeking therapy is a sign of failure or an admission to a major character flaw.
• People in therapy lack the coping skills to manage life independently.

Hostile generalizations around therapy are alive and well in many East African countries. Still, it’s essential to get treatment for potentially debilitating issues like phobias and depression.

BetterHelp can provide you with professional and affordable online counseling. Their experienced and understanding licensed counselors offer personalized guidance for various conditions. Take the first step and get on the path to better mental health by starting with BetterHelp today!