Counties urged to integrate mental health care into all public health facilities

The government has been urged to make mental health care available in every hospital and clinic in Kenya as part of the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan.

Speaking at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, Thalia Psychotherapy, operating locally as Mindful Kenya, called for mental health services to be treated as a standard part of care — similar to maternity or malaria treatment — to reduce stigma, costs, and access barriers.

“This approach means counties can quickly scale services without massive new budgets — a key selling point in an era where devolved units are balancing multiple competing priorities,” submitted Thalia Psychotherapy.

Thalia’s proposal involves working through the existing health system rather than building new facilities. The organisation provides trained specialists, digital screening tools, and operational support to hospitals and clinics, with revenue shared between facilities and service providers to sustain operations.

The call comes amid rising mental health concerns in the country, including increasing suicide rates, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Ministry of Health data shows most Kenyans who need mental health support do not receive it, mainly due to cost, stigma, or distance from services.

County leaders at the conference noted the approach aligns with the government’s mental health policy and UHC goals, and could help address the shortage of psychiatrists, especially in rural areas.

Similar programs are being piloted in Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi. Advocates say adopting the model could position Kenya as a leader in integrated mental health care in Africa.