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Under Pressure: The Strain on Kenyan Mental Health Practitioners
  • Comments: 21
  • Posted by: cbtkeadmin

By Lambert Oigara, Clinical Psychologist, CBT Kenya

Summary: This article delves into the significant challenges facing mental health practitioners in Kenya, highlighting the increasing pressure on professionals, the historical stigma surrounding the profession, and the worrying trend of mental health ‘Experts’ on social media.

The Growing Strain on Mental Health Practitioners

Mental health practitioners in Kenya are increasingly overwhelmed. Extended working hours are limiting their time for peer supervision, making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ironically, those tasked with equipping the public with well-being skills have limited time with family, friends, or themselves.  As the demand for competent therapists continues to rise, the progress made in mental health care is at risk without immediate intervention.

Overcoming Historical Stigma

Historically, Kenyan psychologists battled severe stigma and misinformation. Families sought help only during crises, and it was common for patients to be brought to therapy in distressing conditions. The profession was misunderstood, undervalued, and feared. Today, perceptions are shifting, with mental health awareness gaining traction in corporate settings while psychology courses are becoming popular at universities.

However, new graduates are still facing challenges in securing internships, starting private practices, or finding employment. Despite reduced stigma, some Kenyans remain wary, seeking services discreetly and avoiding follow-up care due to costs or fear of judgment.

A New Generation of Psychologists

A positive trend is emerging in Kenya, similar to the U.S. in the 1970s. More members of Generation Z are pursuing psychology degrees. However, job opportunities remain scarce. The absence of a clear service scheme for mental health professionals in Kenya makes it challenging for young psychologists to secure jobs where they can address mental health issues, especially at the primary care, community and particularly in rural areas.

The Rise of Mental ‘Experts’ on Social Media

A growing concern is the upsurge of mental health ‘Experts.’ These individuals, lacking proper training and credentials, are offering services that can endanger public trust and professional integrity. This development poses a serious threat to the profession and the public, who increasingly seek quality mental health care with the expectation of ethical standards. This trend could undo the progress made by qualified professionals and worsen Kenya’s mental health crisis.

Indeed! The mental health sector in Kenya stands at a crossroads. The challenges faced by practitioners, from long working hours to the rise of popular psychology and social media ‘Experts ‘, threaten to undermine the progress made in recent years.

Author: cbtkeadmin

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