# Can mental illness be caused by witchcraft or curses, and can I see a pastor or traditional healer as well as a doctor?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-mental-illness-be-caused-by-witchcraft-or-curses-and-can-i-see-a-pastor-or-traditional-heale
For: Patients | Mental health care | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Mental health conditions have medical, psychological and social causes, and effective treatments exist. Many Kenyans also draw strength from faith and culture, and prayer or community support can sit alongside professional care. Tell your clinician about any other treatment you use, especially herbs, and do not stop prescribed medicine on a healer's advice. Seek medical care urgently if someone is being restrained, harmed or denied food or treatment.

Sources: Ministry of Health, Kenya: https://uploads.ncikenya.go.ke/uploads/policy/kenya-mental-health-policy.pdf - Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26742992 - World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/1989/10/eng@2023-12-11

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