# How do you start a mental health clinic in Kenya?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-do-you-start-a-mental-health-clinic-in-kenya
For: Executives | Mental health | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 23 October 2026

**Answer:** To start a mental health clinic in Kenya you need registered professionals, a facility licence from the relevant regulator, ODPC data protection registration and certification, a clear service model, and systems for booking, records, consent and billing. Plan for SHA and insurer contracting, M-Pesa payments, safeguarding and crisis pathways before you open.

### Launch checklist (for regulatory review)

**Before opening**

- Recruit clinicians registered with the Counsellors and Psychologists Board, KMPDC or Nursing Council.
- Register and license the facility with the relevant regulator and county.
- Register with the ODPC and obtain the data handler/processor certificate.
- Define services: individual, couples, family, child, group, teletherapy, psychiatry.
- Set fees, payment methods (M-Pesa, card, insurance, SHA) and cancellation policy.
- Put in place intake, consent, records, risk and referral procedures.
- Choose a practice management and EHR system before your first client.

Most new clinics underestimate admin load and cash flow. Starting with connected booking, records and billing makes growth easier and protects client data from day one.

> **Important:** This Knowledge Hub article is operational and product-neutral education. It does not provide clinical, legal or regulatory advice. Local clinical governance, privacy and compliance review should guide live clinic decisions.

## More questions

### Do I need a licence to open a counselling practice in Kenya?

Practitioners must be registered, and facilities need the relevant licensing and data protection registration. Confirm requirements with the regulators before opening.

### How much does it cost to start a mental health clinic in Kenya?

It varies widely with premises, staff and services. Many start small with one or two clinicians and teletherapy to keep costs down.

### Can I start an online-only therapy practice in Kenya?

Yes, many practitioners do, but registration, data protection and safety obligations still apply.

## Related questions

- [How can a mental health practice in Africa scale to multiple locations?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-can-a-mental-health-practice-in-africa-scale-to-multiple-locations)
- [What KPIs should mental health clinic leaders track?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-kpis-should-mental-health-clinic-leaders-track)
- [Does SHA cover mental health and counselling in Kenya?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/does-sha-cover-mental-health-and-counselling-in-kenya)

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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