Nakuru Focus on Mental Health Care Amid Rising Cases

Amid the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and suicide in the region, the County Government of Nakuru has announced a list of 17 health facilities where residents will get mental health care and psychological support services.

Clinical Psychologist at the Nakuru Level Five Teaching and Referral Hospital Dr Cleophas Wafula said the services offered include psychotherapy and counselling, mental wellness clinic, psychiatry, school mental health, community mental health, child and adolescents’ mental health assessments as well as electroconvulsive and occupational therapy.

Residents can access the services at the Level Five facility and at all 16 high-volume level four hospitals. 

Governor Lee Kinyanjui had confirmed that his administration has employed more than 120 psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and general staff, who provide mental healthcare services at different levels at psychiatric units within the 17 health care facilities.

Speaking at the weekend, Dr Wafula said the establishment of the additional psychiatric facilities was geared towards providing quality and affordable mental health care, adding that currently, the cost of treating mental illness stood at between Sh50,000 and Sh100, 000 before factoring in consultation fee of Sh10,000, which is way beyond affordability by most Kenyans.

County Coordinator for Mental Health, Lydia Njoki residents to utilise the facilities for timely detection of mental disorders.