Counselling psychology is an essential profession in Kenya, providing mental health support to individuals, families, and communities. As more people recognize the importance of mental health, the demand for counselling psychologists is growing. If you are considering a career in this field, you might be wondering, “How much does a counselling psychologist earn in Kenya?”
Factors Affecting Counselling Psychologists’ Salaries in Kenya
Several factors influence the salary of a counselling psychologist in Kenya, including:
- Level of Education and Qualifications
A counselling psychologist with a Diploma in Psychological Counselling typically earns less than one with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology. Advanced degrees often lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities. - Years of Experience
Like most professions, experience significantly impacts earnings. A fresh graduate may start with an entry-level salary, while experienced professionals can command higher wages. This is were a practical Diploma holder can outmarch a Degree holder. Don’t be worried if you’re going to start with a Diploma. - Workplace Setting
Counselling psychologists work in various settings, each offering different salary ranges:- Private Practice – Earnings vary based on the number of clients and service fees charged.
- Hospitals and Clinics – Salaries depend on whether the facility is public or private.
- NGOs and International Organizations – These often offer competitive salaries.
- Corporate and Educational Institutions – Companies and universities may pay more for specialized roles.
- Location
Salaries may vary depending on the city or town. Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa typically offer higher wages than rural areas due to higher living costs and demand for services.
Average Salary of a Counselling Psychologist in Kenya
The estimated salary range for counselling psychologists in Kenya varies depending on the above factors. Here’s a breakdown:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): Ksh 30,000 – Ksh 60,000 per month
- Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): Ksh 60,000 – Ksh 100,000 per month
- Senior-Level (6+ years of experience): Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 250,000 per month
- Private Practice: Income varies significantly; experienced psychologists can earn over Ksh 300,000 per month depending on clientele and specialization.
Additional Income Opportunities
Many counselling psychologists supplement their earnings through:
- Private therapy sessions – Charging clients per session (Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 10,000 per session).
- Training and Workshops – Conducting mental health workshops for organizations.
- Online Counselling – Offering therapy sessions via telehealth platforms or even Google Meet / Zoom.
- Writing and Content Creation – Blogging, authoring books, or creating mental health-related content.
Conclusion
The salary of a counselling psychologist in Kenya varies based on education, experience, and workplace. While entry-level salaries may be modest, there is significant potential for growth, especially for those who specialize or venture into private practice. As the demand for mental health services rises, career prospects in counselling psychology are expected to improve, making it a rewarding profession both financially and personally.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in counselling psychology? The Kenya Institute of Professional Counselling (KIPC) offers diploma and certificate programs in psychological counselling. Contact us today to start your journey toward a fulfilling career!
Contact: 020-2601620 or 0711 672 028 WhatsApp: 0758 627 355
I am a Diploma Nurse holder with Certificate in addiction counseling and Certificate in trauma and debriefing. Do you offer Higher Diploma Counseling and at the same time do you do credit transfers
At the moment, we do not offer a Higher Diploma in Counselling. However, we have a variety of Advanced Certificate and Professional Development programs that may suit your background and enhance your skills in specialized areas.
Regarding credit transfers, we do assess each case individually. If you’re interested in one of our diploma or certificate programs, you can share your transcripts with us for evaluation to determine if any units can be transferred.
Feel free to contact us on WhatsApp for more personalized guidance: https://wa.me/254758627355
We’d be happy to assist you!
send me your fee structure for both diploma and certificate in counseling psychology together with mode of study. eg. if online, holiday based or full time.
thanks in advance.
Thank you for your interest in our courses at KIPC! For a detailed fee structure and guidance on the programs we offer, please feel free to contact us directly at +254 758 627 355. You can also reach us conveniently on WhatsApp via this link: https://wa.me/254758627355
We’ll be happy to assist you further!
Is there a branch in Nyeri
While we don’t have a branch in Nyeri at the moment, we do have campuses in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kakamega, Embu, and Nakuru.
If you’re far from any of these locations or even outside Kenya, we also offer online and distance learning options that are flexible and accessible.
You can find contact details for all our campuses here: https://kipc.co.ke/campuses/
I am a Zimbabwean with a certifi ate in Counseling and Therapy. Now I am doing a MSc in Psychogy with Western State Univerdiry finishing in September. How marketable am I in Kenya?
Thank you for reaching out! With your background—a Certificate in Counseling and Therapy and soon completing an MSc in Psychology—you are definitely building strong qualifications that are relevant in Kenya’s mental health and wellness space.
Kenya has a growing demand for qualified mental health professionals, especially those with advanced training. However, to practice professionally (especially in clinical or counseling settings), you may need to align your qualifications with local standards. This could involve:
Equivalency & Recognition – Having your academic documents evaluated by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) or relevant regulatory bodies.
Registration – If you plan to practice counseling, registration with the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) or other recognized boards may be required.
Local Experience/Networking – Gaining some practical exposure in the Kenyan context through workshops, internships, or collaborations can also boost your marketability.
Specialization – Focusing on high-demand areas such as trauma, addiction, child therapy, or gender-based violence counseling could give you a competitive edge.
If you’re interested in exploring further studies, short courses, or local certification that can enhance your credentials, we’d be happy to guide you—feel free to reach us on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/254758627355
Wishing you all the best as you complete your MSc!
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Good Afternoon, Kindly Help With The Fee Structure For The Diploma Course
Hello Austin, kindly DM us via 0758627355 to get a copy of the fee structure and other details
Hello is it possible to pursue psychology with a grade of D+?
Hello Cynthia, you can start with Certificate in Psychological Counselling then proceed to Diploma which will enable you to register with the Board of Counsellors and Psychologist and get a license in Kenya. Contact us via 0758 627 355 for further guidance