Free Resources

If you need support right now, start with the numbers below.

If you need support right now

Befrienders Kenya

Free, confidential support for emotional distress, loneliness, depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety. Call, SMS, or WhatsApp.

Available 24/7

Call 0722-178-177

Mental Health Helpline (Govt of Kenya)

A free government-supported helpline for general psychosocial support and referrals.

Available 24/7 — free to call

Call 0800-723-253

National Child Helpline

For children and families needing psychosocial support. Also available on WhatsApp: 0722-116-116.

Available 24/7

Call 116

Kenya Red Cross Emergency Support

Counseling and coordination in emergencies.

Available 24/7

Call 1199

NACADA — Substance Abuse Counseling

Counseling and referral for alcohol and drug concerns.

Available 24/7 — free to call

Call 1192

GBV & SGBV Hotline

Gender-based and sexual and gender-based violence support.

Available 24/7 — free to call

Call 1195

LVCT one2one Youth Hotline

Counseling on sexual and reproductive health and emotional wellbeing for young people.

Available 24/7 — free to call

Call 1190

Self-Assessment Tools

Private tools to help you reflect — not a diagnosis, not a report card.

These tools are not diagnostic. They are validated screening aids used as a starting point — not a final word. If anything resonates, the next step is a conversation with a professional.
01

Alcohol Use Screening

A Gentle Check-In With Alcohol

This is a private reflection to help you understand how alcohol fits into your life and what it might be doing for you. Your answers are private. This tool is not intended to label you — it will reflect back a pattern you might be missing, especially if life still feels fine on the outside.

This form does not substitute individualised medical advice from a mental health practitioner.

Take the Alcohol Check-In
02

Depression Screening (PHQ-9)

A Gentle Check-In: How Are You Feeling?

Over the last two weeks, have you been feeling low, tired, or disconnected? This check-in uses a validated 9-question tool to help you notice patterns worth paying attention to.

This tool does not substitute individualised medical advice from a mental health practitioner.

Coming Soon
03

Anxiety Screening (GAD-7)

A Gentle Check-In: Is Anxiety Affecting Your Life?

Anxiety is more than worry — it shows up in your body, your sleep, and your concentration. This short check-in helps you name what you might be experiencing.

This tool does not substitute individualised medical advice from a mental health practitioner.

Coming Soon

After taking a check-in, you can book a session to talk through what you found.

Articles

Plain-language writing on mental health topics relevant to Kenya — by Dr. Muthoni.

  • What is depression — and why it has nothing to do with being weakComing soon
  • Five signs you might benefit from talking to someoneComing soon
  • Understanding anxiety: when your brain's alarm system won't switch offComing soon
  • Alcohol and mental health: what your drinking might be telling youComing soon
  • How to talk to your family about going to therapy (in a Kenyan context)Coming soon

Everything on this page is free and always will be. If you need more structured support but cost is a barrier, the crisis lines above offer free support, and public hospitals in Kenya have outpatient mental health departments at low or no cost.