Mental Health Licensing & Regulation in Kenya: 2025 Guide

In Kenya, both counsellors and psychologists are regulated under a unified national framework established by the Counsellors and Psychologists Act of 2014.

This guide explains the specific requirements for each profession, how to verify a provider's license with the official board, and what to look for to ensure you receive legally qualified care.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Legal Framework

Regulatory Authority

Professional Associations

Professional Categories

Licensing Requirements

Verification Procedures for Public

Scope of Practice Restrictions

Disciplinary Framework

Complaint Procedures

Red Flags for Public

Protected Titles

Sources and Verification

Legal Framework

• Date of Assent: 30th July, 2014
• Commencement Date: 18th August, 2014
• Published: Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 123 (Acts No. 14)

Regulatory Authority

Counsellors and Psychologists Board of Kenya (CPB)

• Website: https://cpb.health.go.ke/
• Email: cp.board@health.go.ke
• Phone: +254-748-655769
• Address: Ministry of Health, Afya House, Cathedral Road, Nairobi
• Governing Legislation: Counsellors and Psychologists Act, 2014

Professional Associations

Kenya Psychological Association (KPsyA)

• Website: https://kpsya.or.ke/
• Role: Professional development and advocacy
• Membership: Voluntary for qualified psychologists

Counsellors and Psychologists Society of Kenya

• Established under: Section 15 of the Act
• Functions: Professional development, standards, advocacy
• Membership: All registered counsellors and psychologists

Professional Categories

1. COUNSELLORS

• Diploma or degree in counselling from a recognised TIVET or University
• Pass examination prescribed by the Board
• Be of good moral character and fitness to practice
• Pay prescribed fees

• Individual counselling and therapy
• Group counselling sessions
• Family and marriage counselling
• Substance abuse counselling
• Grief and trauma counselling
• Career and educational guidance
• Crisis intervention
• Psychological first aid

• Minimum: Diploma in Counselling (2-3 years)
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Counselling/Psychology (4 years)
• Practicum: Supervised clinical experience required
• Continuing Education: Annual CPD requirements

2. PSYCHOLOGISTS

• Diploma or degree in psychology from recognised institution
• Pass examination prescribed by the Board
• Be of good moral character and fitness to practice
• Pay prescribed fees

• Psychological assessment and testing
• Clinical diagnosis of mental disorders
• Psychotherapy and psychological interventions
• Research in psychology
• Consultation and supervision
• Expert testimony in legal proceedings
• Program evaluation and development

• Minimum: Diploma in Psychology (2-3 years)
• Bachelor's: Degree in Psychology (4 years)
• Master's: Advanced practice and specialisation
• Supervised Practice: Required before independent practice

Licensing Requirements

• Valid registration with the Board
• Annual license renewal required
• Payment of prescribed fees
• Compliance with continuing education requirements
• Good standing with the Board

• Practice only within scope of registration
• Maintain professional indemnity insurance
• Comply with code of ethics and conduct
• Submit annual practice reports
• Participate in quality assurance programs

Verification Procedures for Public

• Visit https://cprb.ecitizen.go.ke/
• Search practitioner database
• Verify current registration status
• Check license validity dates
• Confirm scope of practice

• Contact Board directly: cp.board@health.go.ke
• Request verification by phone: +254-748-655769
• Visit Board offices for in-person verification

Scope of Practice Restrictions

• Prescribe medication
• Diagnose mental disorders (clinical diagnosis)
• Perform psychological testing requiring specialised training
• Practice outside their area of training

• Prescribe medication (unless a medical doctor)
• Practice outside their area of specialisation
• Provide services without proper supervision (if required)

Disciplinary Framework

• Practising without a valid license
• Breach of confidentiality
• Sexual misconduct with clients
• Fraudulent representation of qualifications
• Substance abuse affecting practice
• Criminal conviction affecting fitness to practice

• Warning or reprimand
• Conditions on practice
• Suspension of license
• Cancellation of registration
• Monetary penalties

Complaint Procedures

• Submit a written complaint to the Board
• Provide detailed information and evidence
• Include contact information for follow-up
• Pay prescribed complaint fee (if applicable)

• Board reviews complaint within 30 days
• Investigation committee appointed
• Hearing scheduled if prima facie case established
• Decision communicated to all parties

Red Flags for Public

• Practitioner not listed in Board register
• Expired or suspended license
• Claims to prescribe medication (unless medical doctor)
• Refuses to provide registration number
• No clear complaint procedure available
• Practices outside registered scope

Protected Titles

• "Counsellor" - protected for registered counsellors
• "Psychologist" - protected for registered psychologists
• Unauthorised use is a criminal offence under the Act

Sources and Verification

Counsellors and Psychologists Board of Kenya (CPB)

Official Public Verification Portal

Kenya Psychological Association (KPsyA)

This guide reflects Kenya's unified regulatory framework under the Counsellors and Psychologists Act, 2014, with mandatory registration through the Counsellors and Psychologists Board (CPB). The system legally protects the titles "Counsellor" and "Psychologist," ensuring public safety and professional accountability. Always mandatory licensing for both counsellors and psychologists under the Counsellors and Psychologists Board (CPB). This system legally protects professional titles and enforces national quality standards. Always use the official CPB portal to verify a provider's current license status.