SHA Kenya to Improve Mental Health Access

Mental health remains a critical yet under-addressed challenge in Kenya, particularly in underserved communities where stigma and limited access to care persist. However, with the introduction of Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA), the landscape of mental health services is shifting towards greater accessibility and affordability.

SHA Kenya’s Commitment to Mental Health

The Social Health Authority (SHA) was established to provide universal health coverage (UHC), ensuring that all Kenyans have access to essential health services, including mental health care. Under its mental wellness benefit package, SHA covers services such as counseling, addiction management, rehabilitation, and psychiatric inpatient care. This initiative is crucial in a country where mental health disorders often go untreated due to high costs and limited specialist availability.

With SHA covering outpatient mental health services at KES 1,200 per visit and inpatient services ranging from KES 3,500 to KES 5,000 per day, more individuals can now seek professional help without financial strain. The uptake of mental health services under SHA has been significant, with claims exceeding KES 102.8 million in just the first month of its implementation.

Dodwell Transcend: A Social Enterprise Advancing Mental Wellness

As a leading advocate for mental health solutions, Dodwell Transcend is at the forefront of creating scalable, tech-driven, and community-focused interventions to address Kenya’s mental health crisis. By leveraging SHA’s support, Dodwell Transcend is in a prime position to bridge the gap between policy-driven healthcare and on-the-ground implementation in the following ways:

Tech-Driven Mental Health Solutions

• Development of an AI-powered teletherapy platform that matches patients with certified therapists.
• USSD and SMS-based counseling services for individuals in remote areas with limited internet access.

Community Mental Health Advocacy

• Training Mental Health Champions within local communities to provide peer support and first-line interventions.
• Collaborating with churches, schools, and businesses to integrate mental wellness programs into daily life.

Affordable and Accessible Therapy Services

• Working with SHA to ensure seamless patient referrals and subsidized therapy sessions.
• Establishing low-cost mental health hubs in informal settlements, where individuals can access counseling without long wait times.

Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Impact

By aligning with SHA, **Dodwell Transcend seeks to ensure that mental health services are not just available but also sustainable and effective. As a social enterprise, Dodwell Transcend is also pursuing public-private partnerships (PPPs), donor collaborations, and digital innovation to further expand its reach.

The journey towards universal mental health care in Kenya requires a multi-stakeholder approach—where the government, private sector, NGOs, and grassroots organizations work hand in hand. With SHA’s framework in place and Dodwell Transcend’s innovative strategies, Kenya is steadily moving towards a future where mental health is prioritized, destigmatized, and universally accessible.