Medical and Health Counselling training in Kenya prepares students to provide appropriate emotional and psychosocial support to people facing illness, stress, family problems and difficult life experiences. Learners develop communication, assessment, ethical practice and referral skills. Kenyan institutions may offer related qualifications under the names Counselling Psychology Level 6, Counselling Level 6 or specialist health-related counselling programmes. The correct award and professional scope must be confirmed before enrolling.
What is medical and health counselling?
Health counselling involves listening to clients, understanding their concerns, providing structured psychosocial support and helping them access suitable services. Counsellors may support individuals and families dealing with chronic illness, grief, treatment decisions or emotional difficulties. They do not automatically have authority to diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medicines or offer treatment outside their professional qualifications.
Where to study counselling in Kenya
The TVET Authority’s Counselling Psychology Level 6 listing identifies registered and licensed providers including Stanmore Training College in Nairobi, Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences in Kiambu, Africa Theological Seminary in Trans Nzoia, Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies in Nakuru, Tenwek Hospital College in Bomet and Tharaka University TVET Directorate. Confirm that the exact campus and programme remain available for the intake you want.
An institution offering counselling psychology may not offer a diploma specifically titled Medical and Health Counselling. Likewise, a short patient-counselling seminar is not the same as a recognised full diploma. Check the approved qualification name, examining organisation, supervision arrangements and professional registration pathway.
Subjects covered in counselling training
- Counselling theories, helping skills and professional communication.
- Human development, psychology and human behaviour.
- Person-centred listening, interviewing and assessment fundamentals.
- Grief, stress, trauma awareness and supportive conversations.
- Health-related psychosocial needs and referral pathways.
- Counselling ethics, informed consent, professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Crisis identification and safe escalation to qualified health or mental health services.
- Research methods, case notes, recordkeeping and data protection.
- Cultural sensitivity, safeguarding, disability inclusion and teamwork.
- Supervised practical sessions and placement where required.
Admission requirements and study duration
A Kenyan Level 6 TVET diploma often uses KCSE Cā or an accepted relevant prior qualification as an entry route, but the exact grade and subject requirements depend on the programme and awarding body. A full diploma generally includes several terms or modules and supervised practical assessment. Ask the institution for its current admission rules, complete timetable and any required placement or supervision hours.
Registration with the Counsellors and Psychologists Board
The Counsellors and Psychologists Board (CPB) regulates counselling and psychology professionals in Kenya under the Counsellors and Psychologists Act. Its official eCitizen service portal provides professional student indexing, registration, examinations, practising licences and facility licensing services. Completing a diploma does not automatically provide permission to practise independently. Before enrolling, verify that your programme meets CPB’s current academic and professional requirements.
Practitioners must respect client confidentiality and the limits of their training. People needing urgent medical, psychiatric or emergency assistance should be referred to qualified services rather than treated outside a counsellor’s authorised scope.
Course fees and practical training
Training costs may include tuition, examination charges, supervision, learning materials, transport and internship expenses. Request a written fee structure identifying the awarding body and all assessment costs. A suitable provider should explain how students practise interviewing, manage confidential case notes and receive supervision.
Career opportunities
- Counselling or psychosocial support assistant within permitted scope.
- Hospital or community health support worker with appropriate qualifications.
- NGO or humanitarian programme support officer.
- School or family support programme assistant, subject to applicable requirements.
- Patient services, health education or referral coordinator.
- Community wellbeing and psychosocial outreach support.
- Further study in psychology, counselling, social work or public health.
How to choose and apply
- Verify the institution and campus in the TVETA register.
- Confirm the exact diploma and its examining or awarding body.
- Ask whether the training meets CPB’s indexing, registration and practice requirements.
- Check supervised practice, counselling facilities and professional ethics.
- Review admission grades, study duration and total costs.
- Apply through official admissions channels and keep documentation.
Official sources and course verification
- TVETA Counselling Psychology Level 6 institutions
- TVETA licensed college register
- Counsellors and Psychologists Board eCitizen services
- Counsellors and Psychologists Board official website
