Counselling Career Pathways
Your Guide to a Rewarding Career in Mental Health
Why Choose Counselling as a Career?
Counselling offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while enjoying a flexible and fulfilling career. In Kenya and East Africa, the demand for qualified counsellors is growing rapidly.
Career Paths in Counselling
Clinical Counsellor
Education Required: Diploma or Degree in Counselling Psychology
Work Settings: Hospitals, clinics, private practice
Salary Range: KES 50,000 - 150,000/month
Skills Needed: Assessment, therapy techniques, crisis intervention
School Counsellor
Education Required: Certificate or Diploma in Counselling
Work Settings: Primary/Secondary schools, universities
Salary Range: KES 40,000 - 100,000/month
Skills Needed: Child psychology, educational guidance, career counselling
Addiction Counsellor
Education Required: Specialized training in addiction counselling
Work Settings: Rehabilitation centers, NGOs, private practice
Salary Range: KES 45,000 - 120,000/month
Skills Needed: Substance abuse knowledge, relapse prevention, family therapy
Education Pathways at TETI
Certificate Programs (6 months)
- Certificate in Counselling Psychology
- Certificate in Addiction Counselling
- Certificate in Child Protection
Diploma Programs (2-3 years)
- Diploma in Counselling Psychology
- Diploma in Social Work & Community Development
- Diploma in Marriage and Family Therapy
Professional Short Courses (1-3 months)
- Mental Health and Wellness Counselling
- Trauma Counselling and Psychological First Aid
- Addiction Counselling
- Effective Parenting
Career Advancement Opportunities
- Supervision and Training: Become a counsellor supervisor
- Private Practice: Start your own counselling practice
- Consultancy: Work as a mental health consultant
- Teaching: Become a lecturer in counselling programs
- Research: Conduct mental health research
Job Market in Kenya
- Growing demand in urban areas
- Opportunities in NGOs and international organizations
- Government initiatives for mental health
- Private sector wellness programs
Required Qualifications
- Minimum: KCSE C- or equivalent
- Professional: Registration with KCPA (Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association)
- Continuous Learning: Regular professional development
Salary Expectations by Experience
- Entry Level (0-2 years): KES 30,000 - 50,000
- Mid Level (2-5 years): KES 50,000 - 100,000
- Senior Level (5+ years): KES 100,000 - 250,000+
- Private Practice: Variable, often higher earning potential
Skills Development Areas
- Communication and active listening
- Empathy and cultural competence
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and intervention
- Ethical practice and boundaries
- Self-care and burnout prevention
Next Steps
- Assess your interests and strengths
- Research specific counselling specializations
- Contact TETI for career guidance
- Start with a certificate program
- Gain practical experience
- Pursue advanced qualifications