Scientific Study from the year 2005 in the subject Health - Mental Health, , language: English, abstract: The goal of the work was to uncover the barriers to access mental health services among low income communities in western Kenya. The survey was carried out through interviews, from a sample of 114 respondents who included lecturers, university students, local leaders, community members, medical personnel and community health workers and spiritual leaders in the western part of Kenya. Globally mental health illnesses affect more than 25 percent of all people during their lifetime. Issues on mental health are increasing worldwide and the causes are varied and many. According to the World Health Organization, mentally ill people often lack access to education, healthcare and opportunities to earn a decent living, which limits their chances of economic development and deprives them of social protection and recognition within the community.