Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F43.0
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist, with a psychotherapist joining when needed
- Format
- video or audio call via a link, no complicated software to install
- Duration
- first consultation 40–60 minutes, follow-ups are shorter
- Confidentiality
- you don’t have to give your surname; everything you say is protected by medical confidentiality
- When it’s urgent
- thoughts of self-harm, confusion, or a threat to life — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- an understanding of your condition, a plan for the coming days, and clear next steps
What you should know
The process usually looks like this: you message us on WhatsApp or call, briefly describe what happened and how you feel, and the administrator finds the nearest available slot, often within the hour. You then receive a link, and the doctor joins you on video. There is no need to go anywhere: after a traumatic event, many people simply have no energy for a trip across the city, traffic jams on Al-Farabi Avenue, or hunting for parking near a clinic. All you need is a phone and a quiet corner where no one can overhear you.
At the first session, the psychiatrist does not rush you or tell you to “pull yourself together.” They ask about the event only as much as you are comfortable sharing, and check on your sleep, appetite, the thoughts that keep coming back, and your physical sensations. The key task is to distinguish a normal reaction to an abnormal situation from a condition that needs treatment. By the end, you receive clear recommendations for the first few days, a follow-up call is scheduled, and, if needed, a plan for further care is put in place.
Symptoms of Acute Stress Reaction
- intrusive memories of the event that keep coming back again and again
- a sense of unreality, as if things are not happening to you or are “like a movie”
- insomnia, waking too early, nightmares that replay what you went through
- bursts of crying, irritability, or, on the contrary, emotional numbness
- a racing heart, trembling, a lump in the throat, muscle tension for no obvious reason
- avoiding places, people, and conversations that remind you of what happened
- trouble concentrating at work; simple tasks take twice as long as usual
If at least two points apply and the state lasts longer than two weeks, it is worth seeing a specialist. Phone consultation is free. If life is at risk, call 112 or 103.
What Causes an Acute Stress Reaction
The trigger is an event that lies far outside ordinary experience: a road accident, the sudden death of a loved one, an assault, a fire, an earthquake, a serious diagnosis, or an abrupt job loss. The brain switches into survival mode: stress hormones are released, attention narrows onto the threat, and sleep and appetite are pushed aside. This is a normal protective mechanism, but when it fails to switch off, a person begins to become exhausted.
How severe the reaction is depends on more than the event itself. Sleep deprivation and chronic overload, which have become a normal backdrop in the pace of life in Almaty, play a role, as do previous trauma, a lack of support nearby, and drinking alcohol “to take the edge off.” If someone lives alone, far from family, or has to go straight back to work, the tension has nowhere to go. Talking to a doctor early reduces the risk that an acute reaction will turn into a long-lasting disorder.
How Online Help for Acute Stress Works
You choose a convenient time, receive a link, and join from your phone or laptop. Prepare a quiet place, headphones, a list of what is bothering you, and a list of any medications you take. The Psychiatry Online doctor assesses your symptoms, risks, and resources, and gives you concrete steps: how to restore your sleep, how to limit news and conversations about the event, and when to get back in touch. If medication support is indicated, the doctor discusses the relevant drug classes and how they can be prescribed under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Online care does not replace emergency help. If a person is disoriented in time and place, talks about wanting to die, has been injured, or has lost consciousness, call 103 or 112. Sometimes the doctor will recommend an in-person examination: if a physical cause of the symptoms is suspected, for lab tests, or when official paperwork is needed. In such cases, we will tell you where to go or arrange a home visit by a doctor.
How we help
Crisis counseling and stabilization
The first goal is to reduce the intensity. The doctor helps you organize your thoughts and separate what needs to be dealt with right now from what can wait. You will go over simple grounding and breathing techniques that you can use at home or in your car while stuck in traffic. This conversation does not force you to retell the trauma in detail: the aim is to restore a sense of stability and control over the next few hours.
Restoring sleep and recovery routines
Sleep is the first thing to suffer during acute stress, and the first thing that needs to be restored. The psychiatrist reviews your daily routine, helps you build a bedtime ritual, cut back on caffeine and screens, and agree with your family on quiet time. If insomnia persists for several nights in a row, temporary medication support may be discussed, but only after the risks and contraindications have been assessed.
Medication when indicated
Not everyone needs medication. When anxiety, insomnia, or panic episodes get in the way of daily life, the doctor may suggest medicines from the anti-anxiety, sleep-aid, or antidepressant classes. The decision is made individually, taking into account your other medications and overall health, and prescribing follows the rules set by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Psychotherapy and follow-up
Once you are stable, short-term trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be helpful. It helps you process the event and lowers the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychiatrist schedules check-in calls a few days and a few weeks later to catch it early if symptoms are not going away or are getting worse.
Myths and facts
MythStress just has to be waited out — it will pass on its own
FactAn acute reaction often does subside, but not always. If after a few weeks your sleep has not recovered and the memories still overwhelm you, there is a risk of a long-lasting disorder. A consultation in the first few days costs you nothing in terms of lost opportunities and helps you get through this period more easily.
MythOnly people with “severe” illness see a psychiatrist
FactA psychiatrist is a doctor who also treats natural reactions to traumatic events. Seeking help does not mean you get a diagnosis or are placed on a psychiatric registry. Most often, after one or two sessions, a person leaves with a clear plan and no serious prescriptions.
MythAlcohol helps you relax after a shock
FactAlcohol brings short-term relief, but it disrupts sleep, increases anxiety the next day, and interferes with the brain’s ability to process what you have been through. The habit of “relieving stress” with alcohol is one of the paths to addiction. It is safer to discuss other ways of coping with a doctor.
How an online appointment works
- Message or callWrite on WhatsApp or call — our coordinator replies within minutes, day or night. You don't have to give your surname.
- Doctor and timeWe match you with a psychiatrist, addiction specialist or psychotherapist and agree on a time — often the same day.
- Video consultationA secure 50–60 minute video call: the doctor takes a detailed history and uses standardised scales if needed.
- Treatment planYou receive a clear summary, recommendations and a plan: what we do online and what needs an in-person visit or home call.
- Follow-upOnline follow-up sessions, messenger contact with your doctor, and treatment adjustments until you get a stable result.
Prices in Almaty
| Online psychiatrist consultation (50–60 min) | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| One month of online psychiatric care | 60 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
An online consultation for “Acute stress: online psychiatric help” is available to people across Almaty and Almaty Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Almaty has two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Doctor home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Almaty is first of all about privacy: no clinic visit, no waiting room. A private room and headphones are enough. Data is stored in a secure system with restricted access and does not enter any state registry without legal grounds.
Questions and answers
How long do I have to wait for a first consultation?
A slot is usually available the same day, and in acute situations within an hour. You message us on WhatsApp or call, briefly describe the situation, and the administrator matches you with the nearest available doctor. A psychiatrist is also available by video at night and on weekends.
Do I have to describe what happened in detail?
No, not if it is too hard for you. The doctor needs to understand the general nature of the event and how you are feeling right now. Details can be discussed later, once you feel better. A good specialist will never make you relive the trauma over and over just to fill in a form.
Can I get help if I live in Kaskelen or Talgar?
Yes. A video consultation works wherever you are: in the Medeu district, in the Nauryzbay district, or outside the city. All you need is a stable internet connection. If an in-person examination is required, we will suggest the nearest option or arrange a home visit.
Will I be prescribed medication after an online appointment?
The doctor decides on medication based on the assessment, and far from everyone needs it. The rules for prescribing are set by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and some medications require an in-person examination. The doctor will tell you honestly what is possible in your situation.
Will my employer find out that I sought help?
No. Information about your consultation is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” It is not shared without your consent, except in cases expressly provided for by law. You can also seek help without giving your surname.
When is acute stress a reason to call an ambulance?
If thoughts of suicide appear, if the person does not understand where they are, behaves in a way that is dangerous to themselves or others, has been injured, or complains of chest pain, call 103 or 112. An online consultation is appropriate when there is no immediate threat to life.
Where can I be seen in Almaty?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Both are open 24/7; home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Psychiatry Online medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) and APA (US) guidelines on the treatment of mental disorders
- WHO recommendations on telemedicine and digital health
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
