Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F40–F48
- Who treats you
- a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist working from a single plan
- Format
- video consultations, with referrals for in-person tests when needed
- Duration
- initial appointment about an hour; a course of therapy is usually 8–20 sessions
- Confidentiality
- you can reach out without your full name; medical confidentiality applies
- When it’s urgent
- suicidal thoughts, acute chest pain or loss of consciousness — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- an accurate diagnosis, less anxiety and exhaustion, and skills for coping with stress
What you should know
Many people write to us something like this: “I think I have a neurosis — I’m always on edge, I sleep badly, my heart hurts one day and my stomach the next, and the doctors can’t find anything.” You send a WhatsApp message, the administrator finds a time, and that evening you’re already talking to a psychiatrist from your home in the Almaly district. There’s no need to spend an hour driving through jammed Almaty or ask for time off work to finally understand what’s happening to you.
The word “neurosis” is hardly used as a diagnosis in modern classification: it covers a whole group of conditions — generalized anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, neurasthenia, adjustment disorders and somatoform disorders. Each is treated differently. That’s why the first task of a Psychiatry Online doctor is to determine exactly what you have rather than prescribe “something for the nerves.” An accurate diagnosis makes it possible to choose psychotherapy and, when needed, medication that actually works.
Signs It’s Time to See a Psychiatrist
- constant inner tension, irritability and a feeling that you’re at your limit
- you tire quickly, and the fatigue doesn’t pass after rest
- sleep problems: trouble falling asleep, frequent waking, anxious dreams
- physical symptoms with no identified cause: a racing heart, pain, stomach problems
- intrusive thoughts, fears or a need to keep checking things
- trouble concentrating, forgetfulness and a sense of “brain fog”
- the state lasts for weeks and interferes with work, relationships and rest
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.
Why Neurotic Disorders Develop
Neurotic disorders develop from a combination of predisposition and external pressures. Heredity, temperament, the way a person regulates stress and childhood experiences all matter. Someone who is highly sensitive and used to keeping everything under control becomes exhausted more easily under prolonged strain. This is not a sign of weakness but a feature of the nervous system that can be taken into account and supported with treatment.
These disorders are triggered by prolonged stress, overwork, conflicts, losses, illness and changes in lifestyle. The pace of Almaty — work without clear boundaries, daily traffic jams, information overload and little time for sleep and rest — creates a background against which exhaustion builds up for months. The condition is sustained by alcohol, caffeine, lack of exercise and attempts to cope alone while ignoring the body’s signals.
How an Online Appointment for Neurosis Works
Before the appointment, gather any test results if you’ve already had your heart, stomach or thyroid checked, and write down which symptoms bother you and for how long. The psychiatrist asks about your mood, sleep, anxiety, physical sensations, workload and habits, and may suggest questionnaires. You join from any quiet place, and already at the first session you get a preliminary understanding of what’s going on and a plan for the next steps.
Physical illnesses that masquerade as neurosis — thyroid disorders, heart rhythm problems, anemia and others — can’t be ruled out online. If you haven’t been examined yet, the doctor will refer you for lab tests and an in-person visit with a general practitioner. Severe depression, suicidal thoughts or psychotic symptoms call for an in-person visit or hospitalization, and if a life is in danger, call 103 or 112. Prescriptions are issued in accordance with the requirements of Kazakhstan’s legislation.
How we help
Clarifying the Diagnosis
Treatment begins with identifying the specific disorder: generalized anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, neurasthenia, adjustment disorder or somatoform disorder. The choice of methods depends on the diagnosis. The psychiatrist uses a clinical interview and standardized scales and, when necessary, refers you for tests to rule out physical causes of your symptoms.
Psychotherapy
International guidelines consider cognitive behavioral therapy the main treatment for most neurotic disorders. You learn to notice thoughts that intensify anxiety, change habitual reactions and gradually return to what you’ve been avoiding. Video sessions follow the same structure as in-person ones, with exercises between appointments.
Medication
For pronounced symptoms, a psychiatrist may suggest medications from the antidepressant class or other drugs with an anti-anxiety effect. They are selected individually, taking into account your work, driving and other health conditions. Medications with a risk of dependence are prescribed only briefly. Effectiveness is monitored at online appointments, with no need to travel to a clinic.
Rebuilding Your Resources
Sleep, physical activity, breaks during the day and limiting caffeine and alcohol are an important part of treatment. A Psychiatry Online specialist reviews your real daily routine, including the commute from the Nauryzbay district to downtown, and helps you choose changes you can sustain — without lectures or guilt.
Myths and facts
MythNeurosis is just a bad temperament
FactNeurotic disorders are medical conditions with ICD criteria, linked to how the nervous system works and to stress. They are not a personality trait, and they respond to treatment.
MythNeuroses are treated with calming herbs
FactHerbal remedies may help a little with mild tension, but they don’t treat anxiety disorders, OCD or somatoform disorders. What’s needed is psychotherapy and, when necessary, medication selected by a psychiatrist.
MythIf doctors found nothing, the symptoms must be imaginary
FactPhysical symptoms in neurotic disorders are real: they’re the nervous system working in stress mode. The absence of organic damage is good news — it means the condition can be changed with treatment.
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
Psychiatry Online in Almaty: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Almaty and Almaty Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
Information about your visit, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We never share it with your employer, school or relatives without your consent; the only exceptions are those expressly set out by law. For an online consultation your first name is enough, video runs over a secure channel and nothing is recorded without your consent.
Questions and answers
Is “neurosis” an actual diagnosis?
ICD-10 has a section on neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders, but the term “neurosis” itself is rarely used as a diagnosis. The doctor will determine exactly which disorder you have, because treatment depends on it.
Can neurosis be treated online?
Yes. In most cases, diagnosis, psychotherapy and monitoring of medication work well by video. In-person care is needed for lab tests and examinations to rule out physical causes, and for emergencies.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the specific disorder. Mild forms may need just a few weeks; chronic ones take several months. Many people notice the first changes after a few sessions, once they understand what’s happening and start applying new skills.
Do I have to take pills?
Not necessarily. For mild to moderate disorders, psychotherapy is often enough. For pronounced symptoms, a psychiatrist may suggest medication. The decision is always made together with you, after discussing the benefits and possible side effects.
What should I do if neurosis is getting in the way of work?
See a specialist as early as possible. The online format lets you get treatment without taking time off work. If your condition is severe, the doctor will discuss the possibility of temporary disability leave under the rules of the Republic of Kazakhstan and help plan a gradual return to work.
Is an online appointment suitable for suburban residents?
Yes. Video consultations are available in Kaskelen, Talgar, Konaev and any district of Almaty. All you need is a stable connection and a quiet place. If lab tests are needed, the doctor will suggest where it’s most convenient to have them done near your home, without a separate trip downtown.
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