Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F60
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist, followed by a psychotherapist trained in the chosen method
- Format
- video consultation, with 2–3 assessment sessions if needed
- Duration
- the first session takes about an hour; therapy lasts from several months
- Confidentiality
- you can seek help without giving your surname; medical confidentiality applies
- When it’s urgent
- a threat to your own life or the lives of others — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- a clear diagnosis, an understanding of your patterns, and a plan of work
What you should know
People often come not with the question “Do I have a personality disorder?” but with a recurring pattern: “I get into conflicts everywhere,” “I can’t hold down a job,” “my loved ones say I’m hard to live with.” You message us on WhatsApp, briefly describe what is bothering you, and choose a time. The psychiatrist joins you on video, while you stay at home or in your car in the office parking lot — wherever you feel comfortable talking. With the pace of life in Almaty, this is often the only realistic way to get started.
Diagnosing personality disorders requires care: the doctor needs to see stable patterns over many years, not a reaction to a difficult period. The psychiatrist asks about your childhood, adolescence, relationships, and work, and about how you usually react to criticism, failure, and intimacy. Standardized questionnaires are sometimes used. The result is a clear explanation of what is going on and a suggested path forward: which type of psychotherapy suits you and whether you need help with co-occurring depression or anxiety.
When to Consider a Consultation
- the same conflicts keep repeating with family, at work, and with friends
- it is hard to trust people; it seems others want to use or deceive you
- a strong need for approval or, on the contrary, complete avoidance of closeness
- rigid perfectionism and control that damage relationships and work
- impulsivity and frequent changes of jobs, relationships, or places of residence
- loved ones have long said you are difficult, while you feel the problem lies with them
- against this background, depression, anxiety, or addictions develop
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.
How Personality Disorders Develop
Personality is shaped by innate temperament and by experiences in childhood and adolescence. If a child grows up with constant criticism, unpredictability, abuse, emotional coldness, or, conversely, excessive overprotection, they develop protective strategies. Back then these strategies helped them survive, but in adult life they become rigid and start getting in the way. Heredity also plays an important role: genetics influence sensitivity and impulsivity.
In ICD-11, personality disorders are described by their severity and by specific traits, such as negative affectivity, detachment, anankastia, and dissociality. This helps tailor support more precisely. These features often become more noticeable during stressful periods: moving, changing jobs, divorce, or the birth of a child. In the hectic pace of a big city, the strain on relationships and self-control is especially high.
How an Online Consultation for Personality Disorders Works
You join via a link at the time you have chosen. It helps to think in advance about the situations in which difficulties arise and how you usually react. The psychiatrist conducts a structured interview and sometimes offers questionnaires that are completed online. Sometimes a second session is needed for clarification. The doctor then explains the findings and proposes a plan: psychotherapy, help with co-occurring conditions, and involvement of loved ones.
The online format is not suitable when there is an acute threat to life: in case of suicidal thoughts, aggression, or severe intoxication, call 103 or 112. Forensic psychiatric reports, medical certificates, and official evaluations require an in-person appointment at the organizations authorized to provide them. If medication is needed for co-occurring symptoms, prescribing follows the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
How we help
Schema therapy
This method helps you recognize deep-seated beliefs about yourself and the world that formed in childhood, such as “I will be abandoned” or “I must be perfect.” By working with them in sessions, a person learns to choose more flexible responses. Schema therapy has been well studied for various personality disorders and can be delivered online.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on specific situations: what happens, what thoughts arise, and how they affect your actions. You learn to notice automatic reactions and try new ones. The method is structured and includes homework, which works well online: materials can be sent through a messaging app. Results are usually noticeable within a few weeks.
Psychodynamic therapy
This approach explores how past experiences influence present relationships, including the relationship with the therapist. It is longer-term work that helps you understand yourself more deeply. It is chosen when the goal is not only to change behavior but also to understand the reasons behind recurring patterns. Sessions are held regularly, most often once a week.
Treatment of co-occurring conditions
Personality disorders often occur alongside depression, anxiety, sleep problems, or addictions. The psychiatrist assesses these and, if necessary, offers treatment, including medications from the relevant classes in accordance with Kazakhstan law. Once acute symptoms subside, psychotherapy becomes more productive. This is part of the overall plan.
Myths and facts
MythPersonality can’t be changed
FactTemperament traits are indeed stable, but behavioral strategies and ways of reacting and building relationships do change. Psychotherapy helps make them more flexible, and many people notice significant changes after months of work.
MythA diagnosis is a lifelong stigma
FactA diagnosis is needed to choose the right kind of help. It is not made public, not reported to your employer, and is protected by medical confidentiality. Over time, with therapy, the intensity of these traits often decreases.
MythThe problem is always other people
FactSometimes the people around you really are toxic. But if similar difficulties keep repeating with different people, it is worth looking at your own reactions too. This is not about finding someone to blame; it is a way to regain influence over your own life.
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
| Urgent online psychiatrist consultation | 18 000 ₸ |
| Consultation for relatives | 15 000 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 45 000 ₸ |
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 “Personality disorders: online consultation” 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
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
Can a diagnosis be made by video?
In many cases, yes, since assessment is based on a detailed interview and questionnaires. Sometimes several sessions and information from loved ones are needed. Official evaluations and certificates require an in-person appointment at authorized organizations.
I’m not sure I have a disorder. Should I still reach out?
Yes, if you are suffering from recurring difficulties. The doctor will help you understand whether these are personality traits, the effects of stress, depression, or something else. A consultation does not oblige you to start treatment. It is simply a first conversation.
Can I come together with my partner?
Yes, part of the session can include your partner or a relative if you wish. This helps see the bigger picture. You can join from different places — for example, one person from the Medeu district and the other from an office in the Almaly district.
How long does psychotherapy last?
It depends on the method and the goals. Short-term courses take several months; deeper work takes a year or more. Sessions are usually held once a week. The online format at Psychiatry Online means therapy doesn’t have to be interrupted by business trips or moves.
Will medication help?
There are no specific medications for personality disorders. Medications are used to treat co-occurring symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The main work is done in psychotherapy. The decision on medication is made by the doctor, and only when clinically indicated.
Will my workplace find out about the diagnosis?
No. Information about your health 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 seek help anonymously.
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