Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a family psychotherapist or clinical psychologist trained in systemic family therapy
- Format
- joint video sessions on Zoom; separate sessions with individual family members if needed
- Duration
- 60–90-minute sessions, usually every 1–2 weeks; a course of 6–15 sessions
- Confidentiality
- confidential, no registration; rules for sharing information between participants are agreed in advance
- When it's an emergency
- domestic violence, a threat to life, suicidal thoughts — call 102, 103, 112 or 150
- Outcome
- fewer conflicts, clear agreements and ways to support one another
What you should know
A typical request sounds like this: “We argue all the time at home, our teenager has shut down, and my husband says it's all my fault.” The path to family therapy starts with a short WhatsApp message. The administrator asks who will take part and from how many locations you will be connecting, and offers a time. The first video session is about getting to know each other: each family member describes what is bothering them, and the specialist makes sure everyone is heard and nobody ends up cast as “the guilty one.”
For families in Almaty, the online format is often the only realistic way to get together: the parents live in Medeu district, an adult daughter in Nauryzbay district, and a son studies or works in Konaev, so finding a shared evening without traffic is almost impossible. Video calls allow everyone to join from their own device. Psychiatry Online helps families through crises, a loved one's illness or addiction, after a move, divorce or loss, and with conflicts between generations.
When a Family Should See a Psychotherapist
- arguments follow the same script again and again and never lead to a solution
- someone in the family has become “distant” — a teenager, a spouse or an elderly parent
- a family member is struggling with addiction, depression or another disorder
- after a move, the birth of a child or a divorce, the family cannot find a new balance
- adult children and parents cannot agree on boundaries and help
- there has been a painful loss or illness, and everyone is going through it alone
- resentments have built up in the family that nobody talks about openly
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 Family Therapy Looks at Problems
The systemic approach sees the family as a whole: the behavior of one person is connected to the behavior of the others. If a teenager is rude and a father drinks, these are not just their personal difficulties — they are part of the rules, roles and ways of communicating that have taken shape in the family. Often one family member's problem becomes a “signal” of tension that affects everyone. That is why it is more effective to change the situation together.
International clinical guidelines include family interventions in the care of adolescents with eating disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addictions and behavioral problems in children. Family therapy also helps with ordinary but painful crises — divorce, moving, the birth of a child, or a generational shift at home when several generations with different habits live in the same apartment.
How Family Therapy by Video Works
Each participant can join from their own device, or the whole family can join from one laptop in a quiet room. It is important that everyone can be seen and heard; if you are in different places, it is better to use headphones. The specialist helps you agree on ground rules: speak about yourself, don't interrupt, and don't use what was said in a session against each other. Between sessions, the family completes small tasks — for example, an agreement to have one calm conversation a week.
The online format is not suitable if there is physical violence or threats in the family — joint therapy can be dangerous, and protection and separate help are needed; if you are threatened, call 102 or 112. If one family member is in an acute mental health state — psychosis, or severe depression with suicidal thoughts — psychiatric help is needed first; if there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112, and young people can call 150.
How we help
Systemic family therapy
The specialist helps you see recurring cycles of interaction — who starts, who responds, who walks away — and find ways to change them. Questions are used that let each person look at the situation through another's eyes. The goal is not to find someone to blame but to change a script that hurts everyone. This works well online.
Structural family therapy
This method works with boundaries and hierarchy within the family: who makes decisions, how roles are distributed, how close or distant family members are from one another. It is especially useful when parents have lost authority with a teenager or when grandparents have taken over the parenting role. The specialist helps build a clearer and more supportive structure.
Psychoeducation for the family
If a loved one has depression, bipolar disorder, an addiction or another condition, it is important for the family to understand what is happening. The specialist explains the nature of the illness, the signs of deterioration, and what helps and what gets in the way. Knowledge reduces anxiety and blame and helps the family support their loved one without burning out.
Working through generational conflicts
Many families face differing expectations between older and younger members about marriage, careers, raising children and traditions. The specialist helps each person express their position, hear the other side and find agreements that take into account both respect for elders and the younger generation's right to make their own decisions. For many families, this is especially relevant.
Myths and facts
MythFamily therapy is only needed when a family is on the verge of breaking up
FactPeople see a family psychotherapist for ordinary crises too — a move, the birth of a child, a teenager growing up. Early help often prevents a serious conflict and saves years of tension.
MythThe psychotherapist will take someone's side
FactA family specialist's job is to stay neutral and help everyone be heard. They do not pass judgment or decide who is to blame but help the family find shared solutions. This is the foundation of the work.
MythIf someone doesn't want to take part, therapy is pointless
FactIt is possible to work with only part of the family. Changes in the behavior of some members change the system as a whole. Over time, those who initially refused often join the sessions too. You can start with those who are ready.
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 therapy session (50 min) | 15 000 ₸ |
| Package of 8 online sessions | 110 000 ₸ |
| Family/couples session (80 min) | 20 000 ₸ |
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
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
Can we do family therapy if we live in different cities?
Yes, this is one of the main advantages of the online format. Everyone joins from their own device — from Almaty, Konaev or another city. The specialist helps structure the conversation so that each participant feels involved.
How many people can take part in a session?
Usually from two to five or six participants. If the family is large, the specialist may suggest holding sessions with different combinations of people — for example, the parents separately, then together with the children. Who attends each session is discussed in advance.
From what age can children take part?
It depends on the issue and the child's maturity. Teenagers often participate fully, while younger children join separate sessions or a play-based format. For minors, consent from parents or legal guardians is required. The format is chosen individually.
What if one family member misuses alcohol?
Family therapy can be part of the help. At the same time, the person may need treatment from a narcologist, which Psychiatry Online also provides online, and during a binge, with a doctor's home visit. The specialists coordinate the plan so that all the help points in the same direction.
Is confidentiality maintained between family members?
The rules are discussed at the first session. Usually, what is said in a joint session is known to all participants, while the content of individual sessions is not shared without consent. Exceptions are possible only when there is a threat to life and in cases provided for by law.
How can we tell if family therapy is helping?
Usually the first signs are that arguments become shorter and less frequent, it becomes possible to discuss a difficult topic calmly, and family members start noticing each other's efforts. The specialist regularly discusses your progress with you and adjusts the session plan.
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
