Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a medical psychotherapist; a psychiatrist joins if medication is needed
- Format
- individual video sessions on WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom
- Duration
- 50-minute sessions; a short-term course takes 8–12 sessions, longer-term work lasts several months or more
- Confidentiality
- no registration with the state registry, full name not required; medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it's an emergency
- suicidal thoughts, a threat to yourself or others, psychosis — call 103, 112 or 150
- Outcome
- fewer symptoms, an understanding of the causes and skills that stay with you after therapy
What you should know
People usually put up with things for a long time: “it'll pass on its own,” “everyone is stressed,” “I don't have time.” And then they notice that for several months they have been sleeping badly, snapping at loved ones and not wanting to get up in the morning. Getting to a psychotherapist with us is simple: you message us on WhatsApp and briefly describe what is bothering you, the administrator offers several time options, and at the agreed time the specialist joins a video call. The first session is about getting to know each other and assessing the situation: what is happening, for how long, and what you would like to change.
The pace of a big city makes in-person psychotherapy difficult: a trip from work in Bostandyk district to an appointment in Medeu district and back can easily take more than an hour, and even longer in snow or in traffic on the Eastern Bypass. An online session takes exactly 50 minutes, and you can have it from home, a quiet meeting room or your car. Psychiatry Online matches you with a psychotherapist based on your needs: anxiety, depression, a personal crisis, relationships or addiction.
When to See a Psychotherapist
- anxiety, worry or tension have not let up for several weeks in a row
- low mood, apathy, loss of interest in things that used to bring you joy
- poor sleep, constant fatigue, irritability for no obvious reason
- panic attacks, or fear that they will happen again, get in the way of traveling and working
- you are going through a crisis: divorce, the loss of a loved one, losing your job, a move
- the same difficulties keep coming up in your relationships with your partner, family or colleagues
- alcohol, food, gaming or work has become your main way of coping with emotions
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 Emotional Difficulties Arise and How Psychotherapy Helps
Anxiety, depressive and stress-related disorders develop under the influence of many factors: heredity, the characteristics of a person's nervous system, childhood experiences, chronic stress, traumatic events and physical illnesses. Life in a big city adds its own pressures: a fast pace, competition, information overload, and a shortage of sleep and time to rest. Most often, a problem does not arise from a single cause but from a combination of them.
Psychotherapy is a treatment with proven effectiveness that international clinical guidelines include in the standards of care for depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and addictions. Different approaches — cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy — work with thoughts, emotions, behavior and relationships. The method is chosen to match your needs and condition.
What an Online Session with a Psychotherapist Is Like
You need a smartphone or laptop with a camera, headphones and a place where no one can overhear you. Sessions take place on WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom, and the conversation is not recorded. In the first session, the specialist asks about your concerns, your history, your current situation and your goals, and then suggests a plan. After that, sessions take place regularly, usually once a week. Between sessions, you may do exercises or keep a journal — this speeds up progress.
Online psychotherapy is not appropriate in an acute crisis with a risk to life: if there are suicidal thoughts, psychosis or severe confusion, call 103 or 112; young people can call 150. If medication is needed, it is prescribed by a psychiatrist, and online prescribing is possible only in line with Kazakhstan law and the requirements for an initial examination. Severe conditions may require an in-person appointment or inpatient care.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
One of the most thoroughly researched methods. The psychotherapist helps you notice automatic thoughts that intensify anxiety or low mood, test them and replace them with more realistic ones. At the same time, behavioral habits such as avoidance, procrastination and isolation change. CBT works well online and is suitable for anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
Psychodynamic therapy
An approach that helps you understand how past experiences and unconscious patterns affect your feelings and relationships today. It suits people who notice recurring scenarios in their lives and want to understand where they come from. This is usually longer-term work in which trust and regular sessions are important.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
This method teaches you not to fight difficult thoughts and feelings but to notice them and act in line with your values. It is helpful for chronic anxiety, stress, physical symptoms with an emotional component and burnout. Mindfulness exercises are easy to do at home, and video sessions help you review how they went.
Working together with a psychiatrist
For significant depression, anxiety disorders or other conditions, psychotherapy can be combined with medication. A Psychiatry Online psychiatrist assesses your condition, discusses medications from the relevant groups and monitors their effect, while the psychotherapist continues working on the underlying causes. This combination often gives the best results.
Myths and facts
MythOnly “crazy” people see a psychotherapist
FactPeople see a psychotherapist when they want to cope with stress, anxiety or a crisis, or to improve their relationships. It is the same kind of health care as a visit to a cardiologist. Seeking help does not put you on any registry and does not make you “sick.”
MythOnline psychotherapy is less effective than in-person therapy
FactResearch shows that video sessions and in-person sessions are comparably effective for many conditions, especially with CBT. What matters most is regularity, trust in the specialist and the right method, not the communication format.
MythA psychotherapist will just listen and give advice
FactPsychotherapy is a structured treatment with goals and techniques. The specialist does not give advice on “how to live” but helps you understand the causes of your difficulties and learn skills that will stay with you for a long time.
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
You can book in Almaty online or at one of two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty, 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our coordinator replies on WhatsApp within minutes at any time, and a doctor usually connects by video the same day; home visits are available too — 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
What is the difference between a psychotherapist, a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses mental health conditions and can prescribe medication. A psychotherapist conducts therapy sessions, working with thoughts, emotions and behavior. A psychologist provides counseling and psychological assessment. At the first session, we will help you figure out which specialist you need.
How quickly can I get a first session in Almaty?
Usually within 24 hours, often on the same day. Morning and evening slots and weekends are available. Since sessions are online, it doesn't matter where you are — in Almaly district, in Kaskelen or on a business trip — you can join from anywhere.
How many sessions will I need?
For a specific issue such as panic attacks, 8–12 sessions are often enough. For deep-rooted or long-standing difficulties, the work can last several months. The psychotherapist will discuss an approximate time frame after the first few sessions and regularly check whether you are moving toward your goal.
What if the connection drops during a session?
The specialist will call you back, and if the internet is unstable, you can continue over a regular phone call. Lost time is usually made up. We recommend checking your connection in advance and keeping your phone charged. Rescheduling the session is also possible.
Can I switch psychotherapists if the first one isn't a good fit?
Yes. Your rapport with the specialist is very important for the outcome. If you feel the work isn't going well, tell the administrator — we will find you another psychotherapist without unnecessary questions or explanations. This is standard practice.
Will anyone find out that I see a psychotherapist?
No. We work anonymously, do not register clients with the state registry and do not share information with employers or relatives. Medical confidentiality is protected by the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System,” with exceptions only as provided for by law.
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
