Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- A family therapist, together with a psychiatrist if needed
- Format
- Joint video sessions; individual sessions are also possible
- Duration
- Sessions of 60–90 minutes, a course of 6–15 sessions
- Anonymity
- Confidential, medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law
- When it’s urgent
- Violence or suicidal thoughts in a family member — call 103 or 112; children and teenagers can call 150
- Outcome
- Fewer conflicts, new rules of communication and support for treatment
What you should know
Family therapy views a problem not as a flaw in one person but as part of a system of relationships. If a teenager has become aggressive and the parents are constantly arguing, the therapist explores how these things are connected: what rules, roles and alliances have formed in the family and how they keep the difficulties going. Evidence-based forms of family therapy are recommended for behavioral disorders in children and adolescents, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as an addition to the main treatment.
The online format solves the main practical problem of family therapy — getting everyone together in one place at the same time. At Psychiatry Online, family members join from different districts — for example, someone from Baikonur district and someone from Yesil district — or even from other cities. This is convenient when parents work in government agencies and offices until evening, and winter frost and wind make evening trips across the whole city especially exhausting.
When to See a Family Therapist
- the same conflicts keep repeating, and you can’t come to an agreement
- a child or teenager has problems with behavior, school or mood
- a family member has a mental health condition or an addiction
- crisis events: moving, the birth of a child, divorce, bereavement
- conflicts between generations: parents, adult children, grandparents
- secrets, resentments and unspoken grievances have built up in the family
- a blended family after remarriage and difficulties with a partner’s children
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 Family Difficulties Persist
The systemic approach describes a family as an organism with its own rules and balance. When one member changes, the others unconsciously try to restore the familiar equilibrium, even if it is uncomfortable. Recurring cycles — one person criticizes, the other withdraws, the first criticizes even more — sustain the conflict regardless of what the argument is about. Without an outside perspective, these cycles are hard to notice and interrupt.
Another factor is stress and life transitions. The birth of a child, adolescence, retirement and illness require the family to reorganize its roles. If adaptation does not happen, symptoms appear. Research also shows that a high level of criticism and emotional over-involvement in a family increases the risk of relapse in mental health conditions. A long winter, when everyone spends more time at home, can heighten tension.
How an Online Family Therapy Session Works
At the first session, the therapist gets to know all the participants, clarifies each person’s concerns and the family history, and, if needed, draws up a genogram. Participants can join from the same room on one device or from different places via separate links. It is important that everyone has a private space and headphones. The therapist makes sure everyone gets a chance to speak and sets rules: speak in the first person and don’t interrupt. Separate sessions with the couple or with the teenager are possible.
The online format is not suitable if there is ongoing violence in the family and a joint session is unsafe for one of the participants: in this case safety comes first — call 112. In acute conditions in a family member — psychosis, suicidal thoughts, a severe drinking binge — an in-person examination is needed, and if there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Systemic Family Therapy
The therapist explores the rules, roles, boundaries and communication in the family, using circular questions and observing how members interact. The goal is to help the family see recurring patterns and find new ways of responding. The approach is used for a wide range of difficulties, from conflicts to support when a family member is ill.
Structural and Strategic Therapy
These approaches focus on how the family is organized: who makes decisions, how clear the boundaries between generations are and whether there are hidden alliances. The therapist gives concrete tasks that change habitual interactions. The approach shows good results for behavioral problems in children and adolescents and is widely used in evidence-based practice.
Psychoeducational Family Therapy
When a family member has a mental health condition — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression — relatives learn about the illness, learn to recognize early signs of relapse and reduce criticism. Research shows that this work reduces the rate of repeat hospitalizations and increases the effectiveness of the main treatment.
Family Therapy for Addiction
Involving the family in the treatment of alcohol or drug addiction increases the chances of staying in the program and reduces the risk of relapse. The therapist helps agree on house rules, change enabling behavior and rebuild trust. Sessions can be combined with individual treatment by a Psychiatry Online addiction specialist.
Myths and facts
MythFamily therapy is about finding someone to blame
FactThe systemic approach fundamentally rejects looking for someone to blame. The therapist explores interactions rather than accusing individuals. Responsibility for change is shared among all participants.
MythIf one person doesn’t want to take part, therapy is impossible
FactEven if not everyone is ready, working with part of the family can change the whole system. Often, after a few sessions, reluctant members join in once they see changes. The therapist will suggest how to invite them without pressure.
MythThe online format doesn’t work for families
FactVideo calls make it possible to bring together participants who otherwise could not meet. The therapist adapts methods to the screen, and observing interactions in a familiar home setting provides additional information.
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 Astana
| 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 Astana online or at one of two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana, 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. 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
An online appointment in Astana 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 many people can take part in a session?
Usually from two to five or six participants. If the family is large, the therapist may suggest alternating who attends: first the parents, then the children, then everyone together. This helps give everyone a voice and keeps the session from turning into a general argument.
Can we take part from different cities?
Yes, this is one of the main advantages of the online format. Each participant receives a link and joins from their own device. It is important that everyone has a stable connection and a private space, and that the time is agreed with time zones in mind.
From what age can children take part?
School-age children usually take part in some of the sessions; with young children, the therapist works through play or with the parents. Teenagers are often full participants. The format is decided together with the therapist, taking into account the topic and the children’s ages.
What if an argument breaks out during the session?
The therapist manages the process: they may stop the conversation, suggest a pause or talk to participants separately. A conflict during a session is not a failure but material for the work: in a safe setting, you can see how an argument unfolds and what helps stop it.
Is what one family member says kept confidential?
Confidentiality rules are agreed on at the start of the work. Usually, what is said in an individual session is not shared with others without consent. Information is protected by medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law, and disclosure is possible only in cases provided for by law.
How many sessions are needed?
Short-term family therapy usually includes 6–15 sessions held one to two weeks apart. In difficult situations, such as when a family member has a mental health condition, the work may take longer. The therapist regularly discusses results and next steps with the family.
Where can I be seen in Astana?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana and 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. 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
