Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- A psychotherapist, together with a psychiatrist if needed
- Format
- Individual video sessions
- Duration
- 50-minute sessions, a course of 8–20 sessions
- Anonymity
- Confidential, medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law
- When it’s urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, psychosis — call 103 or 112; young people can also call 150
- Outcome
- Fewer symptoms and self-regulation skills
What you should know
Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental health conditions and emotional difficulties through structured conversation and exercises based on an understanding of how thoughts, emotions, behavior and the body are connected. International clinical guidelines name psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and insomnia. In severe conditions, it is combined with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Studies comparing video and in-person sessions show comparable effectiveness for many conditions. For city residents with demanding schedules in government agencies and offices, this is the main argument: there is no need to spend an hour driving from the left bank to the right bank in traffic jams or a snowstorm. At Psychiatry Online, a session can be held in the morning before work or in the evening from home. The short winter daylight hours and wind, which wear many people down, are a frequent topic in first sessions.
When to See a Psychotherapist
- anxiety, tension or worry last for weeks and interfere with work
- low mood, apathy and loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- trouble falling asleep, frequent waking and not feeling rested in the morning
- panic attacks or fear of them recurring, avoiding places and situations
- burnout: fatigue, irritability and cynicism toward work
- a difficult event — loss, divorce, trauma — still won’t let go months later
- recurring conflicts in relationships and a feeling of being stuck
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 Disorders Develop
The modern model explains most mental health conditions as a combination of factors: biological vulnerability (heredity, characteristics of the nervous system), psychological patterns (beliefs about oneself and the world, ways of reacting to stress) and social conditions. Chronic stress keeps the body’s stress system overactive, which disrupts sleep, concentration and mood. Over time, a vicious circle forms that is hard to break without help.
External conditions also play a role: prolonged overload at work, lack of rest, isolation and conflicts. The seasonal factor is well studied: in regions with long winters and short daylight hours, seasonal mood changes are more common. Psychotherapy works with psychological mechanisms — it changes how a person interprets events and reacts to them, and thereby eases symptoms.
How an Online Psychotherapy Session Works
At the first session, the specialist clarifies your concerns and the history of your symptoms, screens for depression and anxiety, and assesses risks. Together you set goals and choose a method. For the session you will need a quiet room where you cannot be overheard, headphones, a stable internet connection and your camera turned on — the specialist relies on facial expressions and tone of voice. Later sessions include reviewing the week, exercises and homework. A link to the secure video call is sent in advance.
The online format is not suitable for acute psychosis, severe depression with a high suicide risk or marked behavioral disturbances — in these cases an in-person psychiatric examination and sometimes hospitalization are needed. If you have thoughts of suicide, call 103 or 112; children and young people can call 150. Under Kazakhstan regulations, a psychotherapist does not prescribe medication without an in-person stage.
How we help
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is the most extensively studied method and is recommended for depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks and insomnia. The patient learns to notice automatic thoughts, test how realistic they are and change behaviors that keep symptoms going. The method is structured, with clear goals and homework, which makes it well suited to the video format.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT helps change your relationship with unpleasant thoughts and feelings: rather than fighting them, you accept them and act in line with your personal values. The method shows good results for chronic anxiety, stress and burnout. Mindfulness and values-clarification exercises are easy to do at home between sessions.
Psychodynamic Therapy
The psychodynamic approach explores how past experiences and unconscious conflicts influence current feelings and relationships. Short-term forms of this method have evidence of effectiveness for depression and a range of personality difficulties. It suits people who want a deeper understanding of recurring patterns in their lives and relationships.
Combining Therapy With Medication
For moderate and severe depression, OCD and pronounced anxiety, clinical guidelines recommend combining psychotherapy with medication — antidepressants and other drug classes. The psychotherapist coordinates care with a Psychiatry Online psychiatrist: medications are prescribed after an assessment and in compliance with Kazakhstan law, while psychotherapy continues online.
Myths and facts
MythPsychotherapy is just talking about life
FactEvidence-based psychotherapy is structured treatment with goals, methods and measurable results. The specialist uses techniques whose effectiveness has been tested in clinical trials and tracks how symptoms change over time.
MythOnline therapy is worse than in-person therapy
FactFor many conditions, research shows comparable effectiveness of video and in-person sessions. What matters most is the specialist’s qualifications, the method and the therapeutic alliance, not the format. The online format also reduces missed sessions.
MythOnly people with serious problems see a psychotherapist
FactPsychotherapy is also helpful for stress, burnout, adjustment difficulties and conflicts. Seeking help early helps prevent depression or an anxiety disorder from developing and shortens the duration of 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 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
What is the difference between a psychotherapist, a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions, including with medication. A psychotherapist provides psychotherapy; in Kazakhstan this may be a doctor or a specialist with appropriate training. A psychologist provides counseling and psychological assessment but does not prescribe medication.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your concerns and the method. Short-term CBT for anxiety or depression usually takes 8–20 sessions. Work on long-standing relationship difficulties or traumatic experiences may take longer. The specialist regularly reviews progress and discusses with you how many more sessions are needed.
What if I can’t speak openly on video?
This is a common concern, and it usually fades after the first few sessions. You can start with what feels comfortable and gradually move on to more difficult topics. It is important to join from a place where you are sure no one can hear you, such as your car or a closed room.
How often are sessions needed?
Usually once a week — the optimal rhythm for most methods. At the start or during a crisis, twice a week is possible; in the final stage, every two weeks. Regularity matters more than frequency, and the online format helps maintain it even during busy work weeks.
How confidential are online sessions?
Sessions take place over a secure video connection and are not recorded without your consent. Information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Can I switch to a different specialist if the first one isn’t a good fit?
Yes. Compatibility with your therapist matters for the outcome. If after 2–3 sessions you feel the connection isn’t working, let us know — the administrator will suggest another specialist, taking into account your concerns, schedule and preferences.
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
