Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F40.2
- Who provides care
- A psychotherapist and a psychiatrist using cognitive behavioral therapy methods
- Format
- Video consultations and online exposure sessions, with assignments in real-life situations
- Duration
- Initial appointment about 50 minutes; for specific phobias a course ranges from 1–5 to 10–12 sessions
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, secure video channel
- When it is urgent
- Refusing necessary medical care because of fear, thoughts of self-harm — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Less fear and avoidance, and the ability to fly, travel and undergo medical procedures
What you should know
In ICD-10, phobic anxiety disorders are grouped under code F40: agoraphobia (F40.0), social phobias (F40.1) and specific (isolated) phobias (F40.2). In ICD-11 they belong to the chapter on anxiety or fear-related disorders. What distinguishes a phobia from ordinary fear is its intensity, persistence and consequences: the person understands that the reaction is excessive but avoids the feared object to such an extent that it limits work, travel, medical care or social life.
At Psychiatry Online, phobias are treated by psychotherapists and psychiatrists via video call. The online format is convenient for assessment, planning and exposure therapy: some exercises are done during the session using images, videos and imagination, and others in real-life situations. An online psychotherapist consultation in Kulsary helps identify the type of phobia, assess any co-occurring conditions and draw up a step-by-step plan for overcoming the fear.
Signs and Symptoms of a Phobia
- intense fear when encountering a particular object or situation, or even when thinking about it
- a pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea or dizziness on contact
- understanding that the fear is excessive but being unable to control it
- avoiding flights, elevators, heights, animals, blood or injections
- anxiety that builds up in advance before a possible encounter with the feared object
- giving up trips, work or medical checkups because of the phobia
- fear and avoidance persisting for several months
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.
Causes of Phobias
Phobias develop from a combination of biological predisposition and experience. Humans have an evolutionary readiness to fear certain threats — heights, snakes, enclosed spaces — which is why such phobias are especially common. The risk is higher with a hereditary tendency toward anxiety disorders and with high anxiety as a temperament trait. Many specific phobias begin in childhood.
A fear can arise after an unpleasant or frightening event, such as an animal bite or turbulence during a flight, from watching someone else’s fear, or from frightening information. The main mechanism that keeps it going is avoidance: it brings relief but deprives the person of the chance to find out that the situation is safe. Blood-injection phobia involves a distinctive reaction — a sharp drop in blood pressure with a risk of fainting.
How Online Phobia Treatment Works
In the first video session, the specialist clarifies exactly what the person fears, for how long, in which situations the fear appears and how much it limits their life. A hierarchy of situations is drawn up — from those causing mild unease to the most frightening. Then exposure begins: working with images, videos, sounds and imagination right during the session. You will need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection and a quiet place.
Exposure to some real situations — a flight, heights, a medical procedure — cannot be carried out entirely online, so the final steps are done independently or with someone accompanying you. For blood-injection phobia with a history of fainting, a careful plan is required. If fear is preventing you from getting urgent medical care, seek help in person; in an emergency, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Exposure Therapy
According to international guidelines, this is the main treatment for specific phobias. Step by step, starting with the least frightening steps, the person faces the feared object and stays in the situation until the anxiety subsides. Repetition builds a new experience of safety. Online exposure uses images, videos and follow-up assignments in real life.
Cognitive Therapy
This complements exposure by addressing catastrophic beliefs: overestimating the likelihood and consequences of danger and underestimating your own ability to cope. For example, with fear of flying, beliefs about turbulence and loss of control are examined. Cognitive work increases readiness for exposure and lowers the risk of the fear returning.
Applied Tension
A special technique for blood, injury and injection phobia, in which fainting is possible. The patient learns to tense the muscles of the arms, legs and torso to keep blood pressure up while going through exposure. The technique is learned in a video session under a specialist’s guidance and then used during blood tests and medical procedures.
Medication Support
For isolated specific phobias, medication is usually not the main treatment, as exposure is more effective. Medication may be discussed for agoraphobia, co-occurring panic disorder or depression. The decision about medication and its monitoring remain with the doctor, in line with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Myths and facts
MythYou just need to overcome a phobia with willpower
FactAbruptly confronting a fear without preparation can make the phobia worse. Gradual, planned exposure is effective, with each step being manageable and reinforcing the experience of safety. A psychotherapist helps you find the right pace.
MythA fear you have had since childhood cannot be fixed
FactEven long-standing specific phobias respond well to exposure therapy. Research shows that for a number of phobias, significant improvement can be achieved in a small number of sessions.
MythIf you avoid the feared object, the problem does not get in the way
FactOver time, avoidance narrows your life: the person gives up trips, work and medical checkups. Moreover, it is avoidance that keeps the phobia going, which is why treatment aims at a gradual return to avoided situations.
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 Kulsary
| Online psychiatrist consultation (50–60 min) | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| One month of online psychiatric care | 60 000 ₸ |
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 Kulsary: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — Building 28, Samal Microdistrict, Kulsary and 18 Abaya St., Kulsary. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Atyrau Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Kulsary 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 a phobia be cured online?
Yes, the assessment, cognitive work and a large part of exposure are carried out by video call. The final steps in real situations are done independently following a plan drawn up with the specialist, and the results are discussed in the next session.
How many sessions will I need?
With an isolated specific phobia, noticeable improvement is sometimes achieved in one extended session or a few regular ones. With agoraphobia, several phobias at once or co-occurring depression, the course is longer — usually 10–12 sessions or more.
How is agoraphobia different from an ordinary phobia?
In agoraphobia, a person fears places and situations from which it is hard to escape or get help: public transport, crowds, open spaces, leaving home alone. It is often associated with panic attacks. Treatment includes CBT and gradual exposure.
What if fear stops me from having blood tests or seeing a doctor?
This is a common problem with blood-injection phobia. A psychotherapist will help you prepare using exposure and the applied tension technique. If you need medical care urgently, do not put it off: tell the staff about your fear.
Do I need medication for fear of flying?
Psychotherapy remains the main treatment. Sedatives taken before a flight can interfere with building a new experience and do not cure the phobia. Any medication is decided by the doctor after a consultation, taking into account your health and the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Is treatment anonymous?
Video sessions at Psychiatry Online take place over a secure channel, and information about the patient is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Online phobia treatment in Kulsary does not require any certificates or referrals.
Where can I be seen in Kulsary?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: Building 28, Samal Microdistrict, Kulsary and 18 Abaya St., Kulsary. 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
