Reviewed by: Madina Abdrakhmanova, addiction psychologist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- A psychotherapist or clinical psychologist trained in CBT
- Format
- Individual video sessions, with worksheets and materials in digital form
- Duration
- Each session lasts 50–60 minutes; a course includes 8 to 20 sessions
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan; anonymous requests
- When it’s urgent
- Suicidal thoughts or sudden deterioration — call 103, 112, or the 150 helpline
- Outcome
- Fewer symptoms and skills the patient can apply independently
What you should know
Cognitive behavioral therapy took shape in the second half of the 20th century, based on the cognitive model, which holds that emotions and behavior are largely determined by how a person interprets what is happening. The method combines work with thoughts (the cognitive component) and changes in actions (the behavioral component). International clinical guidelines recommend CBT as a first-line treatment for many mental disorders.
The structured nature of CBT makes it especially well suited to the online format: each session has an agenda, and worksheets, diaries, and homework are used, all of which are easy to share digitally. Research shows that CBT by video is as effective as in-person CBT. Psychiatry Online specialists provide online CBT in Uralsk for adult patients, choosing a protocol to match the specific disorder and goals.
Conditions Treated with CBT
- generalized anxiety disorder and constant worry
- panic disorder and fear of having another panic attack
- mild to moderate depressive episodes
- obsessive-compulsive disorder with intrusive thoughts and rituals
- social anxiety and fear of being judged by others
- chronic insomnia not caused by physical health problems
- post-traumatic stress disorder and the aftermath of trauma
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 Thoughts Keep a Disorder Going
According to the cognitive model, people develop core beliefs about themselves, others, and the world, shaped by their experiences. In stressful situations, these beliefs are activated and give rise to automatic thoughts — quick, often distorted judgments about events, such as catastrophizing, mind reading, or black-and-white thinking. Such thoughts trigger strong emotions and push a person toward certain behaviors.
Behavior, in turn, often reinforces the problem: avoiding frightening situations temporarily reduces anxiety but prevents you from discovering that the danger is exaggerated, and withdrawing from activities during depression deepens low mood. This creates a vicious circle. CBT helps break it by changing both thoughts and actions and by testing new beliefs in practice.
How CBT by Video Works
The course begins with an assessment: the specialist clarifies your symptoms, how long they have lasted, and how they affect your life, and may use standardized questionnaires. Together, you set measurable therapy goals. Each session follows a plan: a review of the past week, a discussion of homework, work on the session’s topic, and a new assignment. For sessions, you need a camera, headphones, and a quiet place; the specialist sends worksheets electronically.
Online CBT is not used for acute conditions that require immediate help. If you have suicidal thoughts, call 103, 112, or 150. Severe depression, psychotic symptoms, or the need for medication call for a psychiatrist’s consultation and, in some cases, an in-person appointment or inpatient care in Uralsk.
How we help
Cognitive restructuring
This is the main technique of the cognitive component. The patient learns to notice automatic thoughts, identify cognitive distortions, and check thoughts against the facts. Thought records, Socratic questioning, and the search for alternative explanations are used. Gradually, not only individual thoughts change, but also the core beliefs that keep the disorder going.
Exposure
For anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD, gradual and controlled exposure to feared situations, thoughts, or memories is used. Exposure follows a hierarchy drawn up in advance, moving from less anxiety-provoking steps to more difficult ones. Many exercises can be done during an online session or independently, followed by a review together.
Behavioral activation
For depression, an important method is a gradual return to activities that bring satisfaction or a sense of meaning. The patient schedules activities, tracks their mood, and notices the link between what they do and how they feel. The method is easy to learn, well studied, and can be used independently after the course.
CBT for insomnia
A specialized CBT protocol for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended by international guidelines as a first-line treatment. It includes stimulus control, sleep restriction, work on beliefs about sleep, and sleep hygiene rules. The protocol is easy to deliver online, and the patient keeps a sleep diary between sessions.
Myths and facts
MythCBT is just positive thinking
FactCBT does not ask you to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. The goal is to make thinking realistic: to check thoughts against the facts and find balanced assessments. Sometimes an anxious thought turns out to be justified, and then the work focuses on solving the problem.
MythCBT ignores the past
FactCBT focuses on current problems but takes into account the past experiences that shaped a person’s beliefs. Working with core beliefs and schemas touches on where they came from, but the main goal is to change how they affect your life now.
MythThe effect wears off once the course ends
FactCBT teaches skills that the patient continues to use on their own. Research shows that results are maintained after the course ends. Booster sessions can be used to consolidate progress, and the course can be repeated if needed.
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 Uralsk
| 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 Uralsk: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — 186 Zhambyla St., Uralsk and 3 Mukhita St., Uralsk. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in West Kazakhstan Region, starting online is usually easiest.
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
How many CBT sessions will I need?
A typical course includes 8 to 20 weekly sessions, but the length depends on the disorder, its severity, and your goals. For complex or chronic problems, the course may be longer. The specialist regularly reviews progress with the patient and discusses when it is appropriate to finish.
Do I have to do the homework?
Homework is an important part of CBT, because the main changes happen in everyday life, not just during the session. Research links completing assignments with better results. Assignments are kept manageable, and if something doesn’t work out, it is discussed at the next session.
Can CBT be combined with medication?
Yes, for a number of disorders, such as moderate to severe depression, combining CBT with medication gives better results. Decisions about medication are made by a psychiatrist. Whether a medication can be prescribed and a prescription issued depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an in-person examination.
How is CBT different from other types of psychotherapy?
CBT stands out for its structure, focus on specific goals, limited duration, and the active role of the patient. It uses clear protocols for different disorders and regular measurement of results. Other approaches may be less structured and take longer.
Is online CBT suitable for panic attacks?
Yes, CBT protocols for panic disorder are well adapted to the video format. The patient learns how panic works, practices techniques for dealing with bodily sensations, and gradually stops avoiding situations. The online format lets you do the exercises in familiar surroundings.
How is confidentiality protected?
Sessions take place over a secure connection and are not recorded without consent. Information about your therapy is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Information may be disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Where can I be seen in Uralsk?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 186 Zhambyla St., Uralsk and 3 Mukhita St., Uralsk. 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
