Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F43.1
- Who provides care
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist trained in trauma-focused methods
- Format
- Video consultations and an online course of psychotherapy; in person when the risk is high and when indicated
- Duration
- Initial appointment about 60 minutes; a course of psychotherapy usually takes 8–16 sessions, longer for complex PTSD
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan; what you share about the trauma is not passed on to third parties
- When it is urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, a threat of violence — call 103 or 112; young people can call 150
- Outcome
- Fewer flashbacks and nightmares, less hypervigilance, and restored sleep and everyday life
What you should know
PTSD is coded F43.1 in ICD-10. ICD-11 distinguishes PTSD and complex PTSD, in which the core symptoms are accompanied by persistent problems with emotion regulation, a negative self-concept and difficulties in relationships; it more often develops after prolonged or repeated trauma. PTSD is built around three groups of symptoms: re-experiencing the event in the present, avoiding reminders of it and a persistent sense of current threat.
At Psychiatry Online, help for PTSD is provided by psychiatrists and psychotherapists via video call. Many people with traumatic experiences find it easier to start talking from a safe and familiar environment, and online sessions make it possible to keep treatment going without interruptions. An online psychiatrist consultation in Zhezkazgan includes a careful assessment of your condition without requiring you to describe the trauma in detail at the first meeting, an evaluation of risks and the choice of an evidence-based therapy.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
- intrusive memories and flashbacks in which the event is relived
- recurring nightmares related to the traumatic experience
- avoiding places, people, conversations and thoughts that are reminders of the event
- constant alertness, being easily frightened and startling at noises
- sleep problems, irritability, angry outbursts and difficulty concentrating
- emotional numbness, feeling detached from loved ones, loss of interest
- guilt or shame related to the event, even when there is no real reason for it
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 and Risk Factors of PTSD
PTSD develops after events involving a threat to life, serious injury or violence: combat, disasters, accidents, assaults, sexual violence, the sudden death of a loved one or severe medical emergencies. Most people who go through trauma recover without developing the disorder. PTSD forms when the natural processing of a traumatic experience is disrupted and the memory of the event remains fragmented and “alive.”
The risk of PTSD is raised by the severity and duration of the trauma, interpersonal violence, previous trauma (especially in childhood), existing mental health conditions, a lack of social support after the event and subsequent stress. Symptoms usually appear within the first months, but a delayed onset is possible. PTSD often occurs together with depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol misuse.
How Online Treatment for PTSD Works
The first video consultation focuses on assessing your current symptoms, sleep, mood, alcohol use, safety and the support available to you. A detailed account of the event is not required: the doctor asks only about what is needed for the diagnosis. Standardized questionnaires are used. For the session, it is important to find a place where you feel safe and cannot be overheard; it can help to think in advance about how you will calm down after the meeting.
The online format is not suitable in an acute crisis with a high risk of self-harm, severe addiction or ongoing violence: in these situations in-person care, and if necessary hospital admission, is needed. Whether prescription medications can be prescribed depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an initial examination. If you have suicidal thoughts, call 103 or 112; the 150 helpline is available for children and young people.
How we help
Trauma-Focused CBT
International guidelines name it as one of the main treatments for PTSD. Therapy includes psychoeducation, work on beliefs that arose after the trauma and gradual processing of memories. Variants of the method include cognitive therapy for PTSD, cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. The course is delivered online with comparable effectiveness.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is an evidence-based method for PTSD included in WHO guidelines. During the session, the traumatic memory is processed using bilateral stimulation. The method has been adapted for video and is delivered by a specially trained psychotherapist following a structured protocol.
Medication
Medication is considered when psychotherapy is unavailable or not effective enough, or when there is marked co-occurring depression. Medications from the antidepressant group are used; sedatives that carry a risk of dependence are not recommended as the main treatment for PTSD. The choice and monitoring of treatment are carried out by the doctor.
Stabilization and Safety
In complex PTSD, treatment often begins with a stabilization phase: learning emotion regulation skills, working on sleep, and restoring a sense of safety and stability. Only then does therapy move on to processing traumatic memories. This step-by-step approach reduces the risk of deterioration and works well in video sessions.
Myths and facts
MythOnly military personnel get PTSD
FactPTSD can develop in anyone after events involving a threat to life or violence: accidents, assaults, disasters, serious illness or sudden loss. The disorder does not depend on a person’s profession and is not a sign of weakness.
MythIt is better to forget the trauma and never think about it
FactAvoiding memories is one of the mechanisms that keep PTSD going. Trauma-focused psychotherapy makes it possible to process the experience safely and gradually, after which the memories no longer trigger such intense reactions.
MythIf many years have passed, it is too late for treatment
FactEvidence-based methods help even with trauma from long ago. Many people seek help years after the event and achieve a significant reduction in symptoms and a better quality of life.
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 Zhezkazgan
| 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 Zhezkazgan: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — 65 Esenberlina St., office 30, Zhezkazgan and 81 Gagarina St., office 20, Zhezkazgan. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Ulytau Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Zhezkazgan 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
Do I have to describe the trauma in detail at the first meeting?
No. At the initial consultation, the doctor assesses your current symptoms and safety, and processing of memories begins later, when there are enough inner resources and trust. You decide what to share and when; the specialist will help you find a comfortable pace.
Can PTSD be treated online?
Yes. Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR have been studied in video format and show effectiveness comparable to in-person work. Online treatment is not suitable only in an acute crisis with high risk or an ongoing threat, when in-person help is needed.
How soon after the event can I seek help?
At any time. In the first weeks after a trauma, stress reactions are natural, but if symptoms are severe or last longer than a month, it is worth seeing a specialist. Starting treatment early makes recovery easier, but help is possible even years later.
Does medication help with PTSD?
Medications from the antidepressant group can reduce symptoms, especially when there is co-occurring depression. However, international guidelines put trauma-focused psychotherapy first. Whether medication can be prescribed remotely depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the examination requirements.
What should I do if I feel worse during therapy?
A temporary increase in some symptoms at the start of trauma processing is possible, and the psychotherapist discusses in advance how to cope with it. Tell your therapist about any deterioration during the session. If you have suicidal thoughts, call 103, 112 or 150 without waiting for the next appointment.
How confidential is treatment?
Information about the patient and the content of sessions 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. An online psychiatrist consultation in Zhezkazgan at Psychiatry Online takes place over a secure channel.
Where can I be seen in Zhezkazgan?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 65 Esenberlina St., office 30, Zhezkazgan and 81 Gagarina St., office 20, Zhezkazgan. 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
