Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F60.3
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist trained in DBT or schema therapy
- Format
- video consultations, individual sessions and group skills training
- Duration
- appointment 50 minutes; a course of psychotherapy lasts several months or more
- Confidentiality
- medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it is urgent
- suicidal thoughts or self-harm — call 103, 112 or the 150 helpline
- Outcome
- less impulsivity, steadier emotions and more stable relationships
What you should know
In ICD-10, borderline disorder is described as a subtype of emotionally unstable personality disorder (F60.31), while ICD-11 uses the “borderline pattern” specifier to describe the severity of a personality disorder. Its key features are intense and rapidly shifting emotions, fear of abandonment, unstable self-esteem, impulsive actions and a chronic feeling of emptiness. The disorder usually becomes noticeable in adolescence or early adulthood.
Current clinical guidelines regard psychotherapy as the main form of treatment; medication is used to address specific symptoms and co-occurring disorders. Online psychiatrist consultations in Zhitikara make it possible to start the diagnostic process without waiting for an in-person appointment, receive a treatment plan and keep sessions regular. An important goal of the first online meetings with patients in Zhitikara is to assess the risk of self-harm and to draw up a safety plan.
Typical Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
- sharp mood swings over a few hours or within a single day
- an intense fear of rejection and efforts to avoid a breakup at any cost
- unstable relationships that swing from idealization to devaluation
- an unstable sense of self, one’s goals and values
- impulsive actions: overspending, binge eating, reckless driving, substance use
- a chronic feeling of inner emptiness, boredom and meaninglessness
- outbursts of anger that are then followed by shame and guilt
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.
Factors Behind the Disorder
Borderline disorder is understood through the biosocial model: an innate heightened emotional sensitivity combines with an environment in which the child’s feelings were consistently dismissed or invalidated. Heredity plays a certain role — mood disorders and impulse-control disorders are more common among first-degree relatives. Neurobiological findings point to differences in how emotions are regulated in the limbic system.
Environmental risk factors include early traumatic experiences, emotional neglect, an unstable family environment and long-running conflicts. At the same time, the disorder can develop without any obvious history of trauma. Understanding these mechanisms helps patients let go of self-blame and see that emotion regulation skills can be learned at any age.
How Online Care Works
The first meeting with a psychiatrist focuses on taking a history and assessing the current state, co-occurring depression, anxiety or addictions, and the risk of self-harm. Together with the doctor, the patient draws up a safety plan: signs of an escalating crisis, ways to reduce tension and emergency contacts. Skills-based psychotherapy over video takes place in familiar surroundings, which makes it easier to carry new skills over into everyday life. For the appointment, you will need headphones and a private room.
The online format is not enough in an acute suicidal crisis, with serious self-harm, during psychotic episodes or in a state of significant intoxication. In such cases, call 103 or 112; teenagers and young people can also call the 150 helpline. If a short hospital stay or an examination is needed, the doctor will refer the patient for in-person care.
How we help
Dialectical behavior therapy
DBT is the method with the strongest evidence base for borderline personality disorder. The program combines individual therapy with skills training in four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Skills training works well in online groups, and homework assignments help consolidate the results.
Schema therapy and mentalization-based therapy
Schema therapy addresses early maladaptive beliefs and emotional modes, while mentalization-based therapy develops the ability to understand one’s own mental states and those of others. Both approaches are included in international clinical guidelines and are used as alternatives to DBT, taking the patient’s preferences into account.
Treatment of co-occurring disorders
Many patients also have depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders or addictions. The psychiatrist assesses these and, when indicated, considers medications from the antidepressant or mood-stabilizer groups. Prescribing and issuing prescriptions follow the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan; medication does not replace psychotherapy.
Working with loved ones
Family members learn about the nature of the disorder, ways to de-escalate conflicts and how to offer support without being overprotective. Online family consultations help agree on communication rules and on what to do in a crisis. The involvement of loved ones reduces tension in relationships and makes treatment results more lasting.
Myths and facts
MythBorderline personality disorder cannot be treated
FactLong-term follow-up studies show that in most patients symptoms ease substantially over time, and specialized psychotherapy speeds up this process and improves quality of life.
MythPeople with BPD manipulate others
FactBehavior perceived as manipulation usually reflects intense emotional pain and a lack of other ways to cope with it. Psychotherapy helps people learn safer and more effective ways to express their needs.
MythPills are enough to become stable
FactThere are no specific medications for treating borderline disorder. Medication is used for individual symptoms, while the main change comes through psychotherapy and practicing emotion regulation skills.
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 Zhitikara
| Urgent online psychiatrist consultation | 18 000 ₸ |
| Consultation for relatives | 15 000 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 45 000 ₸ |
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 Zhitikara online or at one of two branches: Building 24, Microdistrict 4, Zhitikara, 20 Aviatorov St., Zhitikara. 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 Zhitikara 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 the diagnosis be made online?
A psychiatrist can conduct a full clinical interview over video, use structured questionnaires and form a preliminary conclusion. A personality disorder diagnosis is usually refined over several meetings, because what matters is assessing long-standing patterns rather than a single episode.
How long does treatment take?
Standard DBT programs last about a year, but noticeable changes in impulsivity and self-harming behavior often appear within the first few months. The duration is decided together with the psychotherapist, based on goals and progress.
What should I do during an acute crisis?
Use the safety plan you prepared in advance, reach out to someone close to you and limit access to dangerous objects. If you have suicidal thoughts or there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112; young people can also call the 150 helpline.
Is the online format suitable for skills groups?
Yes. Online DBT skills groups follow the standard protocol and allow patients in Zhitikara to take part wherever they live. It is important to ensure privacy and a stable connection for the duration of the session and to agree on group rules.
How can I help a loved one with borderline disorder?
It helps to acknowledge their emotions without endorsing destructive actions, to stay consistent and to keep your own boundaries. A consultation for family members will help you build communication and understand when emergency help is needed.
Will the diagnosis be recorded anywhere?
When you seek help anonymously, no information is passed on to outside organizations. All information is protected by medical confidentiality, and disclosure is allowed only in cases expressly provided for by Kazakhstan law. At Psychiatry Online, you can get a consultation giving only a first name for communication.
Where can I be seen in Zhitikara?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: Building 24, Microdistrict 4, Zhitikara and 20 Aviatorov St., Zhitikara. 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