Reviewed byKsenia Voronova, MDPsychotherapist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a clinic psychotherapist (medical doctor); when indicated, the doctor brings in a psychiatrist or recommends a psychologist who specializes in your issue
- Format
- in person at our clinic in Almaty or online by video; individually, as a couple, or with a relative on request
- Duration
- the first consultation takes 60–90 minutes, follow-up sessions 50–60 minutes; the course is tailored to each person
- Confidentiality
- medical confidentiality; you can book without giving your last name, with no entry in the state dispensary registry
- When it’s urgent
- suicidal thoughts or an intention to harm yourself or others — call 112 immediately; for children and young people, the helpline is 150
- Outcome
- an understanding of your state, a working hypothesis, a chosen therapy method, and a concrete plan for next steps
What to know
People in Almaty come to a first psychotherapist consultation with very different concerns: a manager from the Almaly district who hasn’t slept well for six months and keeps snapping at his family; a student who moved from the regions and can’t cope with loneliness in the big city; a man in his forties after a divorce; parents whose teenager has shut himself in his room. Many aren’t sure whether they have “enough problems” to see a specialist. You do, if your state has been getting in the way of your life for several weeks.
In Kazakhstan, a psychotherapist is a medical doctor trained in both psychiatry and psychotherapy. Unlike a psychologist, a psychotherapist can make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, issue necessary medical documents, and recognize in time when “stress” is actually depression, an anxiety disorder, or a physical health problem. This page is specifically about the first meeting: how it goes, what you’ll come away with, and how to prepare so the time isn’t wasted.
Reasons to see a psychotherapist
- low mood, fatigue, or irritability has lasted for several weeks
- anxiety gets in the way of working, driving, sleeping, or being around people
- after a loss, divorce, job loss, or move, you “just can’t get back to yourself”
- the same conflicts keep repeating at home or at work
- physical symptoms have appeared that doctors can’t explain: blood pressure spikes, a lump in the throat, pain
- you’ve started drinking or taking sedatives more often to relax
- you want to understand yourself better but don’t know where to start or whom to see
If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, seizures, hallucinations, overdose, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112. Helpline for children and young people: 150.
Why people put off a visit — and why they shouldn’t
The most common reasons for delay are fear of being “put on the registry,” shame in front of family, and the belief that you should cope on your own. In Almaty, the pace of big-city life adds to this: traffic jams, overtime, and the feeling that there’s no time for yourself. As a result, people come in when insomnia has already been joined by depression, and irritability by regular evening drinking. A consultation at an early stage is usually shorter and simpler than treating a condition that has been allowed to progress.
Sometimes emotional complaints have physical causes: thyroid problems, anemia, the after-effects of COVID, or medication side effects. Winter smog and short daylight hours in Almaty intensify seasonal low mood in some people. As a doctor, a psychotherapist asks about your health, can refer you for lab tests, and won’t spend months “working through your childhood” if the problem is hormonal.
How a first psychotherapist consultation works
When you book, the administrator will clarify your request and offer a convenient format — in person or by video. At the start of the session, the doctor explains the rules of confidentiality. Then you describe what’s bothering you, and the psychotherapist asks follow-up questions about your sleep, mood, health, work, and relationships. At the end, the doctor shares their understanding of the situation and suggests a method — CBT, family or group therapy, or treatment with a psychiatrist — along with an approximate number of sessions. Bring a list of your medications and your questions.
A psychotherapist consultation does not replace emergency care. With suicidal thoughts, psychotic symptoms, severe intoxication, or withdrawal, medical help comes first: call 112 or 103, and for children and young people, 150. The online format isn’t suitable if you can’t talk in private, if a physical examination is needed, or if your condition is rapidly getting worse — in that case an in-person visit or a psychiatrist visit is better.
How we help
Assessment and diagnosis
The doctor works out what’s happening to you: a reaction to a difficult situation, an anxiety or depressive disorder, the aftermath of trauma, or a relationship problem. When needed, standardized scales are used and referrals are made to a psychiatrist or an internist. An ICD-10 diagnosis is discussed openly, with an explanation of what it does and doesn’t mean.
Choosing a psychotherapy method
Different problems call for different approaches. CBT is well studied for anxiety and depression, family therapy for conflicts at home, and group therapy for loneliness and shame. The psychotherapist explains why they’re suggesting a particular option and what to expect, and you have every right to ask questions and choose. The method can be changed if it isn’t a good fit.
Medication support when needed
If your condition is severe, the psychotherapist may suggest medication — for example, antidepressants or a short course of anti-anxiety medication, only as prescribed by a doctor. This isn’t a mandatory part of treatment: psychotherapy alone is enough for many people. The decision is made together, with a discussion of side effects and duration. Medication is never stopped on your own.
A plan and measurable goals
At the end of the consultation, goals are set: sleeping through the night, getting back to work, no longer snapping at the kids. After a few sessions, progress is reviewed and the plan is adjusted. This keeps therapy from turning into endless conversations without results. Goals can change along the way if your life situation changes — this is discussed openly.
How treatment works
- 01Call or WhatsAppThe administrator and the doctor on duty clarify the situation and tell you what to do right now.
- 02Examination or consultationThe doctor visits your home, sees you at the clinic or joins by video.
- 03Treatment planWe choose the format — at home, inpatient, psychotherapy or rehab — with a clear price.
- 04Ongoing supportYour doctor and psychotherapist stay in touch: follow-ups, family support and relapse prevention.
Myths and facts
MythA psychotherapist is the same as a psychologist
FactIn Kazakhstan, a psychotherapist is a doctor with a medical degree and specialty training. They can diagnose a disorder and prescribe treatment, while a psychologist works with feelings and behavior without diagnoses or medication.
MythThey’ll prescribe pills right away at the consultation
FactMedication is prescribed only when indicated and with your consent. After the first meeting, many people are offered psychotherapy without medication, and for mild conditions, a few sessions plus self-help.
MythOne consultation is enough to fix everything
FactThe first meeting gives you understanding and a plan, and sometimes noticeable relief. But lasting change usually takes several sessions: skills are practiced between meetings and strengthened over time.
Prices: Psychotherapist consultation
| Psychotherapist consultation | |
| Psychotherapist session (50 min) | 14 990 ₸ |
| Psychologist session (50 min) | 12 000 ₸ |
| Family session (80 min) | 25 000 ₸ |
| Phone consultation | free |
Prices are approximate: the doctor confirms the exact cost after the examination, before treatment starts.
Confidential
We do not register patients with state dispensaries or share information with employers. You do not have to give your surname; doctors arrive in unmarked cars. Medical confidentiality is protected by the Code of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”.
Clinic addresses
FAQ
What’s the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist?
Both are doctors. A psychiatrist focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, including severe ones, with an emphasis on medication. A psychotherapist works primarily through talk — using psychotherapy methods — and prescribes medication when needed. At Akalam, specialists refer patients to one another when necessary.
How should I prepare for the first session?
Write down what’s bothering you and since when, which medications you take, and whether you’ve seen specialists before. Think about what you’d like to achieve. Arrive early so you don’t have to rush because of traffic, and for an online session, find a quiet place where no one can overhear you.
Can I come with my husband or my mom?
Yes. Part of the consultation can be held together and part one-on-one, so you can say things that feel awkward in front of loved ones. If your concern is about relationships, the psychotherapist may suggest family sessions. The format is agreed on in advance.
Will my employer find out about the visit?
No. Information about your consultation is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” We do not share information with your employer, school, or relatives without your consent, with exceptions only as provided by law.
How many sessions are usually needed?
It depends on your goals. For a specific problem — insomnia, anxiety before public speaking — often 6–12 sessions. For depression, the aftermath of trauma, or difficult relationships — several months. At the first consultation, the doctor will give you an estimate and explain what it depends on.
What if the psychotherapist isn’t a good fit for me?
That’s completely normal: it’s important to feel comfortable with and trust your doctor. Let the administrator or the specialist know — we’ll offer you another Akalam psychotherapist without your having to retell your whole story, if you allow us to pass on your information.
Sources and review
Prepared by the Akalam medical editorial team based on:
- ICD-10 and ICD-11: mental and behavioural disorders
- Clinical protocols of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan
- Code of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- WHO: mental health and substance use
- NICE and APA clinical guidelines
This information is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Editorial policy