Reviewed byTimur Abdrakhmanov, MDPsychotherapist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a psychotherapist, a psychologist, and an addiction counselor; monitoring and lab tests by an addiction physician
- Where
- at the clinic in Almaty, with evening and morning groups; some individual sessions by video
- Duration
- usually 2–6 months, with 2–3 to 4–5 sessions a week at first, then less often
- Anonymity
- anonymous, with no registration at the state dispensary and no certificates for your employer unless you ask for them
- When it is urgent
- a drinking binge, severe withdrawal, seizures, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112, then inpatient care
- Outcome
- sobriety without leaving work or family, skills practiced in real-life situations, and a relapse prevention plan
What to know
Many of our patients in Almaty cannot go away to an inpatient unit for two months: there is a project at work, small children, their own business, or exams at university. For them, there is outpatient rehab. The person lives at home and goes to work, and in the evening, after the workday, comes in for a group and an individual session. We try to build the schedule around city traffic: sessions start after rush hour, and for those living in the Alatau or Nauryzbay district, some sessions can be moved online.
International guidelines, including NICE and WHO recommendations, regard outpatient psychosocial programs as a full-fledged treatment option for addiction in people who are stable and have a supportive environment. But this is not a “lite” version: it involves the same psychotherapy, the same groups, and the same relapse prevention plan — the only difference is that the person applies their skills in real life right away. At Akalam, we give an honest assessment of whether this format is right for you — sometimes it is safer to start with inpatient care.
Who the Outpatient Format Is For
- people after detox or an inpatient course who need continued support
- those who cannot leave work, school, or small children for a long time
- people with a relatively short history of addiction and no serious complications
- those who have a supportive family at home and no one using nearby
- people with steady motivation who are ready to attend sessions regularly
- those who live in the suburbs and can do some sessions online
- as a stepping stone between inpatient rehab and fully independent life
If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, seizures, hallucinations, overdose, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112. Helpline for children and young people: 150.
How Outpatient Rehab Differs From Inpatient Care
In an inpatient unit, the person is protected from their usual environment: there is no access to alcohol, staff are nearby, and the day is fully scheduled. This is needed when cravings are strong and there are many triggers at home. The outpatient format offers less protection, but every skill is immediately tested by real life: turning down a drink at a corporate party, walking past the liquor store near home, a weekend at the dacha in the foothills. The next day, the person goes over that experience with their therapist and group.
That is why choosing a format is a medical decision, not a matter of convenience. If binges are severe, there is a history of seizures or delirium, a partner who uses, or serious depression, an outpatient program may not be safe. In that case, we suggest starting with inpatient care for at least a few weeks and keeping the outpatient part as a continuation. If the person’s condition is stable, the outpatient format offers a good chance of lasting remission.
How the Outpatient Program Is Structured
The first session is a consultation with an addiction physician and a psychotherapist: we assess the person’s condition, history of use, risks, and home situation; the initial conversation can be held online. Then we set up a schedule: in the first weeks, 3–5 sessions a week, usually in the evening after work — groups, individual therapy, and sobriety checks as agreed. Over time, the frequency decreases. Once a month, we hold a family session, and for those with a long commute from the suburbs, some sessions are moved to video.
The outpatient format is not suitable if the person is currently in a binge or severe withdrawal, has had seizures, delirium, or psychosis, or is having suicidal thoughts. In these cases, emergency help comes first — call 103 or 112 — followed by inpatient treatment. We also reconsider the format if relapses keep happening: this is not a punishment but a signal that more intensive help is needed.
How we help
Evening Therapy Groups
Groups of 6–12 people meet in the evening so they don’t interfere with work. Participants discuss the past week, difficult situations, and what helped them stay on track. Groups are led by a psychotherapist or an addiction counselor. Regular attendance matters most of all: we discuss missed sessions, because they are often the first sign of an approaching relapse.
Individual CBT
In individual sessions, the psychotherapist works on specific craving situations, the thoughts used to justify drinking or using, and the emotions that used to be “drowned” in alcohol or drugs. The patient keeps a journal, does homework assignments, and learns to notice early warning signs. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended by NICE as one of the main treatments for addiction.
Sobriety Checks and Addiction Physician Monitoring
With the patient’s agreement, alcohol or drug tests are carried out. This is not a check meant to punish, but a tool that helps the person and their family trust the process. The addiction physician monitors sleep, blood pressure, and lab results, and prescribes medication support when indicated — only based on individual need after an assessment.
Online Sessions and Support Between Meetings
For those who live in Kaskelen, Talgar, or Boraldai, or who travel frequently for work, some individual sessions are held by video call. Between sessions, the patient has an action plan for cravings and a case manager to contact. We still recommend attending group sessions in person, especially in the first weeks of the program.
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
MythOutpatient rehab is for people whose problem isn’t that serious
FactThe format is chosen not by how “serious” the problem is but by safety and living conditions. For many people with significant addiction who are stable and have support at home, an outpatient program gives good results, comparable to inpatient treatment.
MythSince you live at home, you can come to sessions whenever it suits you
FactThe program’s effectiveness depends directly on regular attendance. Missed sessions, especially in the first months, increase the risk of relapse. We help you find a convenient time, but the commitment to attend is an important part of treatment.
MythIf you relapse, outpatient rehab is no longer an option
FactA single relapse is discussed with the therapist and most often leads to an adjustment of the plan, not to being dropped from the program. If relapses keep happening, we suggest a short inpatient stage, after which you can return to the outpatient format.
Prices: Outpatient rehab
| Outpatient rehab | 120 000 ₸ / month |
| Residential rehab, per month | 299 000 ₸ |
| Outpatient program, per month | 120 000 ₸ |
| Consultation to choose a program | free |
| 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 time are the sessions held?
The main groups take place in the evening, after 6–7 p.m., so participants have time to get there from work even in traffic. There are also morning sessions for shift workers. Individual sessions are scheduled by arrangement, and some can be held by video call if the commute takes too long.
Can I start outpatient rehab right away, without inpatient treatment?
Yes, if there is no significant withdrawal, serious complications, psychotic symptoms, or suicidal thoughts. Before starting, the addiction physician examines the patient and orders lab tests if needed. If there are signs of withdrawal, detox is carried out first, and then the program begins.
How much does outpatient rehab cost compared to inpatient care?
It is usually less expensive because it does not include accommodation or round-the-clock supervision. The final cost depends on the length of the program, the number of individual sessions, and lab tests. Current prices are listed on the page, and we calculate an exact plan after the first consultation.
Will my employer find out that I’m in rehab?
No. At Akalam, treatment is anonymous, with no registration at the state dispensary, and we never contact your employer. We schedule sessions so you won’t have to explain any absences. Certificates are issued only at your request. Medical confidentiality is protected by the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.”
Is the family involved in the outpatient program?
Yes, we recommend family sessions about once a month, or more often if needed. Loved ones learn how to support without controlling, how to respond to warning signs of relapse, and how to rebuild trust. If relatives show significant codependency, we offer them separate consultations with a psychologist.
What happens after the outpatient program ends?
We gradually reduce the frequency of sessions and offer a supportive alumni group, usually once a week or every two weeks. Many people continue attending mutual support groups. If difficulties come up a few months later, you can return to individual therapy without starting the program over.
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