Reviewed byAndrey Vetrov, MDPsychiatrist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F32–F33
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist; when indicated, a clinical psychologist for assessment and support
- Format
- In-person appointments in Almaty and Astana, home visits, online follow-up; inpatient care for severe cases
- Duration
- Effect after 2–4 weeks, acute phase 6–12 weeks, maintenance treatment for at least 6 months after improvement
- Confidentiality
- Anonymous paid treatment, medical confidentiality, no entry in the state dispensary registry
- When it is urgent
- Suicidal thoughts with a plan, refusal to eat or drink, stupor — call 103 or 112 immediately
- Outcome
- Remission: sleep, energy, interest in life and the ability to work return; a relapse prevention plan
What to know
Depression is not a bad mood or a weakness of character. It is an illness that changes how the brain works: sleep is disrupted, appetite disappears or, on the contrary, cravings for food appear, the ability to feel pleasure fades, and thinking and making decisions become hard. People often blame themselves, think they have simply “let themselves go,” and avoid seeing a doctor for years. I want you to know that depression is very treatable, and the earlier treatment starts, the shorter the road to recovery.
On this page I explain how we treat depression: how the diagnosis is made, why it is important to tell a depressive episode apart from bipolar disorder, how medication and psychotherapy are chosen, how long a course lasts, and why it must not be abandoned once you feel better. I will also explain separately when depression is treated not at home but in a hospital. And most importantly: if you or someone close to you has thoughts of death and the intention to act on them, do not wait for an appointment — call 103 or 112.
Signs That May Point to Depression
- low mood almost every day for longer than two weeks
- loss of interest in things that used to bring joy: work, hobbies, socializing
- constant fatigue — even simple tasks take enormous effort
- waking up early, at 4–5 a.m., with heavy thoughts and a sense of despair
- feelings of guilt and worthlessness, thoughts that you are a burden to others
- difficulty concentrating, reading, or making even simple decisions
- thoughts of death or that life is not worth living
If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, seizures, hallucinations, overdose, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112. Helpline for children and young people: 150.
What Causes Depression
Depression almost never has a single cause. Usually several factors come together: a hereditary predisposition, personality traits, chronic stress, loss, conflict, and serious illness. Sometimes depression develops for no apparent reason, and the person cannot explain why they feel so bad — this does not make it any less real. According to WHO and NICE guidelines, depression is regarded as a common but treatable condition.
It is important to rule out physical causes: thyroid problems, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, after-effects of infections, and side effects of certain medications. Depression often goes hand in hand with alcohol misuse — in that case both conditions need treatment. The psychiatrist also checks separately whether there have been periods of unusually elevated mood in the past: if so, the problem may be bipolar disorder, and the treatment approach will be different.
How We Treat Depression, Step by Step
The first step is a psychiatrist consultation, in person or online. The doctor clarifies the symptoms, how long they have lasted and how severe they are, assesses suicide risk, and asks about past episodes and periods of elevated mood. Blood tests are ordered to rule out physical causes. Then the doctor proposes a plan: for mild depression, psychotherapy and a healthy daily routine; for moderate and severe depression, a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants. A check-up follows after 1–2 weeks, and then on a schedule.
Outpatient treatment is not possible if the person is thinking about suicide and has a plan, if the depression is accompanied by delusions, refusal to eat, or stupor, or if there is no one at home who can keep an eye on them. In such cases inpatient care is needed, and if there is immediate danger, call 103 or 112. Medication must not be stopped on your own: stopping abruptly worsens the condition and increases the risk of the illness coming back.
How we help
Medication
For moderate and severe depression, the psychiatrist prescribes antidepressants. The medication is chosen based on symptoms, age, other illnesses and previous treatment experience. The effect builds up gradually over 2–4 weeks, so it is important not to lose heart in the first days. Sometimes medication for sleep or anxiety is added for a short period — only as prescribed by the doctor. If there is no effect, the regimen is changed; this is a normal part of treatment.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based methods help change gloomy automatic thoughts, restore activity, and build skills for coping with stress. For mild depression, psychotherapy can be the main treatment; for more severe depression, it is combined with medication. Sessions are usually held once a week, with a course of 8–16 sessions or more. The Akalam psychotherapist works hand in hand with the treating psychiatrist.
Daily routine and behavioral activation
Going to bed at the same time, daylight, moderate exercise, and regular meals are not advice to “pull yourself together” — they are part of treatment. With depression, people avoid activities, and this deepens the illness. Behavioral activation teaches you to gradually bring back small enjoyable and useful activities. Alcohol and sleeping pills taken without a doctor’s prescription make depression worse.
Relapse prevention
After improvement, treatment continues for at least another 6 months, and longer after repeated episodes. This reduces the risk of the illness returning. Together with you, the doctor draws up a plan: which early signs of worsening to watch for, what to do if they appear, and how to taper medication gradually under supervision. Repeated episodes are a reason for long-term maintenance treatment, not for despair.
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
MythAntidepressants are addictive and change your personality
FactAntidepressants are not addictive in the way alcohol or drugs are, and they do not change your personality. Stopping them abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms, so the dose is reduced gradually under a doctor’s supervision. The purpose of medication is to bring the person back to their usual self.
MythYou can overcome depression with willpower
FactWillpower itself suffers in depression — it is one of the symptoms. Demands to “pull yourself together” only increase feelings of guilt. Support from loved ones matters, but moderate and severe depression need treatment: psychotherapy and often medication too.
MythOnce you feel better, you can stop the pills
FactFeeling better after a month or two is not yet recovery. Stopping too early is one of the most common causes of relapse. International guidelines recommend continuing treatment for at least 6 months after improvement and reducing the dose gradually with your doctor.
Prices: Depression treatment
| Depression treatment | 20 000 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist consultation at the clinic | 15 990 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 35 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up visit, treatment adjustment | 12 000 ₸ |
| 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
How can I tell whether I have depression or am just tired?
Tiredness goes away after rest or a vacation. Depression lasts for weeks, does not go away after a weekend, and comes with loss of interest, disturbed sleep and feelings of guilt. If this state lasts longer than two weeks and interferes with work or social life, it is worth seeing a psychiatrist — this does not necessarily mean treatment with pills.
How long does depression treatment take?
The first changes are usually noticeable after 2–4 weeks, and the acute phase takes 6–12 weeks. This is followed by maintenance treatment for at least another 6 months, and longer after repeated episodes. The doctor sets the exact duration individually, based on severity and medical history.
Can depression be treated without medication?
For mild depression, yes: psychotherapy, a healthy routine and physical activity often give good results. For moderate and severe depression, combining psychotherapy with antidepressants is more effective than either method alone. The decision is made together with the doctor after assessing severity.
What should relatives do if the person refuses treatment?
Talk about what you see, without reproach: “You’re sleeping badly, you’ve stopped seeing your friends, I’m worried.” Suggest a consultation rather than “treatment.” You can also come to a Akalam psychiatrist yourselves for advice. If the person talks about death or is saying goodbye, call 103 or 112.
When does depression require inpatient care?
Inpatient care is needed when the risk of suicide is high, in severe depression with refusal to eat, delusional ideas or stupor, and also when outpatient treatment is not helping and there is no support at home. Hospitalization is voluntary; without consent it is only possible by court order under the procedure established by law.
Will depression treatment affect my work and driving?
In the first days, some medications cause drowsiness or poor concentration, so the doctor warns you in advance when to avoid driving. This is usually temporary. Information about your treatment is not shared with your employer. Most people keep working during treatment, and their ability to work gradually recovers.
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