Reviewed byAruzhan NurkenovaPsychologist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a counseling psychologist with a university degree in psychology; a psychotherapist or psychiatrist joins in when medical questions arise
- Format
- individual sessions in person in Almaty and Astana or online; consultations for couples and for parents of teenagers are also available
- Duration
- one session lasts 50 minutes; a single consultation or a series of 4–10 weekly sessions, depending on your concern
- Confidentiality
- everything you say stays between you and the specialist, and you can come anonymously; exceptions are a threat to life and cases provided for by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- When it is urgent
- suicidal thoughts, violence, an acute state with loss of control — call 112 or 103; children and young people can call the 150 helpline
- Outcome
- clarity about the situation, new ways of responding, restored energy and decisions that you make yourself
What to know
Sometimes a person does not need a doctor — they need an attentive, professionally trained listener who can help them sort things out. Arguments with a partner, exhaustion from work, a difficult relationship with parents, a decision you just cannot seem to make, a hard period after a move or the birth of a child — this is exactly what a psychologist works with. It is not a sign of weakness or a diagnosis, but a normal way of taking care of yourself.
As head of the clinic, I make a point of explaining the boundaries of this work. The psychologists on our team hold a university degree in psychology and have training in counseling, but they do not make medical diagnoses or prescribe medication. If it becomes clear during a session that the difficulties are driven by depression, an anxiety disorder or an addiction, the psychologist will say so honestly and suggest a consultation with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. This is part of caring for you, not a “refusal.”
Common reasons people see a psychologist
- frequent conflicts and misunderstandings with a partner, parents or children
- emotional burnout, exhaustion from work, a loss of meaning
- difficulty making an important decision: changing jobs, divorce, moving
- low self-confidence, difficulties communicating, fear of being judged
- coping with a breakup, a bereavement or another difficult event
- difficulty adjusting: a new job, a different city, the birth of a child
- difficulties with a teenager: withdrawal, rebellion, problems at school
If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, seizures, hallucinations, overdose, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112. Helpline for children and young people: 150.
When a psychologist is enough and when you need a doctor
A psychologist can help a great deal when you are generally coping with life but a specific situation has thrown you off balance: your sleep is a little disrupted and your mood is low, but you keep working, socializing and taking care of yourself. In this case, working with a psychologist helps you understand your reactions, find inner resources, learn to express your feelings and reach agreements with loved ones. Often a few sessions are enough to feel steady again.
You need a doctor if a difficult state has lasted more than two weeks and gets in the way of work and life, if you have lost sleep and appetite, or if you have thoughts of death, panic attacks, obsessions, alcohol or drug misuse, or unusual experiences that the people around you do not notice. In such cases, a psychologist does not replace a psychotherapist or psychiatrist, but can work alongside them if the doctor considers it helpful.
How a psychologist consultation works at Akalam
You choose the format and time, and if you wish, you can briefly write what you would like to discuss. At the first session, the psychologist asks about your situation, what you have already tried and what a good outcome would look like for you. Together you define the goal — for example, “to stop arguing over little things” or “to figure out whether I want to change jobs.” At the end, you discuss whether a series of sessions is needed and how often. An online consultation works the same way; all you need is a quiet place and headphones.
A psychologist consultation is not suitable as the main form of help for suicidal thoughts, acute psychosis, severe depression, addiction with binge drinking or withdrawal, or a serious eating disorder — in these cases, a doctor must come first. If there is a direct threat to life, call 112 or 103; children and young people can call the 150 helpline. The psychologist will help you get in touch with the right specialist.
How we help
Psychological counseling
This is short-term work on a specific concern. The psychologist helps you look at the situation from different angles, name your feelings and needs, find possible courses of action and weigh them up. They do not hand out ready-made advice on “how to live,” but help you reach your own decision — one that suits you and your circumstances.
Working with stress and burnout
The psychologist helps you work out what exactly is draining you, where rest and boundaries are lacking, and how to recover without drastic changes. They teach simple self-regulation techniques: breathing exercises, planning your workload and bringing back enjoyable activities. If burnout turns into depression, they will suggest a consultation with a doctor.
Counseling for couples and parents
Sometimes it helps to come together: the psychologist helps partners hear each other and agree on ground rules for communication. Parents of teenagers learn to understand what is going on with their child, how to stay connected and how to set boundaries without pressure. Long-term work with the family system takes place within family therapy.
Support through loss and change
Grief after the death of a loved one, a breakup, illness or emigration are natural but very painful experiences. The psychologist helps you go through them without being left alone with your feelings, and notices if grief becomes complicated and requires help from a psychotherapist. Sessions help you return to your usual rhythm of life, stay connected with loved ones and gradually find solid ground in new circumstances.
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 psychologist will give you ready-made advice
FactA good psychologist does not decide for you; they help you see your options and understand what you yourself want. Decisions you make on your own hold up better than advice from outside. The psychologist simply helps you find them.
MythA psychologist and a psychiatrist are the same thing
FactA psychologist is not a doctor: they do not make diagnoses or prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats mental disorders. Each has their own role, and on our team they complement each other.
MythTalking about yourself to a stranger is pointless
FactIt is precisely because the psychologist has no connection to your life that it is easier to be honest with them. They will not take offense, judge you or repeat what you said. A professional conversation differs from a friendly chat in its structure and purpose.
Prices: Psychologist consultation
| Psychologist consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| 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
How is a psychologist consultation different from psychotherapy?
Counseling is usually short-term and focused on a specific situation in a person without a mental disorder. Psychotherapy is provided by a psychotherapist; it can last longer and may also aim to treat disorders. If it becomes clear during the consultation that psychotherapy is needed, the psychologist will suggest making that transition.
How many sessions are usually needed?
Sometimes one or two sessions are enough to clarify a situation and make a decision. For concerns related to relationships, burnout or low self-confidence, 4–10 weekly sessions are usually planned. After every few sessions, you and the psychologist review what has changed and whether to continue.
Is it confidential?
Yes. At Akalam, what is said in a session is not passed on to third parties — neither to relatives nor to employers. You can book anonymously. The exceptions are situations involving a threat to life and cases expressly provided for by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan — the psychologist will tell you about this at the start of your work together.
Can I bring a teenager?
Yes, our psychologists also work with teenagers; usually the first session is held with a parent, and then with the teenager separately. It is important that the teenager at least agrees to meet. If there are signs of depression, self-harm or substance use, a consultation with a child psychiatrist or psychotherapist is needed.
Does a psychologist help online?
Yes, for most concerns an online consultation is just as helpful as an in-person one. It is convenient if you live in a city without our clinic, work late or are traveling. It is important that no one can overhear you during the session — that makes it easier to speak openly.
What if I find it hard to start talking?
This is very common, and the psychologist is prepared for it. You can start by saying that it is hard to start. The specialist will ask questions or suggest you talk about your day or about why you decided to book a session. You set the pace, and you do not have to talk about painful things until you are ready.
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