Reviewed byKsenia Voronova, MDPsychotherapist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a psychotherapist with a medical degree and training in evidence-based methods (CBT, family therapy, brief therapy)
- Format
- in person in our clinic offices in Almaty and Astana or online by video from any city; individually, as a couple or with the family
- Duration
- first consultation 50–60 minutes; a brief course is 6–12 sessions, and more complex concerns may take several months
- Confidentiality
- medical confidentiality, anonymous care is possible, no entry in the state registry; sessions are never recorded without your consent
- When it is urgent
- suicidal thoughts, an intention to harm yourself or others, acute psychosis — call 112 or 103 immediately; psychotherapy does not replace emergency care
- Outcome
- a clear explanation of what is happening, a chosen therapy method, concrete steps for the coming weeks and a sense that you are not alone
What to know
Many people put off the first appointment because they do not know what happens there and fear they will have to talk about the hardest things right away. Let me explain how it works with us. The first consultation is a chance to get to know each other and clarify things together: what is bothering you, for how long, and how it affects your sleep, work and relationships. You decide what to talk about and at what pace. No one will rush or judge you — the specialist’s job is to understand, not to pass judgment.
In Kazakhstan, a psychotherapist is a medical doctor specializing in psychotherapy, and this matters. Unlike a psychologist, they can assess whether you have depression, an anxiety disorder or another condition for which talking alone is not enough, and bring in a psychiatrist. Unlike a psychiatrist, their main tool is psychotherapy rather than medication. That is why a psychotherapist consultation is a good first step if you are not sure whom to see.
Common reasons to see a psychotherapist
- low mood, apathy, loss of interest in things that used to bring joy
- anxiety, worry, physical tension for no obvious reason
- a difficult life event: divorce, bereavement, illness, moving, job loss
- recurring conflicts with a partner, children, parents or colleagues
- difficulty coping with anger, resentment, guilt or shame
- disrupted sleep and appetite, constant fatigue even though test results are normal
- you want to understand yourself better but do not know where to start
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 a psychotherapist differs from a psychologist and a psychiatrist
A psychologist has a degree in psychology and helps people make sense of their feelings, relationships and difficult situations, but does not make medical diagnoses or prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a doctor who diagnoses mental disorders and treats them, including with medication. A psychotherapist sits between the two: they have medical training, yet their main tool is talking therapies with proven effectiveness.
In practice, this means a psychotherapist can work with more complex conditions: moderate depression, anxiety disorders, the after-effects of trauma and psychosomatic complaints. If it becomes clear during the consultation that medication support or a more in-depth assessment is needed, they will refer you to a psychiatrist — and at Akalam, this happens within one team, without losing information or having to tell your whole story again from the beginning.
What happens at a first psychotherapist consultation
Before the appointment, the administrator confirms a convenient format and time, and if you wish, you can fill in a short questionnaire about how you are feeling. During the consultation, the psychotherapist asks about what brought you in, your current situation, sleep, health and support network. Sometimes they use standard questionnaires to assess anxiety and mood. At the end, they explain how they understand your situation and suggest a method and an approximate number of sessions, but the decision is yours. An online session works exactly the same way.
Psychotherapy is not suitable as the only form of help for acute psychosis, severe depression with suicidal thoughts, severe addiction with withdrawal, or a serious eating disorder with weight loss — these require a psychiatrist and sometimes inpatient care. The online format has limits if you cannot talk at home without others overhearing. If you have suicidal thoughts, call 112; children and young people can call the 150 helpline.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
One of the most thoroughly researched methods, recommended by NICE for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and insomnia. The work focuses on specific problems: how thoughts affect feelings and actions, and which habits keep difficulties going. There are sometimes small assignments between sessions. You can read more about the method on our separate CBT page.
Solution-focused brief therapy
This works well when the concern is clear and limited: making a decision, getting through a specific period, recovering your strength. The psychotherapist helps you build on what already works in your life and define small, realistic steps. It usually takes a few sessions and fits well with the online format. If it turns out along the way that the issue runs deeper, the plan changes.
Working with trauma and loss
After traumatic events — an accident, violence, the death of a loved one — a person may be left with intrusive memories, nightmares and avoidance. The psychotherapist uses trauma-focused methods, gently and at a pace that suits the patient. It is important to restore a sense of safety first and only then work through the events.
Couples and family therapy
If difficulties arise in a relationship, it is sometimes more helpful to come as a couple or as a whole family. At the first consultation, the psychotherapist helps you understand which format fits — individual or joint. For long-term work with the family system, we have a separate family therapy service. In joint sessions, the psychotherapist makes sure every participant is heard and feels safe.
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
MythOnly “sick” people see a psychotherapist
FactA psychotherapist also helps with ordinary life crises: bereavement, divorce, burnout, conflicts. Seeking help means taking care of yourself before difficulties turn into a disorder — not admitting that you are ill.
MythA psychotherapist will prescribe pills right away
FactA psychotherapist’s main tool is psychotherapy. If the assessment shows that medication support is needed, this is discussed openly, and the decision is made by a psychiatrist together with you. Nothing is prescribed without your consent.
MythOne session is enough to solve everything
FactThe first consultation brings clarity and a plan, and sometimes noticeable relief. But lasting change usually takes several sessions: skills are consolidated over time and with practice between sessions.
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 should I bring to the first consultation?
Nothing is required. It helps to think in advance about what is bothering you and what you want from therapy; you can jot it down on a piece of paper. If you have been treated before or are taking medication, bring discharge summaries and a list of your medications. For an online session, prepare a quiet space, headphones and a stable internet connection.
Can I come anonymously?
Yes. At Akalam, you can seek help without a passport and under any name you prefer. Medical confidentiality applies under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System,” and you will not be placed on a registry. Information is disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law, for example when there is a threat to life.
How do I know whether a psychotherapist is right for me?
Notice whether you feel comfortable talking to them, whether they explain things clearly and whether they take your goals into account. Feeling a little nervous at first is normal. If the connection does not develop after two or three sessions, you can say so openly and switch to another specialist — this is common practice.
Is an online consultation just as effective?
For many concerns, yes: research shows comparable results for online and in-person psychotherapy for anxiety and depression. Online sessions are convenient for people living in cities where we do not have a clinic. The in-person format is preferable if you have no private space at home or if a psychiatric examination is needed.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your concern. Brief help with a specific situation takes 3–6 sessions, a course of CBT for anxiety or depression usually takes 8–16, and work on trauma or deep-seated personal difficulties takes longer. At the first consultation, the psychotherapist will give you a rough estimate and suggest reviewing the plan along the way.
Can I book a consultation for an adult relative?
You can make the booking, but psychotherapy works only when the person agrees to take part. If your loved one is not ready yet, start with a consultation for yourself: the specialist will suggest how to support them and offer help without provoking resistance.
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