Reviewed byTimur Abdrakhmanov, MDPsychotherapist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- an addiction physician monitors the person’s condition, a psychotherapist leads individual work, psychologists run the groups, and a family therapist helps the family
- Where
- daytime and evening sessions at the clinics in Almaty and Astana, plus online groups and video consultations for other cities in Kazakhstan
- Duration
- usually 3–6 months: 3–5 sessions a week in the first weeks, then 1–2, followed by maintenance consultations
- Anonymity
- anonymous, with no registry entry and no sick leave by default; medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law
- When it is urgent
- a drinking binge, severe withdrawal, seizures, psychosis or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112, then decide on inpatient care
- Outcome
- sobriety without leaving work or family, skills practiced in real life and a plan in case of relapse
What to know
Many patients tell me: “I can’t leave for a month — I have a job, kids, a business.” This is exactly what outpatient rehab is for. The person continues their normal life, and the program fits into their schedule: evening groups, individual sessions with a psychotherapist, regular visits to the addiction physician. The advantage of this format is that new skills are immediately tested in real life — at work, at home, with friends.
The downside must be named honestly as well: all the triggers remain at home, and there is no round-the-clock support nearby. That is why the outpatient format does not suit everyone. International guidelines, including NICE, consider outpatient psychosocial care the main option for people who are stable and have support around them, and inpatient care for those for whom this is not enough. At Akalam, the doctor assesses at the first appointment whether this format is right for the person and warns them which signs mean it is time to switch to inpatient care.
Who Outpatient Rehab Is Right For
- the person has already gone through detox and is not on a binge or in withdrawal
- there is a desire to get treatment and a willingness to attend sessions regularly
- there are no severe complications, no psychosis and no serious physical illnesses
- there is at least one sober, supportive loved one at home
- the person needs to keep their job or studies and cannot leave for a month
- the person has completed inpatient rehab and needs the next stage
- the addiction is at an early stage, and relapses are rare and short
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 Rehab
In an inpatient setting, the person is in a safe environment with no alcohol or drugs, and support is available around the clock. This matters for severe addiction, frequent relapses and the absence of a sober social circle. An outpatient program requires more independence: between sessions, the person handles cravings, circumstances and people on their own. On the other hand, it costs less, does not pull the person out of their life and lets them apply skills right away, exactly where they will be needed.
Often these formats are not set against each other but combined. After a month of inpatient care, the person moves to an outpatient program, which lowers the risk of relapse in the first weeks at home. Or the other way around: they start as an outpatient, and if repeated episodes of use occur, the doctor suggests a short inpatient course. The decision is not final and is reviewed together with the patient as their condition changes.
How Outpatient Rehab Works
The first meeting is with an addiction physician, in person or by video: length of use, relapses, illnesses, lab tests and an assessment of whether the format is suitable. Then comes a session with a psychotherapist and the drafting of an individual plan. In the first stage, the person comes in 3–5 times a week for group sessions, individual therapy and medical check-ups. After that, the frequency decreases. Some sessions can be attended online, especially by residents of other cities. In parallel, the family attends its own consultations and groups.
The outpatient format is not suitable if the person is on a drinking binge, in withdrawal or intoxicated — detox comes first, in a hospital if the condition is severe. It is not indicated for acute psychosis, frequent relapses, a complete lack of a sober social circle or marked cognitive impairment. For seizures, hallucinations, chest pain, vomiting blood or suicidal thoughts, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Individual psychotherapy
Weekly sessions with a psychotherapist are the foundation of the program. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and motivational interviewing are used: reviewing situations from the past week where cravings came up and how the person coped with them, what worked and what did not. This “while it’s still fresh” review is the main advantage of the outpatient format: skills are practiced on real events rather than on examples.
Evening and online groups
Groups are held at convenient times so they do not interfere with work. Participants discuss cravings, stress, relationships and relapse prevention. Online groups make it possible to join from any city in Kazakhstan. For many people, the group becomes the sober environment they lack in everyday life, and the regularity of the sessions also helps maintain a routine.
Medical monitoring
The addiction physician regularly assesses well-being, sleep and cravings and, if necessary, orders lab tests and prescribes medication support — only after an examination and in line with clinical protocols. A psychiatrist joins if there are signs of depression or an anxiety disorder. If the condition worsens, the doctor promptly suggests moving to a more intensive format without waiting for a serious relapse.
Work with the family
Since the person lives at home, the family influences the program every day. We hold family consultations: we agree on house rules, money and how to respond to signs of relapse, and we teach relatives to support without control and reproach. A family therapist joins if needed. This helps reduce conflict and turns the home into a foundation for sobriety.
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 a “lite” version that doesn’t work
FactFor people who are stable and have support, an outpatient program is a full-fledged format recommended by international guidelines. It requires regularity and honesty but allows skills to be reinforced in real life.
MythSeeing a psychologist once a week is enough
FactInfrequent sessions without medical monitoring and groups are often not enough for addiction, especially in the first months. An outpatient program is a combination of a doctor, psychotherapy, groups and family work, not just a weekly talk.
MythIf a person relapses, outpatient rehab isn’t right for them
FactA single episode is a reason to review it with the psychotherapist and strengthen support. If relapses keep happening, the doctor will suggest switching to inpatient care, but that is not a punishment — it is a change of format to match the person’s current condition.
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
Can I go through the program and keep working?
Yes, that is the main purpose of this format. Groups are held in the evenings and on weekends, individual sessions are arranged around your schedule, and some sessions can be attended online. A sick leave certificate is not issued unless you want one, and your employer will not find out about the treatment.
How often do I need to come in?
In the first weeks, 3–5 times a week: group, individual therapy and medical check-ups. After 1–2 months, if the condition is stable, the frequency drops to 1–2 sessions a week. In the maintenance stage, consultations every 2–4 weeks are enough. The exact schedule is set individually.
Is the format suitable for people in other cities?
Yes. The initial examination can be done in Almaty or Astana, and the program can then continue online: video consultations, online groups and contact with the doctor. If needed, lab tests can be taken at a local laboratory. If an in-person examination or inpatient care is required, we will advise you on how to arrange it.
What should I do if I feel like drinking between sessions?
A plan is drawn up in advance with the psychotherapist: what to do, whom to call, where to go. You can contact a program counselor or write to the support chat. A craving is a wave that passes, and the important thing is not to be alone with it. If you have already used, tell us about it at the next session.
Can I start outpatient rehab right after a drinking binge?
Only after detox and stabilization. While withdrawal persists, a person sleeps poorly, feels anxious and cannot fully engage in the program. Detox takes a few days. After it, the doctor will assess the condition and suggest starting an outpatient course — or an inpatient one if there are indications.
How long does the course last and how does it end?
Usually 3–6 months. Completion is not a “graduation” but a transition to the maintenance stage: occasional consultations, mutual-help groups and an action plan in case of relapse. Many patients keep meeting with a counselor for several more months. You make the decision to finish together with the specialist.
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