Reviewed byZhanar Tulegenova, MDPsychiatrist and psychotherapist, experience 18 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F43.1
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist experienced in trauma work
- Where
- In the office or by video call
- Duration
- Trauma-focused therapy of 8–16 sessions or more
- Anonymity
- No ID and no registry entry
- When it is urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, aggression, danger to yourself — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Fewer flashbacks and nightmares, restored sleep and sense of control
What you should know
PTSD (F43.1 in ICD-10) develops in some people who have lived through an event that threatened their own or others' life or health: violence, an accident, combat, a disaster, the sudden death of a loved one or a serious illness. Symptoms usually appear within a few weeks or months of the event and fall into four groups: re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and heightened arousal. The disorder is diagnosed if symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with life.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is the normal danger-response system that has become “stuck” in alarm mode after a trauma. PTSD treatment in Ridder at Narcology 24 is provided by a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist experienced in working with trauma. The work proceeds gently: first comes stabilization, improving sleep and reducing tension, and only then processing the traumatic experience. The patient sets the pace, and no one forces them to share details before they are ready.
Symptoms of PTSD
- intrusive, vivid memories of the event, as if it were happening again
- trauma-related nightmares and frequently waking up in fear
- avoiding places, people and conversations that are reminders of the event
- constant vigilance and being startled by sudden noises
- irritability, outbursts of anger and difficulty concentrating
- emotional numbness, feeling detached from loved ones, loss of interest
- guilt or shame about what happened, thoughts like “I should have acted differently”
If two or three points apply, it is worth seeing a doctor. Phone advice is free and confidential. If life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
Why PTSD Develops After Trauma
Not everyone who lives through a traumatic event develops PTSD. The risk is higher with repeated or prolonged trauma, violence by people close to you, serious physical injuries, a lack of support after the event, pre-existing mental disorders, and an acute stress reaction in the first days. Using alcohol and other substances after a trauma interferes with natural recovery and increases the risk of the condition becoming chronic.
The mechanism of PTSD is linked to the fact that a traumatic memory is not processed like ordinary experience. It is stored in fragments — images, sounds, bodily sensations — and is activated by any similar stimulus. ICD-11 separately identifies complex PTSD: after prolonged traumatization, difficulties regulating emotions, a negative self-image and relationship problems are added to the core symptoms.
How PTSD Treatment Works: Step by Step
Stages of PTSD treatment in Ridder: 1) an initial consultation to assess the symptoms and their severity, any co-existing depression or addictions, and suicide risk — you do not need to describe the details of the trauma at the first meeting; 2) psychoeducation — an explanation of how PTSD works; 3) stabilization: skills for reducing tension and improving sleep; 4) trauma-focused psychotherapy; 5) medication support when indicated; 6) completion of the course and a prevention plan. Sessions take place in person or online.
Trauma-focused work is postponed if the person is still in a dangerous situation, for example domestic violence — safety must come first. In active addiction, acute psychosis or suicidal intentions, stabilization is needed, sometimes in hospital. If there is an immediate threat to life, call 103 or 112; teenagers and young people can call the helpline at 150.
How we help
Trauma-focused CBT
This method is recommended by NICE and WHO guidelines as a first-line treatment for PTSD. The psychotherapist helps the patient gradually and safely process the traumatic memory, reconsider beliefs about guilt and danger, and return to avoided situations. A course usually consists of 8–12 sessions or more, depending on the severity and the number of traumatic events.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is the second method with proven effectiveness for PTSD according to WHO recommendations. The patient holds a fragment of the memory in mind while simultaneously undergoing bilateral stimulation guided by the therapist. The method is used after the stabilization stage by a trained specialist.
Medication treatment
Medication is not the main treatment for PTSD, but it helps when psychotherapy is unavailable or insufficient, or when depression and anxiety are severe. The psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants and medications to improve sleep and reduce nightmares. Benzodiazepines are not recommended as the main treatment for PTSD because of the risk of dependence.
Addressing co-existing problems
PTSD often occurs together with depression, insomnia and alcohol misuse. These conditions are treated in parallel: without control over substance use, processing the trauma is difficult. In cases of addiction, an addiction specialist (narcologist) joins the treatment; where there are family difficulties, consultations for a partner and relatives are offered with the patient's consent.
Myths and facts
MythTime heals — eventually you will forget everything
FactFor some people, symptoms do ease in the first few months. But if PTSD lasts longer than several months, it often becomes chronic and can persist for years. Treatment is effective even many years after the event.
MythTo get better, you have to tell everything in detail
FactTherapy proceeds at a safe pace. The patient is not forced to talk about the trauma in the first sessions. Memories are processed after stabilization and with the patient's consent, and the methods allow this work to be done without repeated detailed retelling.
MythOnly military personnel get PTSD
FactPTSD develops after any event that threatens life or safety: accidents, assaults, violence, disasters, serious medical situations or the sudden death of loved ones. It affects people of any age and profession.
How a home visit works
- Call or message usThe dispatcher answers 24/7 and in 3–5 minutes checks the person's condition, age, how long the drinking or use has lasted, chronic conditions and the address. No surname needed.
- The doctor sets offAn addiction doctor or psychiatrist comes with equipment and medication. Travel time depends on the district — usually within an hour. If inpatient care or an ambulance is needed, we'll say so straight away.
- Examination and treatmentBlood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood sugar if needed and a neurological check. Then an IV drip or other treatment as indicated, 1–3 hours.
- A plan for the next daysAdvice for the family on what to do overnight and tomorrow, phone follow-up and a repeat visit if needed.
- Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.
Prices in Ridder
| Psychiatrist consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up consultation | 9 500 ₸ |
| Psychotherapy session (50 min) | 12 000 ₸ |
| Phone advice | free |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
“PTSD treatment” in Ridder is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 70 Nezavisimosti St., Ridder and 80 Leningradskiy Ave., office 37, Ridder. If you live elsewhere in East Kazakhstan Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.
Confidential and private
in Ridder our doctor can come in ordinary clothes in an unmarked car. Treatment documents are given only to the patient. If you need a certificate or sick note, this is discussed separately and only at your request.
Questions and answers
How can I tell if I have PTSD and not just ordinary stress?
An acute stress reaction in the first weeks after an event is natural. If flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and constant tension persist a month or more later and interfere with your work and relationships, it is a reason to see a psychiatrist for a diagnosis.
Can PTSD be treated online?
Yes. Trauma-focused psychotherapy by video call shows effectiveness comparable to in-person therapy when certain conditions are met: a quiet private space, a stable connection and a plan agreed in advance in case of a strong reaction. Online PTSD treatment in Ridder is convenient if travel itself is difficult.
How long does PTSD treatment take?
A course of trauma-focused therapy usually takes 2–4 months of weekly sessions. Complex or multiple trauma requires more time. Medication treatment, if prescribed, continues for at least several months after improvement.
Does alcohol help cope with the memories?
Alcohol dulls emotions for a short time, but it disrupts sleep, worsens nightmares and irritability, and interferes with processing the trauma. Dependence often develops. If this is happening, tell your doctor: at Narcology 24, treatment for PTSD and addiction is coordinated.
How can I help a loved one with PTSD?
Don't force them to talk about the event and don't tell them to “just forget it.” Be there for them, keep things predictable and respect their need for space. Suggest a consultation with a psychiatrist. If your loved one talks about suicide or behaves dangerously, call 103 or 112.
Will I be put on a registry if I have PTSD?
No, with a paid anonymous visit no dispensary registration is made. Information about your diagnosis and the events you have experienced is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” It is not disclosed without your consent, except in cases expressly specified by law.
Where do doctors visit in Ridder and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 70 Nezavisimosti St., Ridder and 80 Leningradskiy Ave., office 37, Ridder. Phone in Ridder: +7 (700) 309-30-65.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Narcology 24 medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) guidelines on alcohol and drug misuse and mental health conditions
- WHO recommendations on the treatment of substance use disorders
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
