Reviewed byNurlan Isayev, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 10 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- an addiction doctor (narcologist), a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, a psychologist, and an addiction counselor
- Where
- on an outpatient basis at the clinic in Shakhtinsk or online over a secure video connection from any country
- Duration
- the intensive stage lasts 6–12 weeks, and the maintenance stage up to 6 months or longer
- Anonymity
- confidential, with no entry in the state dispensary registry, protected by medical confidentiality
- When it is urgent
- a drinking binge, seizures, psychosis, overdose, or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- sobriety without time away from work and family, plus relapse prevention skills
What you should know
Definition. Outpatient rehab is a form of medical and psychosocial care for addiction in which the patient does not stay in a hospital around the clock but attends sessions on a schedule. There are intensive outpatient programs (several sessions a week lasting 2–3 hours each) and maintenance programs (one or two sessions a week). Online rehab follows the same format, but sessions with the doctor, the psychotherapist, and the group take place over a secure video connection.
International guidelines, including NICE, consider outpatient programs a fully valid treatment option for people with moderate addiction, a stable condition, and support at home. The advantages are keeping your job and family life, being able to apply new skills in real situations right away, and lower cost. Outpatient and online rehab in Shakhtinsk at Narcology 24 is provided by an addiction doctor, a psychiatrist, and a psychotherapist; at the first consultation, the doctor assesses whether this format is suitable or whether it is safer to start with inpatient care.
Who Outpatient and Online Rehab Is For
- the person's condition is stable: there is no binge, severe withdrawal, or acute psychosis
- the person has completed detox or an inpatient course and needs continued care
- the addiction is moderate, with no history of delirium, seizures, or overdoses
- there is sober support at home and no one in the household who uses
- it is important to keep working, studying, or caring for children during treatment
- the person lives far from the clinic or abroad and is ready to attend sessions online
- gambling or nicotine addiction without severe co-occurring disorders
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 the Outpatient Format Works
In an inpatient unit, a person is protected from triggers, but after discharge they face them immediately and in full. An outpatient program makes it possible to learn to cope with real situations — stress at work, conflicts, running into old acquaintances — and to discuss the experience with a psychotherapist right away. This format strengthens the skills that will be needed for the rest of a person's life.
Regularity matters more than intensity: addiction is a chronic condition, and support over many months has a greater effect than a short intensive course. The online format removes the barriers of distance, time, and shame and makes it possible to take part in sessions from home or while on a business trip. At the same time, it requires self-discipline from the patient, so the program includes check-in appointments with the doctor and agreements about what to do if a relapse threatens.
How the Outpatient and Online Program Works
Step 1 — a consultation with an addiction doctor or psychiatrist, in person or online: an assessment of the severity of the addiction, risks, co-existing conditions, and the situation at home. Step 2 — detox at home or in an inpatient unit if needed. Step 3 — an individual plan: how often sessions take place, the group format, family involvement, and sobriety monitoring as agreed. Step 4 — regular sessions 2–4 times a week during the intensive stage. Step 5 — a gradual transition to maintenance sessions.
Limitations. The format is not suitable if the person continues to use regularly, has a history of delirium, seizures, or overdoses, has psychosis, severe depression, or suicidal thoughts, or has no sober support at home. In such cases, treatment starts with an inpatient stay. An examination, lab tests, or an IV drip cannot be done online. If there is a threat to life — seizures, loss of consciousness, chest pain, or an attempt at self-harm — call 103 or 112.
How we help
Individual psychotherapy
Weekly sessions with a psychotherapist are the foundation of the program. Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention methods are used. The psychotherapist helps the patient work through the difficult situations of the past week and prepare for upcoming ones. In the online format, sessions take place over a secure video connection at a time convenient for the patient.
Group sessions
Groups are held in person at the clinic or online, usually 1–3 times a week. Participants discuss their experience of sobriety and learn skills for saying no, managing stress, and rebuilding relationships. Group support reduces feelings of loneliness and shame. Confidentiality rules are mandatory for all participants and are agreed upon in advance.
Medical monitoring
An addiction doctor or psychiatrist periodically assesses the patient's well-being, sleep, mood, and cravings. When indicated, relapse prevention medication or treatment of co-occurring disorders is prescribed. By agreement with the patient, rapid tests for psychoactive substances or alcohol may be carried out. If the patient's condition worsens, the doctor recommends a transfer to inpatient care.
Work with the family
Loved ones take part in separate consultations and in joint sessions, where they discuss house rules, what to do at the first signs of relapse, and ways to offer support. For relatives who live in another city or country, the online format is especially convenient. Working with the family makes the home environment safer for sobriety.
Myths and facts
MythRehab does not work without an inpatient stay
FactOutpatient programs are effective for people with moderate addiction and a stable condition. International guidelines consider them a fully valid option. The key is to assess the indications correctly and attend sessions regularly.
MythOnline psychotherapy is not serious
FactPsychotherapy by video call uses the same methods as in-person therapy and suits many patients. The limitations concern examinations, lab tests, and emergencies, not the psychotherapeutic work itself.
MythIf you work, you have no time for treatment
FactOutpatient programs are designed for working people: sessions take place in the evening, early in the morning, or on weekends. The online format saves travel time and lets you attend sessions even while on a business trip.
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 Shakhtinsk
| Rehab programme consultation | 9 500 ₸ |
| Outpatient programme (one month) | 120 000 ₸ |
| Residential rehab (one month) | 320 000 ₸ |
| 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
“Outpatient and online rehab” in Shakhtinsk is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 173 Pochtovaya St., Shakhtinsk and 108 Lenina St., Shakhtinsk. If you live elsewhere in Karaganda Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.
Confidential and private
in Shakhtinsk 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 is outpatient rehab different from inpatient rehab?
In inpatient care, a person lives at the center and is under round-the-clock supervision. In the outpatient format, they live at home, keep working, and come to sessions or join online. The outpatient format requires more independence and a stable condition.
How many sessions a week are needed?
During the intensive stage, usually 2–4 sessions a week, including individual psychotherapy and groups. During the maintenance stage, 1–2 sessions. The frequency is chosen individually, taking into account the patient's work schedule, family responsibilities, and current condition.
Can I do online rehab from another country?
Yes, online sessions are available from anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection. It is important that the patient is able to get in-person medical care locally if needed. The doctor discusses an emergency action plan in advance.
How is confidentiality ensured online?
Sessions take place over a secure video connection and are not recorded without the patient's consent. The information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Patients are advised to join from a place where others cannot overhear them.
What happens if a relapse occurs during the program?
A relapse is discussed with the doctor and psychotherapist without judgment. Depending on its severity, detox, more frequent sessions, or a transfer to an inpatient stage may be needed. It is important to report a relapse right away rather than hide it.
Is detox needed before the program?
If the person continues to use or has stopped only recently, detox is carried out first, at home or in an inpatient unit. Outpatient rehab at Narcology 24 begins once the person's condition has stabilized. The addiction doctor determines readiness at the first consultation.
Where do doctors visit in Shakhtinsk and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 173 Pochtovaya St., Shakhtinsk and 108 Lenina St., Shakhtinsk. Phone in Shakhtinsk: +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
