Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist experienced in working with adolescents, and a psychotherapist
- Format
- separate video sessions with the teenager and with the parents, plus family sessions
- Duration
- the first session takes about an hour, then as planned
- Confidentiality
- confidential; risks to life are reported to legal guardians
- When it’s urgent
- self-harm, thoughts of death, poisoning — call 103 or 112; helpline 150
- Outcome
- an understanding of the teen’s condition, a support plan, and restored connection within the family
What you should know
Teenagers rarely say “I need a psychiatrist.” More often, parents notice changes: their child has shut themselves in their room, stays up all night, has quit their sports club, or has cuts on their arms. The path to help begins with a WhatsApp message: you describe what is happening, and the administrator matches you with a doctor. The first session may be held with the parents so the situation can be discussed calmly, and then the psychiatrist talks with the teenager — by video, from their own room, where they feel more at ease.
For a teenager, it is important to be heard rather than lectured. The doctor talks to them as an equal, explains that the conversation is confidential, and honestly warns them what will have to be shared with the parents — namely, if there is a threat to life. The psychiatrist asks about mood, sleep, school, friends, social media, and the use of alcohol or drugs. By the end, you understand together what is going on and choose the next steps: psychotherapy, family sessions, and treatment if needed.
Signs That It’s Time to Reach Out
- low mood, tearfulness, or irritability lasting more than two weeks
- the teenager has stopped seeing friends and hardly leaves their room
- noticeable sleep problems — sleepless nights and sleeping until noon
- a sharp drop in grades, skipping classes, refusing to go to school
- cuts, burns, or other signs of self-harm, or talk about death
- changes in eating — refusing food, overeating, a fear of gaining weight
- signs of alcohol, vape, or other substance use
If at least two points apply and the state lasts longer than two weeks, it is worth seeing a specialist. Phone consultation is free. If life is at risk, call 112 or 103.
Why Adolescence Can Be So Hard
Adolescence is a period of rapid change: the brain and hormonal system are being restructured, a personal identity is taking shape, and peers become increasingly important. Many mental disorders first appear during this period, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. Heredity, temperament, and childhood experiences influence how vulnerable a teenager is.
External factors matter too: bullying at school or online, family conflicts, parents’ divorce, academic pressure before the UNT (Kazakhstan’s national university entrance exam), the pressure of social media, and moving. In a big city, many teenagers spend a lot of time commuting and online, get little exercise, and don’t get enough sleep. Alcohol and drug use make symptoms worse. It is important not to dismiss a teenager’s feelings: what seems trivial to an adult can be very painful for them.
How an Online Appointment with an Adolescent Psychiatrist Works
The first session usually begins with the parents: the doctor gathers information and discusses how to invite the teenager to talk. Then comes a separate conversation with the teenager, without parents nearby, from a closed room, preferably with headphones. The doctor explains the rules of confidentiality. At the end, there may be a short joint part where the plan is discussed. Follow-up sessions and psychotherapy take place on a schedule that fits around school.
In case of self-harm with wounds, poisoning, or statements about intending to die, call 103 or 112; the 150 helpline is available for teenagers. Physical examinations and lab tests cannot be done online — for eating disorders or signs of substance use, the doctor will refer you to an in-person appointment. Decisions about treating a minor are made with the involvement of legal guardians and in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
How we help
Psychotherapy for adolescents
Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents are included in international guidelines for depression, anxiety, and self-harm. They help teenagers recognize their emotions, cope with them without hurting themselves, and build relationships. Teenagers often find the online format more comfortable: the screen eases the tension of the first sessions.
Working with the family
Family sessions help restore connection: parents learn to listen without lecturing, and the teenager learns to talk about their feelings. The doctor explains to parents how to recognize warning signs, how to respond to self-harm, and how to offer support without being overcontrolling. Online, it is easy to involve both parents, even if they live apart.
Safety plan
If there is a risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, a safety plan is created together with the teenager: signs of deterioration, ways to cope, who to call, and the numbers 103, 112, and 150. The parents know what steps to take and how to make the home safer. The plan is reviewed at every session. It is kept on the teen’s phone.
Medication when indicated
For moderate to severe depression, marked anxiety, or other disorders, the psychiatrist may suggest medications from the relevant classes. In adolescents, they are prescribed cautiously, with regular monitoring of well-being, with the consent of legal guardians, and in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Medication is part of the overall plan, not a substitute for psychotherapy.
Myths and facts
MythIt’s just a phase — it will pass
FactMood swings do happen in teenagers, but persistent low mood, self-harm, or refusing food or school are not normal. Half of all mental disorders begin before the age of 14–15, and seeking help early improves the outlook.
MythAsking about self-harm will make a teenager start doing it
FactA direct and calm question does not push anyone toward self-harm. On the contrary, it shows the teenager that difficult things can be talked about. Silence and shame are more dangerous. The psychiatrist will suggest how to start such a conversation.
MythThe psychiatrist will tell the parents everything
FactThe doctor respects the teenager’s confidentiality and shares with the parents only what concerns a threat to life and health, plus whatever has been agreed. This helps the teenager trust the doctor and speak honestly.
How an online appointment works
- Message or callWrite on WhatsApp or call — our coordinator replies within minutes, day or night. You don't have to give your surname.
- Doctor and timeWe match you with a psychiatrist, addiction specialist or psychotherapist and agree on a time — often the same day.
- Video consultationA secure 50–60 minute video call: the doctor takes a detailed history and uses standardised scales if needed.
- Treatment planYou receive a clear summary, recommendations and a plan: what we do online and what needs an in-person visit or home call.
- Follow-upOnline follow-up sessions, messenger contact with your doctor, and treatment adjustments until you get a stable result.
Prices in Almaty
| Online child/adolescent psychiatrist appointment | 17 000 ₸ |
| Consultation for parents | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online appointment | 13 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
Psychiatry Online in Almaty: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Almaty and Almaty Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
Information about your visit, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We never share it with your employer, school or relatives without your consent; the only exceptions are those expressly set out by law. For an online consultation your first name is enough, video runs over a secure channel and nothing is recorded without your consent.
Questions and answers
How can I persuade my teenager to talk to a psychiatrist?
Don’t force or shame them. Explain that you can see how hard things are for them and that you want to help. Suggest trying one online session from their own room, where they can keep the camera off at first. The psychiatrist can talk to you first and suggest how to start the conversation.
Can a teenager reach out without their parents?
A teenager can message us on their own and receive initial support. However, under the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, decisions about treating a minor are made with the involvement of legal guardians. If there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112; the helpline for children and young people is 150.
What should I do if I find signs of cutting?
Stay calm; don’t shout or punish. Say that you have noticed and want to help. If the wounds are deep or there are signs of poisoning, call 103 or 112. Then contact a psychiatrist: at Psychiatry Online, you can get a consultation shortly.
Do phones and social media affect a teenager’s mental health?
Spending too much time online, especially at night, disrupts sleep and can intensify anxiety and comparing oneself with others. But banning devices usually doesn’t solve the problem. The psychiatrist will help you understand what lies behind the immersion in gadgets and agree on reasonable family rules.
Is it easy to fit sessions around school and activities?
Yes. Sessions can be scheduled after school or in the evening, and the teenager can join from home in the Auezov district, from grandma’s place in Talgar, or from the family’s country house. There is no need to spend time traveling across Almaty, and the teenager doesn’t miss classes for a doctor’s visit.
Will the school find out about the consultation?
No. Information about the consultation is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” It is not shared with the school without the consent of legal guardians, except in cases expressly provided for by law.
Where can I be seen in Almaty?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Both are open 24/7; home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Psychiatry Online 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) and APA (US) guidelines on the treatment of mental disorders
- WHO recommendations on telemedicine and digital health
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
