Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- a child psychiatrist, with a clinical psychologist when needed
- Format
- video consultation with parents and observation of the child at home
- Duration
- first session 50–60 minutes, adapted to the child’s age
- Confidentiality
- the consultation is confidential; medical confidentiality applies
- When it’s urgent
- a threat to life, seizures, serious injury — call 103 or 112; helpline 150
- Outcome
- clarity on whether this is typical development, plus a plan for evaluation and support
What you should know
Parents often hesitate for a long time: “maybe he’ll grow out of it,” “grandma says all kids are like that at his age.” The path to an answer can be short. You message us on WhatsApp, tell us what worries you and how old your child is, and choose a time when your little one is usually calm — after a nap, not at the peak of fussiness. You receive a link and join from home. There is no need to get the child ready, drive through traffic on Al-Farabi Avenue, and wait in an unfamiliar hallway.
The first part of the session usually takes place with the parents: the doctor asks about the pregnancy, early development, speech, sleep, eating, behavior at preschool or school, and what exactly concerns you. Then, if the child’s age allows, the psychiatrist gets to know the child: plays, asks questions, and observes. At home, children behave more naturally than in a doctor’s office. At the end, you receive a clear explanation and a plan: what to do now, which evaluations are needed, and when to meet again.
When to Take Your Child to a Child Psychiatrist
- speech develops noticeably later than in peers, or words that were already there disappear
- the child avoids eye contact, shows little interest in people, doesn’t respond to their name
- repetitive movements, rigid rituals, strong protest at any change
- frequent tantrums or aggression that can’t be calmed in the usual ways
- intense fears, separation anxiety, refusing to go to preschool or school
- tics, stuttering, night terrors, loss of toilet training after it was mastered
- the preschool teacher or schoolteacher regularly mentions behavioral difficulties
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 Developmental and Behavioral Difficulties Arise
Mental health problems in children have many possible causes. Some are related to how the nervous system develops — this is how autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and speech disorders arise. Heredity and the course of pregnancy and birth play an important role here. Other difficulties, such as anxiety, fears, and aggression, are often linked to the child’s temperament and how they cope with change: a move, the birth of a sibling, parents’ divorce, or starting preschool.
Physical factors matter too: hearing and vision problems, neurological conditions, and sleep problems. That is why a child psychiatrist always looks at the child as a whole and, if necessary, refers them to other specialists. In a big city, children also face pressure: lots of time in the car, a packed schedule of after-school activities, and little free play. It is important to remember that seeing a doctor is an act of care, not an admission that “something is wrong” with your child.
How an Online Child Psychiatry Consultation Works
Prepare in advance any discharge summaries, reports from a speech therapist or neurologist, evaluations from preschool or school, and short videos of the behavior that worries you — you can show them to the doctor. It is best for the child to be nearby, but they don’t have to sit in front of the screen the whole time: the doctor can watch them play. Both parents can conveniently join, even if one of them is at work. At the end, the doctor explains the findings in plain language and proposes a plan.
A neurological examination, hearing and vision tests, an EEG, or lab tests cannot be done online — for these, the doctor will refer you to an in-person appointment. A definitive diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder often requires in-person assessment methods. In case of seizures, injury, poisoning, or a threat to life, call 103 or 112. If a child or teenager talks about wanting to die, the 150 helpline is available.
How we help
Developmental assessment and diagnosis
The doctor assesses how speech, motor skills, communication, play, and emotions are developing and compares them with age norms. A conversation with the parents, observation, and standardized questionnaires are used. If there are signs of a disorder, the psychiatrist explains which evaluations are needed and with which specialists, so that the picture is complete and the diagnosis is accurate.
Parent counseling
Often the main tool for helping is a change in how adults respond to the child’s behavior. The doctor explains what lies behind tantrums, fears, or aggression and gives concrete techniques: how to prevent outbursts, how to maintain a routine, how to praise and set boundaries. Parent training programs are part of international guidelines for many childhood disorders.
Developmental and psychotherapy programs
Depending on the difficulties, the psychiatrist recommends sessions with a speech therapist, a special education teacher, or a psychologist; behavioral therapy for autism spectrum disorders; and play therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety. Some sessions are available online, others are better done in person, and the doctor helps put together a realistic plan for the family.
Medication when indicated
In children, medications are used cautiously and only for clear indications when other methods are not enough — for example, severe hyperactivity, serious anxiety, or sleep problems. The decision is made after a thorough assessment, with the parents’ involvement and in compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. An in-person examination may be required before prescribing.
Myths and facts
MythSeeing a child psychiatrist means a stigma
FactA consultation does not mean a diagnosis and does not automatically put the child on a registry. It is a way to understand what is going on and get expert advice. Many visits end with the conclusion that everything is within the normal range, along with recommendations for parents.
MythThe child will definitely grow out of it
FactSome traits really do pass with age, but others need help, and the earlier it starts, the better the outcome. This is especially true for speech and communication. A consultation helps you avoid losing valuable time.
MythA child can’t be assessed online
FactChildren behave more naturally at home than in a doctor’s office, and this gives the doctor valuable information. Much can be assessed through a conversation with the parents and observation. Where an in-person examination is needed, the doctor will tell you 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
An online consultation for “Child psychiatrist online” is available to people across Almaty and Almaty Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Almaty has two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Doctor home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Almaty is first of all about privacy: no clinic visit, no waiting room. A private room and headphones are enough. Data is stored in a secure system with restricted access and does not enter any state registry without legal grounds.
Questions and answers
At what age can you see a child psychiatrist?
At any age. Even with babies under one year old, the doctor can assess development, sleep, and the bond with the parents. Most often, families reach out with questions about speech and behavior at ages 2–4 and with difficulties adjusting to preschool and school. If something worries you, it is better to ask than to wait.
What if my child doesn’t want to sit in front of the camera?
That’s normal, especially for young children. The doctor doesn’t expect the child to sit politely and answer questions. You can position the phone so the doctor can see the child playing, or record short videos in advance. Most of the conversation takes place with the parents.
Can the other parent join from work?
Yes. The second parent can join from an office in the Bostandyk district or from a business trip — the link works on any device. This helps hear both parents’ views and agree on a shared approach. A grandmother can also join if she spends a lot of time with the child.
Can autism be diagnosed online?
The doctor can assess the signs and the risk of autism spectrum disorder, but a definitive diagnosis usually requires in-person methods and evaluations by other specialists. The psychiatrist will tell you where to go in Almaty and how to prepare so that no time is lost.
Will my child be prescribed medication?
In children, medications are used only for clear indications and are never prescribed blindly at the first session. Treatment usually starts with recommendations for parents, developmental sessions, and psychotherapy. If medication is needed, the decision is made together with you, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and, possibly, after an in-person examination.
Is confidentiality maintained?
Yes. Information about a consultation at Psychiatry Online 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 preschool, school, or anyone else without the parents’ consent, 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
