Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- an on-call psychiatrist, followed by a psychotherapist
- Format
- video or audio call, with no need to show your face
- Duration
- first conversation 30–60 minutes, follow-up contact within the next few days
- Confidentiality
- you don’t have to give your name; medical confidentiality applies
- When it’s urgent
- a threat to life — call 103 or 112; children and young people — 150
- Outcome
- reduced intensity, a safety plan, and a path for further care
What you should know
A crisis rarely happens at a convenient time. More often it strikes at night or on a weekend, when no one is around. The path to help is short: you message us on WhatsApp or call and say that you feel very bad. The administrator first checks whether you are safe right now. If there is an immediate threat to life, we ask you to call 103 or 112. If not, we connect you with the on-call psychiatrist, who joins you by video or audio call.
The doctor doesn’t rush you or lecture you. They listen, help you name what exactly is happening, and look together with you for something that can give you a foothold right now: a person you can call, a place where you can be, actions that help you get through the next few hours. Then you agree on the next contact. In a huge city where you can feel lonely even among millions of people, it is important to know that help is available at any moment.
When You Need Crisis Help
- thoughts have appeared that you don’t want to live or that everyone would be better off without you
- a feeling of despair and hopelessness hasn’t let go for several hours or days
- after a traumatic event you can’t sleep, eat, or stop crying
- panic attacks keep coming back, and it feels like you are losing your mind
- you are drinking more than usual or using drugs so as not to feel anything
- a loved one talks about death, gives away belongings, or says goodbye — a reason to act
- you feel you can no longer cope, and there is no one to turn to
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 a Psychological Crisis Happens
A crisis is a state in which your usual ways of coping stop working. It can be triggered by a sudden loss, a breakup, divorce, job loss, financial collapse, violence, a serious diagnosis, or a move. Sometimes it is not a single event but an accumulation: months of overload, sleep deprivation, and conflict. At some point, the last straw breaks the camel’s back, and the person feels they can’t go on.
The risk of a severe crisis is higher for people living with depression, an anxiety disorder, or addiction, those who have self-harmed before, and people without support nearby. Young people who have moved to Almaty from other regions to study or work often end up isolated. Older people who have lost a spouse are also at risk. A crisis is not a sign of weakness but a signal that help is needed.
How an Online Crisis Consultation Works
You can join by video or audio, whichever is easier for you. The doctor asks how you are feeling, about the events of recent days, and whether you have thoughts of harming yourself: this question is asked of everyone and does not mean you are considered dangerous. Together you create a safety plan: what helps you calm down, who to call, and how to make your surroundings safer. If needed, the doctor will involve your loved ones — only with your consent, except in situations where life is at risk.
An online consultation does not replace emergency care. If you have already harmed yourself, have taken a lot of pills or alcohol, or there is a threat of violence, call 103 or 112 immediately. Children and young people can get help from the 150 helpline. Sometimes the doctor recommends an in-person examination or hospitalization; we will help you choose an option and arrange a doctor’s visit.
How we help
Stabilizing conversation
The first goal is to help the person get through the acute moment. The doctor helps you slow down, bring your attention back to your body and the present moment, and put your feelings into words. Simple breathing and grounding techniques are used. The aim is not to solve every problem at once but to lower the tension to a level where you can think and act.
Safety plan
This is a short personal document: early signs of a crisis, ways to help yourself, people and places that offer support, and the emergency numbers 103, 112, and 150. It is created together with the doctor and kept on your phone. Research shows that such a plan reduces the risk of dangerous actions during a crisis. The plan is reviewed as things change.
Building a support network
The doctor helps you think about who among the people around you can be with you over the next few days: a relative, a friend, a colleague. If you agree, you can work out together what to tell them. Sometimes an online session with your family is helpful so that your loved ones understand how to help and don’t do harm with advice like “pull yourself together.” Having support nearby matters more than advice.
Further treatment
After the acute phase, it is important to address the underlying causes. The psychiatrist checks for depression, an anxiety disorder, or addiction and suggests treatment: psychotherapy and, if necessary, medications from the relevant classes within the framework of Kazakhstan law. Regular online sessions help make sure you are not left alone after the crisis.
Myths and facts
MythAsking about suicidal thoughts can push a person to act
FactResearch does not support this. On the contrary, a direct and caring question gives the person a chance to open up and feel heard. Doctors ask it of everyone in crisis — it is part of professional care.
MythA crisis has to be endured alone
FactBeing alone in a crisis deepens despair. Reaching out for help is a sensible step, not a weakness. A psychiatrist can help you get through the acute moment and find a way out that you can’t see right now. You are not alone.
MythPeople who talk about death won’t actually do it
FactStatements about not wanting to live must be taken seriously. They are often an attempt to ask for help. If a loved one talks about death, talk with them, don’t leave them alone, and contact a doctor; if there is a threat, call 103 or 112.
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
| Urgent online psychiatrist consultation | 18 000 ₸ |
| Consultation for relatives | 15 000 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 45 000 ₸ |
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 “Online psychiatric crisis support” 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
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 quickly will a psychiatrist get in touch?
An on-call doctor is available around the clock, and in crisis situations we try to connect you as quickly as possible. If there is an immediate threat to life, don’t wait — call 103 or 112; that is faster. While you wait, stay close to other people.
Can I talk without video?
Yes. If it is hard for you to be on camera right now, the conversation can take place by audio. What matters most is that you are in a place where you can speak freely. Later, if you wish, you can switch to video. This is a perfectly normal request.
What should I do if a loved one is in crisis but doesn’t want to talk?
Start with a consultation for yourself: the psychiatrist will help you understand the level of risk and how to act. Don’t leave the person alone, and remove dangerous objects. If there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112. For teenagers, there is the 150 helpline.
Will my request for help be reported anywhere?
Contacting Psychiatry Online is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Information is not shared without consent, except in cases expressly provided for by law, such as an immediate threat to life.
I live in Talgar. Can you help in person if needed?
Online consultations are available from anywhere — Talgar, Konaev, or the Nauryzbay district. If the doctor considers an in-person examination necessary, we will suggest the nearest option or arrange a home visit. In an emergency, call 103 or 112. The connection works everywhere.
What happens after the first consultation?
You will agree on a follow-up contact, usually within the next few days. The doctor may suggest a course of psychotherapy, treatment for depression or anxiety, or support for your family. You don’t have to agree to everything at once — the plan is discussed together. You set the pace yourself.
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
