Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who you see
- a psychiatrist and, if needed, an addiction specialist or family therapist
- Format
- a video consultation for one or several family members
- Duration
- 50–70 minutes; follow-up sessions 30–40 minutes
- Anonymity
- you do not have to give names; information about your family is confidential
- When it is urgent
- aggression, threats, attempts at self-harm, psychosis — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- an understanding of the situation, a plan for talking to your loved one and steps toward treatment
What you should know
When something incomprehensible is happening to someone close to you, the whole family suffers. Mom has stopped leaving the house, your husband has not slept for weeks and says strange things, your adult son has withdrawn and refuses to talk, your father has started drinking again. Relatives do not know whether it is personality, fatigue or illness, how to talk without provoking a conflict, or where to turn. A psychiatric consultation for family members helps you get past the confusion and see the next step.
The online format is convenient because the whole family can join, even if one person lives in Medeu district, another in Kaskelen and a third in a different city. A Psychiatry Online doctor listens to each of you, asks follow-up questions and explains what the symptoms you have noticed might mean. No diagnosis is made without examining the person themselves, but the psychiatrist can assess the level of risk, suggest how to talk to your loved one and draw up an action plan for the coming days.
Why families come to us
- your loved one has changed: withdrawn, stopped looking after themselves, does not leave the house
- the person talks about being followed, hearing voices or having strange ideas
- a relative is misusing alcohol or drugs and denies there is a problem
- an elderly family member has become forgetful and is confused about time and place
- a teenager’s behavior, schoolwork and relationships have changed abruptly
- your loved one refuses treatment even though their condition is getting worse
- after discharge from hospital it is unclear how to support them and what to keep an eye on
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 family members need a consultation of their own
Loved ones are often the first to notice changes but the last to receive support. They live under constant strain, blame themselves and argue with each other about what to do. Without understanding the nature of the disorder, it is easy to make mistakes: arguing with delusional ideas, shaming someone for being depressed, hiding alcohol instead of discussing treatment. A consultation provides knowledge and support, which reduces conflict in the family and increases the chance that the person will agree to get help.
In many families in Almaty and its suburbs, psychiatry is not something people talk about, and relatives try to cope on their own for years, fearing the judgment of neighbors or elders. It is important to know that a mental disorder is a medical problem, not a family disgrace. The doctor will help you find words that do not hurt and explain what forms of help exist, including the person’s rights and the procedure for involuntary hospitalization, which is possible only in cases provided for by Kazakhstan law.
How a consultation for family members works
You message us on WhatsApp → briefly describe what is happening with your loved one and who will take part. Before the meeting, write down your main observations: when the changes began, how they show up, whether there have been similar episodes before, whether the person takes any medication or drinks alcohol. If you have discharge summaries, send photos. On the video call the doctor will listen to each participant, ask questions and suggest a concrete plan: how to start the conversation, which specialist to see and what to do if things get worse.
Without examining the person, the psychiatrist does not make a diagnosis or prescribe treatment — this is required by medical ethics and the laws of Kazakhstan. If your loved one agrees, they can join the next online session, or a home visit by a psychiatrist can be arranged. In the case of aggression, threats, attempts at self-harm or severe psychosis, do not wait for a consultation — call 103 or 112.
How we help
Making sense of the situation
The doctor helps you organize your observations: which changes are genuinely worrying, which may be a reaction to stress and which require urgent action. Relatives get a clear explanation of the possible causes without premature labels. This eases some of the panic and helps the family speak the same language instead of arguing over whether it is “an illness or just their character.”
Motivational conversation
The psychiatrist teaches you how to talk to a loved one who denies the problem: without pressure, ultimatums or blame. You discuss specific phrases, the right time and place for the conversation and what to do if they refuse. This approach, based on the principles of motivational interviewing, increases the likelihood that the person will agree to seek help on their own.
A crisis plan
Together with the doctor, the family draws up an action plan in case of a relapse: which signs signal danger, who calls whom and which documents to keep at hand. Emergency numbers are discussed — 103 and 112, and for teenagers also the 150 helpline. Having a plan reduces confusion in a crisis and saves precious time.
Support for family members themselves
Caring for someone with a mental disorder is draining. The doctor pays attention to how the relatives themselves are doing: sleep, anxiety, burnout. If needed, Psychiatry Online offers separate sessions with a psychotherapist for family members. Looking after yourself is not selfish — it is what gives you the strength to support your loved one over the long term.
Myths and facts
MythNothing can be done without the patient’s consent
FactEven if your loved one refuses treatment for now, the family can do a great deal: change the way they communicate, reduce conflict and lay the groundwork for seeking help. In exceptional cases Kazakhstan law provides for involuntary care, and the doctor will explain its strict conditions.
MythIf I tell the doctor, my loved one will be taken away at once
FactA consultation for family members is for information and guidance. The doctor does not call an ambulance crew or share information without grounds. The family decides what to do next, and involuntary hospitalization is possible only in accordance with the law and by court decision.
MythIt is a family matter; outsiders had better not know
FactA mental disorder is a medical problem, and trying to cope alone often prolongs the illness. The consultation is confidential, and the doctor does not judge. Timely help protects both the person’s health and family relationships.
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 psychiatrist consultation (50–60 min) | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| One month of online psychiatric care | 60 000 ₸ |
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
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
Can the doctor make a diagnosis based on what relatives say?
No, a diagnosis is made only after examining the person themselves. But from your description the doctor can suggest possible causes, assess the level of risk and advise which specialist to see. This already helps the family a great deal in understanding how urgently they need to act.
What should we do if our loved one flatly refuses to see a doctor?
The psychiatrist will help you find an approach to the conversation: choose the moment and the words, and focus on the problems that bother the person themselves — for example, insomnia. Sometimes the first step is a consultation “about sleep” or an online meeting, which feels less frightening than going to a clinic.
Can several relatives join from different places?
Yes, a video call lets everyone who matters take part, even if one lives in central Almaty, another in Talgar and a third in Astana. This is convenient when family decisions are made together and it is important that everyone hears the same information.
How do we know urgent help is needed?
Call 103 or 112 immediately if your loved one is threatening themselves or others, is aggressive, talks about suicide, has stopped eating and drinking, does not recognize people around them or is in a serious condition after using alcohol or drugs. In all other cases you can start with a consultation.
Is involuntary hospitalization possible?
Only in cases strictly provided for by Kazakhstan law — for example, when there is an immediate danger to the person or others — and with a court procedure followed. The doctor will explain how this works, but the aim of the consultation is to find a way to help the person voluntarily.
Can Psychiatry Online arrange a home visit to my loved one?
Yes, if the person agrees to be examined, a home visit by a psychiatrist can be arranged within Almaty and the nearby suburbs. The doctor will assess the condition on site and suggest treatment or recommend a hospital stay. The administrator will agree on the details and arrival time.
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
