Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who you see
- a psychiatrist experienced in psychopharmacology
- Format
- video consultations with messenger contact in between
- Duration
- first appointment 40–60 minutes, check-ins 20–30 minutes
- Anonymity
- consultations are confidential; your data is protected by medical confidentiality
- When it is urgent
- seizures, high fever with muscle rigidity, confusion — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- therapy that works and that you tolerate well, with a clear follow-up plan
What you should know
Treatment for mental disorders is rarely “one pill for life.” Every body reacts differently: a medication that helped a friend may not suit you, and a dose that was enough at the start may need to be reviewed over time. Side effects — drowsiness, weight gain, reduced libido, tremor — often lead people to stop treatment on their own, after which their condition gets worse. Regular adjustment of therapy with a doctor helps avoid these problems.
The online format is convenient for this task: adjusting treatment requires frequent short appointments, and traveling to each of them through traffic on Abay or Tole Bi is exhausting. You connect from home or the office, describe how the last few weeks went, and make a decision together with your Psychiatry Online doctor. The psychiatrist explains why they are suggesting particular changes, what effects to expect and how long to wait before assessing the result. Prescriptions are issued in accordance with the laws of Kazakhstan.
When your treatment needs adjusting
- you have been taking a medication for more than a month, but the improvement is minimal
- side effects interfere with work, sleep, driving or your personal life
- your condition has improved, and you want to discuss how and when to finish the course
- symptoms returned or new ones appeared after you stopped the medication yourself
- you have developed other health conditions, and drug interactions need to be considered
- you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant and taking medication
- your treating doctor is unavailable, and your questions about therapy have piled up
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 therapy needs to be reviewed
How well psychiatric medications work depends on many factors: genetic differences in metabolism, coexisting illnesses, other drugs and lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol, coffee and irregular sleep after late shifts all change how therapy works. Often what lies behind a lack of effect is not the “wrong medication” but a course that has not lasted long enough, or missed doses. The doctor works out what exactly the cause is and suggests a solution.
In addition, the illness itself changes. The acute phase gives way to stabilization and then to a maintenance phase, and each stage needs its own approach. It is also important to remember that stopping certain medications abruptly causes discontinuation syndrome: dizziness, anxiety and insomnia. That is why any changes are best made gradually and under a doctor’s supervision, not on advice from the internet.
How online medication management works
You message us on WhatsApp → tell us which medications you take, since when, and what is bothering you. Before the appointment, have your medication packages or photos of them ready, recent test results if the doctor ordered any, and a short diary of how you have felt over the past few weeks. On the video call the psychiatrist will clarify the details, assess the effect and tolerability, suggest changes and agree on a check-in date. Between appointments you can message us if questions come up.
Online, it is not possible to measure blood pressure, carry out a physical examination, or take blood to check medication levels and liver function. If this is needed, the doctor will refer you for tests at a lab near you — in any district of Almaty. Prescribing certain classes of medication and issuing prescriptions depend on the laws of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an in-person examination. Severe adverse reactions require in-person care or an ambulance — 103 or 112.
How we help
Assessing effectiveness
The doctor compares your starting condition with your current one across key symptoms: mood, anxiety, sleep, concentration and ability to work. To make this more precise, they may use questionnaires that you complete before the appointment. This shows whether there is real progress or whether the changes are so small that it is time to rethink the approach.
Managing side effects
Many unwanted effects can be reduced without stopping treatment: by changing when you take the medication, adjusting your routine or adding non-drug measures. If an effect is getting in the way of your life, the doctor will discuss switching to a medication from a different class. The decision is made together with you, taking into account what matters most to you in everyday life.
Finishing a course safely
When your condition has been stable for long enough, the psychiatrist suggests a plan for gradual tapering. This is done in stages, with check-in appointments, so that any return of symptoms is noticed in time. This approach reduces the risk of discontinuation syndrome and relapse, and gives you confidence that you will not be left without support.
Combining medication with psychotherapy
Medication is only part of treatment. The doctor may recommend psychotherapy, work on sleep, physical activity and changes to your daily routine. At Psychiatry Online, psychotherapists work hand in hand with psychiatrists, so they can be brought in online without changing clinics or retelling your story to another specialist from scratch. This saves time.
Myths and facts
MythIf a medication has not helped within a week, it does not work
FactMost antidepressants and mood stabilizers start working after several weeks, and their full effect is judged even later. Switching medication too early can prevent you from seeing the result. The doctor discusses the assessment timeline with you in advance.
MythTreatment cannot be adjusted online
FactAdjusting treatment is based on a detailed conversation about how you feel and how you tolerate the medication, and that is fully possible via video call. If tests or an examination are needed, the doctor will refer you. International guidelines allow patients to be managed via telemedicine when the rules are followed.
MythPsychiatric medications are addictive
FactMost modern antidepressants are not addictive in the usual sense, although stopping them abruptly can cause discontinuation syndrome. Certain classes do require caution, and the doctor takes this into account when prescribing and planning the course.
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 you adjust therapy prescribed by another doctor?
Yes, this is a common situation. The psychiatrist will review your current regimen, your records and how you feel, and suggest changes. If you are still seeing your previous doctor, it is helpful to agree on decisions with them to avoid contradictions in treatment.
What should I do if I have already stopped a medication myself?
Tell the doctor honestly — this matters for your safety. The psychiatrist will assess your current state and the risk of discontinuation syndrome and returning symptoms, and decide how to proceed. There will be no judgment: such situations are common and can be put right.
How often are check-in appointments needed?
While treatment is being adjusted, usually once every one to two weeks, then less often as you stabilize. The doctor sets the frequency individually. The online format means you do not have to skip check-ins, even with a busy schedule and a long drive across Almaty at rush hour.
Will I get a prescription after an online consultation?
It depends on the class of medication and on the requirements of Kazakhstan law regarding an initial examination. For some prescriptions the doctor can issue documents remotely; for others, an in-person visit will be needed. The administrator will tell you in advance how this will be arranged.
Can I drink alcohol while on treatment?
Alcohol is not recommended with most psychiatric medications: it reduces the effect of treatment and increases side effects. If alcohol use is a problem for you, tell your doctor — if needed, an addiction specialist can join, also online.
What if a side effect appears at night?
For mild discomfort, send a message or use the 24-hour line — the on-duty doctor will tell you what to do. In the case of seizures, high fever with muscle stiffness or a sudden change in consciousness, call 103 or 112 immediately.
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
