Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who you see
- a dedicated treating psychiatrist and, if needed, a psychotherapist
- Format
- regular video appointments plus messenger contact with your doctor
- Duration
- 20–40-minute appointments, from weekly to monthly
- Anonymity
- follow-up is confidential, with no registration at the state psychoneurological dispensary (PND)
- When it is urgent
- suicidal thoughts, psychosis, sudden deterioration — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- a stable condition, fewer relapses and a clear plan for the future
What you should know
Many mental disorders require long-term support rather than a one-off consultation. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and OCD tend to come in waves: periods of stability alternate with setbacks, and treatment needs to be adjusted for each phase. When you are cared for by the same doctor, who knows your history, how you respond to medication and your life circumstances, decisions are made faster and more accurately, and relapses are spotted earlier.
Online care makes regular follow-up realistic. You do not need to take time off work every two weeks and travel across half the city for an appointment — from Bostandyk district to Turksib district, or from Kuldzhinsky Highway to the center. An appointment takes half an hour and happens wherever suits you. Your Psychiatry Online treating psychiatrist sees how things are developing, adjusts therapy in good time, reminds you about follow-up tests and helps you through difficult periods: a change of job, a move or a family crisis.
Who ongoing online psychiatric care is for
- you are being treated for depression or an anxiety disorder
- you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and need to prevent mood episodes
- you were recently discharged from hospital and want to keep the progress you have made
- relapses keep happening, and you want to catch them at an early stage
- a busy schedule does not allow you to attend in-person appointments regularly
- you travel for work a lot or split your life between two cities, such as Almaty and Astana
- you want a doctor who knows your history so you do not have to start from scratch every time
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 continuity of care matters
Chronic and recurrent disorders need attention even when everything is going well. International clinical guidelines emphasize that after a first episode of depression, maintenance therapy should continue for a certain period, and for longer after repeated episodes. Stopping follow-up too early is a common reason for symptoms returning. Regular appointments help catch early warning signs: changes in sleep and energy, or irritability.
Another reason is trust. Psychiatry relies heavily on the relationship between doctor and patient. When you see a new specialist every time, you have to retell your story, and some important information gets lost. A dedicated doctor notices nuances that are invisible from the outside and better understands how stress, change and the pace of a big city like Almaty affect you.
How ongoing online care works
You message Psychiatry Online on WhatsApp → have an initial consultation → the doctor suggests a follow-up plan and an appointment schedule. Before each appointment it is helpful to jot down how the last few days went: sleep, mood, anxiety, side effects and important events. On the video call the psychiatrist reviews the changes, adjusts therapy and sets the next date. Between appointments you can message your doctor if questions come up or you feel worse.
Online care does not replace scheduled tests: blood tests, ECGs or monitoring the levels of certain medications. The doctor gives you referrals, and you can have the tests done at a lab close to home. A severe relapse, psychosis or a threat to life requires an in-person examination, a home visit by a doctor or hospitalization — your treating psychiatrist will help arrange this.
How we help
Scheduled appointments
How often you meet depends on the stage: at the start of treatment, once every one to two weeks; when your condition is stable, once a month or less. Each appointment follows a structure: assessing how you feel, discussing therapy and planning until the next contact. This helps you see progress and respond to changes in time, without waiting for the situation to get worse.
Mood diary
The doctor may suggest a simple diary: mood, sleep, anxiety level and medication intake. You can keep it on your phone in a couple of minutes a day. Such records give an objective picture and are especially useful in bipolar disorder, where it is important to track early signs of a mood shift. You can keep it in a notebook or in any app you find convenient.
A plan for when things get worse
Together with the doctor you draw up a personal plan: which signs suggest a relapse is starting, what to do first, when to message the doctor and when to call for help. Such a plan reduces anxiety and gives a sense of control. You can share a copy with your family so that they also know how to support you at a difficult moment.
Working with family
With your consent, the doctor can hold a session with family members: explain the diagnosis and talk about how to support you and what to watch for. This reduces conflict and helps your loved ones not feel helpless. These sessions also take place online, even if your relatives live in another city or district.
Myths and facts
MythIf I feel better, I can stop follow-up
FactImprovement is a sign that treatment is working, but not always a sign that it is finished. Stopping maintenance therapy too early increases the risk of relapse. The decision to end follow-up is made together with the doctor, gradually.
MythLong-term follow-up means the illness is severe
FactLong-term care is the standard for many common disorders, including recurrent depression and anxiety. It is prevention, not a sign of severity — much like regular blood pressure checks for hypertension.
MythAn online doctor will not notice if I get worse
FactA dedicated doctor knows your usual state well and notices changes in your speech, facial expressions and how quickly you respond. Regular appointments and a mood diary make online follow-up a reliable tool, especially when you are open about how you are doing.
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
An online consultation for “Ongoing online psychiatric care” 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
Can I choose my dedicated doctor?
Yes, after the initial consultation you are assigned a treating psychiatrist. If for some reason you do not click, you can ask for a different specialist — that is normal practice. The new doctor will receive your history with your consent, so you will not have to start from scratch.
What if my doctor is on vacation and I feel worse?
While your treating psychiatrist is away, a colleague with access to your history covers for them. In addition, there is a 24-hour line with an on-duty doctor. If there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112 immediately, without waiting to reach the clinic.
Can I switch between online and in-person appointments?
Yes, the format is flexible. Many patients alternate: most appointments take place online, and in-person ones when an examination is needed or simply when they prefer. The doctor will tell you when an in-person appointment would be more useful and help arrange it in Almaty.
How long does follow-up last?
It varies from person to person. After a first episode of depression, it usually continues for several months after recovery; with repeated episodes or bipolar disorder, longer. The doctor regularly discusses with you which stage you are at and when appointments can become less frequent.
Can I continue care if I have left the city?
Yes, this is one of the main advantages of the online format. You can continue seeing the same doctor while on a business trip, on vacation or after moving. Just keep in mind the time zone and the legal requirements of the country you are in regarding prescriptions.
Will information about my follow-up be recorded anywhere?
The doctor keeps medical records as required by law, but access to them is restricted. The information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is not shared with employers or third parties without grounds established 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
