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 geriatric psychiatrist
- Format
- an online assessment by video call, followed by a doctor’s visit to your address
- Duration
- a 60–90-minute home examination, plus travel time
- Anonymity
- the doctor arrives without any identifying signs; the visit is confidential
- When it is urgent
- aggression, threats, dangerous psychosis, poisoning — call 103 or 112 immediately
- Outcome
- an examination, an assessment of the condition, the start of treatment or a referral to a hospital
What you should know
There are situations when a person needs a psychiatrist, but getting them to a clinic is impossible or too difficult. An elderly father with worsening forgetfulness refuses to leave the apartment, an adult daughter with severe depression has not got out of bed for weeks, a relative has stopped taking their treatment after discharge and is becoming more and more anxious. A psychiatrist home visit allows the examination to take place in surroundings familiar to the patient, without the stress of a journey and waiting in a hallway.
At Psychiatry Online, a home visit starts with an online stage. You message us on WhatsApp, and a doctor assesses the situation by video call with you or with the patient: how urgent it is, whether it is safe to travel and what to prepare. This saves time and helps choose the right specialist. The doctor then travels to the address — in Almaly, Medeu or Nauryzbay district, or to suburbs such as Kaskelen and Talgar. Travel time depends on distance and traffic, and the administrator will give you an estimate in advance.
When to call a psychiatrist to your home
- the person refuses to leave home but agrees to talk to a doctor
- an elderly relative has become confused, forgetful and anxious in the evenings
- severe depression: the person barely gets up, does not eat and does not look after themselves
- after discharge from hospital their condition is getting worse and they are not taking their treatment
- the person has limited mobility, and a trip to the clinic is impossible
- psychosis is suspected, but there is no immediate threat to others
- the family wants confidentiality and is not ready for a visit to a dispensary
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 home visit is sometimes necessary
A mental disorder itself often prevents a person from seeking help. With severe depression there is no energy to get dressed and leave the house; with anxiety disorders, traveling on public transport is frightening; with dementia, the person does not understand why they need to go anywhere and resists. Add to this the distances and traffic of a big city — a trip from Nauryzbay district to an appointment in the center can take more than an hour each way. For the patient this is a huge burden, sometimes an unbearable one.
An examination at home gives the doctor additional information: how the person lives, how their daily life is organized, whether conditions are safe and who can help with treatment. This is especially important for elderly patients — the doctor sees the real picture rather than a stress reaction to unfamiliar surroundings. In addition, at home it is easier to discuss the treatment plan with the whole family and agree right away on who will take care of what, including making sure medications are taken.
How the online stage and the home visit work
You message us on WhatsApp → the administrator clarifies the address, the patient’s age and what is happening → a psychiatrist joins a video call with you or the patient. At this stage the doctor assesses urgency and safety, decides whether a visit is needed or an online consultation is enough, and tells you what to prepare: discharge summaries, a list of medications and test results. If a visit is needed, a time is agreed, and you are given an estimated arrival time that takes travel into account.
A visiting psychiatrist does not replace an ambulance. If the person is aggressive, threatening themselves or others, in acute psychosis with dangerous behavior, severely poisoned or delirious, do not wait for the doctor — call 103 or 112. Involuntary examination and hospitalization are possible only in accordance with the procedure established by Kazakhstan law. Medications are prescribed in line with Kazakhstan regulations.
How we help
Online triage
Before the visit, the doctor assesses the level of risk and urgency by video call. This avoids losing time if the situation requires an ambulance, and avoids sending a team if an online consultation is enough. Triage also helps the doctor prepare in advance: bring the right rating scales, think through the questions and take into account the specifics of the patient and their family.
Examination at home
The doctor holds a clinical interview with the patient and relatives and assesses their mental and general condition, including blood pressure and pulse if needed. Particular attention is paid to safety: access to medications and sharp objects, and the daily routine. At the end, the doctor explains what is happening and suggests a plan that every family member can understand.
Starting treatment
If the person’s condition allows treatment at home, the psychiatrist gives recommendations and prescriptions in accordance with Kazakhstan law. Medications are discussed by class, taking into account age, coexisting illnesses and other drugs. After that, you can move on to online follow-up with Psychiatry Online to monitor the effect without repeat visits.
Referral to a hospital
If the doctor sees that safe treatment at home is not possible, they explain why and help arrange hospitalization. This is discussed with the patient and the family and, with consent, arranged on a voluntary basis. Involuntary hospitalization is possible only in cases provided for by law, and the doctor will explain the procedure in detail.
Myths and facts
MythA psychiatrist comes to the home to take the person to hospital
FactThe purpose of the visit is examination and help. In most cases treatment starts at home, and hospitalization is discussed only if safety cannot be ensured without it. The decision is made together with the patient and the family.
MythThe neighbors will find out about the psychiatrist’s visit
FactThe doctor arrives in ordinary clothes, with no identifying signs or markings on the car. The visit looks like an ordinary guest dropping by. Information about the consultation is protected by medical confidentiality. The time of the visit is agreed in advance.
MythA home visit can be replaced by calling an ambulance
FactAn ambulance is meant for emergencies and does not carry out a planned psychiatric assessment. A visiting psychiatrist takes time for a detailed conversation and a treatment plan. On the other hand, if there is a threat to life, you need an ambulance right away — 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
| Psychiatrist home visit | 45 000 ₸ |
| Night visit (10 pm – 8 am) | 55 000 ₸ |
| Preliminary online consultation | 15 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
You can book in Almaty online or at one of two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty, 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our coordinator replies on WhatsApp within minutes at any time, and a doctor usually connects by video the same day; home visits are available too — 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
How quickly can a psychiatrist arrive?
It depends on the district, the workload and traffic conditions in Almaty. The administrator gives you an estimated arrival time after the online assessment. If the situation is dangerous and cannot wait, do not wait for the doctor — call 103 or 112.
Do you travel outside the city?
Yes, visits are possible to Almaty’s suburbs — Kaskelen, Talgar, Konaev and other towns and villages in the region. The arrival time and conditions of the visit are agreed individually, taking distance into account. For remote villages, it may be more convenient to start with an online consultation.
What if the patient refuses to be examined?
The doctor will try to build rapport gently, without pressure. People often agree to talk once they see that nobody is going to take them anywhere. If the refusal is complete and there is no danger, the doctor will give the family recommendations. Compulsory measures are possible only under Kazakhstan law.
What should we prepare for the doctor’s visit?
Discharge summaries, reports, test results, all the packages of medications the person takes and a short description of what is happening. It helps if a family member who knows the medical history is at home. Put medications out of reach in advance if there is a risk of them being taken incorrectly.
Can a psychiatrist start treatment during a home visit?
Yes, if the person’s condition allows outpatient treatment. The doctor will give recommendations and prescriptions within the framework of Kazakhstan law. After that, follow-up can continue online, so the effect can be monitored without repeat visits or unnecessary trips across the city.
Can an addiction specialist and a psychiatrist come at the same time?
Yes, if the situation involves both the person’s mental state and alcohol or drug use. For medical detox from a drinking binge at home, an addiction specialist makes the visit, while the initial assessment and preparation are done online. A combined visit is arranged with the administrator.
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
