Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F23
- Who leads care
- an on-call psychiatrist, with an addiction specialist involved when alcohol is a factor
- Format
- urgent video consultation for the family and, if possible, the patient
- Duration
- urgent conversation 20–40 minutes, then as planned
- Confidentiality
- all information is protected by medical confidentiality
- When it’s urgent
- aggression, attempts at self-harm, confusion, seizures — call 103 or 112 immediately
- Outcome
- a risk assessment and a concrete plan of action for the next few hours
What you should know
In a psychotic crisis, time can sometimes be measured in hours, and families are usually at a loss. The typical path looks like this: you message us on WhatsApp with “urgent” or call, and the administrator immediately checks whether there is a threat to life. If the person is aggressive, is trying to harm themselves, is not drinking or eating, or is confused after drinking alcohol, we will ask you to call 103 or 112 right away. If there is no direct threat, a psychiatrist will join you on a video call shortly.
The doctor asks what exactly has changed, how quickly, whether there have been similar episodes before, what the person is taking, and whether they have used alcohol or drugs. Sometimes the patient agrees to talk to the doctor themselves, which is a real stroke of luck. By the end, you understand how dangerous the situation is and receive a clear plan: whether to call a mobile team, go to a hospital, or how to get safely through the next few hours. For a family in a traffic-clogged city, this saves precious time.
Signs of Psychosis You Should Never Ignore
- the person hears voices, talks to an invisible companion, or seems to be listening to something
- beliefs have appeared that someone is watching them or wants to poison or harm them
- speech has become incoherent; the person jumps from topic to topic without logic
- behavior has changed abruptly: agitation, anxiety, strange actions
- almost no sleep for several nights in a row, yet no sense of tiredness
- refusing food, water, or medication for unusual reasons
- bewilderment, not understanding where they are or what day it is
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 Psychosis Develops
Psychosis is not a separate illness but a syndrome with many possible causes. It can be a manifestation of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder in a manic phase, or severe depression with delusional ideas. There are also brief, transient psychotic episodes after severe stress. Substance-related psychoses form an important group: alcohol withdrawal delirium after abruptly stopping a prolonged drinking binge, and psychoses caused by stimulants, cannabis, and other drugs.
Another group of causes is physical: infections with high fever, traumatic brain injuries, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, and side effects of certain medications, especially in older adults. That is why a first episode of psychosis always requires an in-person examination to rule out physical causes. The purpose of an online consultation is to quickly guide the family, not to make a final diagnosis from a distance.
What an Urgent Online Consultation for Psychosis Can Offer
A psychiatrist on a video call helps the family make sense of what is happening and avoid mistakes. They assess warning signs and ask about substances and medications. They explain how to talk to the person: don’t argue with the delusions, speak calmly, remove dangerous objects, and don’t leave them alone. If the patient agrees to join the call, the doctor assesses their condition directly. The result is a decision on the path forward: a medical team, hospitalization, an in-person appointment, or monitoring.
Acute psychosis cannot be treated online. In case of aggression, self-harm attempts, seizures, confusion after a drinking binge, or high fever, call 103 or 112. An initial diagnosis requires an in-person examination and lab tests. Involuntary hospitalization is possible only on the grounds and in the manner provided for by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan; the doctor will explain how this works and where to turn.
How we help
Urgent risk assessment
First, the doctor determines whether there is a threat to the life of the patient or others. A few questions matter most: how long the person has gone without sleep, whether they are eating, whether they have talked about death, whether there is aggression or access to weapons or medications, and whether they have used alcohol or drugs. The answers determine whether an ambulance is needed right now or whether there is time for planned steps.
Choosing the right path to care
The psychiatrist helps decide what is right for your specific situation: calling an ambulance, a psychiatrist’s home visit, planned admission to a hospital, or an in-person consultation in the near future. You receive clear instructions: which documents to bring, what to tell the medical team, and how to prepare the person. This is especially important at night, when confusion is at its worst.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment
Acute psychosis is usually treated in a hospital or under close medical supervision. Antipsychotic medications are used, sedatives when necessary, and intensive care in cases of alcohol withdrawal delirium. After the acute phase is over, treatment continues on an outpatient basis, and this is where online monitoring becomes convenient and effective.
Family support and prevention
After an episode of psychosis, the family needs to understand what happened and how to prevent it from happening again. The doctor explains the early warning signals — disrupted sleep, suspiciousness, refusing treatment — and helps draw up an action plan. Regular video sessions make it possible to stay in touch without unnecessary trips, which matters for those living in the Nauryzbay district or the suburbs.
Myths and facts
MythPsychosis is forever
FactA psychotic episode can be a one-time event, especially if it is linked to stress or substance use. With timely treatment, many people recover fully. Even with chronic disorders, therapy makes it possible to avoid relapses for long periods.
MythIt’s better to wait — maybe it will pass on its own
FactUntreated psychosis is dangerous: the risk of injury, dehydration, and rash actions increases, and a longer period without treatment worsens the outlook. The sooner a doctor gets involved, the gentler the treatment can be. Waiting is a poor strategy when it comes to psychosis.
MythYou have to argue with a person in psychosis to make them understand
FactArguing with delusional beliefs usually increases anxiety and mistrust. It is better to speak calmly, acknowledge the person’s feelings without agreeing with the delusions, and focus on safety and getting medical help. The psychiatrist will suggest specific phrases to use.
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 “Psychosis: urgent consultation and help” 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
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 I reach a psychiatrist online at night?
Yes, an on-call psychiatrist is available around the clock. You message us on WhatsApp or call, and the doctor joins you. But if there is a threat to life — aggression, attempts at self-harm, seizures, confusion — don’t wait for a consultation; call 103 or 112.
My loved one refuses to talk to a doctor. Is there any point?
Yes. The psychiatrist can hold a consultation with the family alone: assess the situation based on your description, advise you on how to act safely, and suggest how to persuade the person to accept help. Decisions about further steps are made in accordance with the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
How is psychosis different from delirium tremens?
Alcohol withdrawal delirium, known as delirium tremens, is a type of psychosis that usually develops a few days after abruptly stopping a prolonged drinking binge. It comes with confusion, tremors, fear, and visual hallucinations, and it is life-threatening. It is a reason to call 103 or 112 immediately.
Can Psychiatry Online help with hospitalization?
The doctor will advise you on which hospital option is suitable, which documents are needed, how to prepare the person, and what to say on admission. We can arrange a doctor’s home visit in Almaty and its suburbs. Involuntary hospitalization is possible only in accordance with the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Is there any way to prepare for the conversation with the doctor?
If you have a couple of minutes, write down: when the changes began, how the person has slept in recent days, what medications they take, whether they have used alcohol or drugs, and whether there have been similar episodes before. Keep any discharge summaries at hand. This will save time and make the assessment more accurate.
What should we do after discharge from the hospital?
It is important not to interrupt treatment and to stay under a psychiatrist’s care. Online sessions are convenient for checking how the person is doing, discussing side effects, and supporting the family. The doctor will help draw up a prevention plan and notice in time if warning signs start to return.
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
