Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F20
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist experienced in managing psychotic disorders
- Format
- video consultations for the patient and separate sessions for the family
- Duration
- first session 50–60 minutes, follow-ups 20–30 minutes
- Confidentiality
- medical confidentiality; information is not shared without consent
- When it’s urgent
- aggression, a threat to self or others, refusing food and water — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- stable remission, a clear treatment plan, and support for the family
What you should know
Most often it is relatives who reach out first: “Mom has gotten worse,” “my son stopped sleeping and is saying strange things,” “my brother quit his pills.” You message us on WhatsApp, the administrator asks who will be on the call and how urgent the situation is, and matches you with a doctor. If the person is stable and willing to talk, the session is held with them; if not, the psychiatrist first has a detailed conversation with the family and helps you work out what to do next.
Managing schizophrenia is not a single consultation but long-term work. The online format is especially convenient here: there is no need to drive the person across half of Almaty every time, sit in traffic on Sain or Ryskulov Street, or wait in a line where the patient feels uncomfortable. Regular short video sessions let the doctor track changes, adjust the approach in time, and support the family. At the same time, the psychiatrist will tell you honestly when an in-person examination or hospital care cannot be avoided.
Warning Signs That Mean It’s Time to See a Psychiatrist
- the person hears voices or sees things that are not there and reacts to them
- unusual beliefs appear about being watched, persecuted, or having a special mission
- speech becomes incoherent; thoughts “break off” or get jumbled
- a sharp loss of interest in study, work, socializing, or personal hygiene
- sleep changes: the person stays awake all night or sleeps almost all day
- emotions become inappropriate or “flat,” and facial expressions lose their liveliness
- after a stable period, the person has stopped prescribed treatment on their own
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.
What Is Known About the Causes of Schizophrenia
There is no single cause. Current international guidelines describe schizophrenia as the result of an interaction between genetic predisposition, features of brain development, and external factors. The risk is higher in people whose close relatives have had the illness, but this is not a sentence: many people with such a family history never develop it. Disruptions in neurotransmitter systems, above all the dopamine system, play an important role, and these are exactly what modern medications act on.
Relapses are often triggered by stress, chronic sleep deprivation, moving, a breakup, and especially the use of psychoactive substances, including cannabis. The most common reason for relapse is stopping treatment without medical advice once a person feels better. That is why regularity, a trusting relationship with the doctor, and the involvement of a family that knows the early warning signs are so important in ongoing care.
How Online Care for Schizophrenia Works
At the first session, the psychiatrist takes a full history: when the symptoms began, any past hospitalizations, which medications were taken and how well they worked. Have your discharge summaries and a list of medications ready; you can show them to the camera or send them in advance. The doctor then assesses the current condition, discusses goals with the patient and family, and draws up a plan: how often to meet, what to watch for, and what to do at the first signs of deterioration. Follow-up calls take place on a schedule, usually every few weeks, and more often when needed.
An initial diagnosis, especially during an acute episode, requires an in-person evaluation. If a person is in severe psychosis, refuses food and water, or threatens themselves or others, call 103 or 112 — an online consultation is not appropriate in this case. Involuntary hospitalization is possible only in the manner established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For lab tests, an ECG, and monitoring of treatment tolerability, the doctor will refer you to an in-person appointment.
How we help
Maintenance medication
The foundation of treatment is antipsychotic medication, which reduces delusions and hallucinations and protects against relapse. The doctor selects a medication based on its effectiveness and side effects, and monitors well-being, weight, and sleep. Treatment must never be changed or stopped without the doctor: this is the main risk of relapse, and the psychiatrist explains it in detail to both the patient and the family.
Psychoeducation for the patient and family
A family that understands the illness is a strong source of support. In separate sessions, the doctor explains what schizophrenia is, how the medications work, and what early warning signs are typical for your loved one in particular. Together you create a “relapse plan”: who to call, what to say, and what steps to take. This reduces confusion and fear.
Psychosocial rehabilitation
A stable condition is not the end goal. It is important to help the person regain a daily routine, social skills, and the ability to study or work. The psychiatrist and psychotherapist help set realistic steps, from regular sleep and walks to returning to part-time work. Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) helps people cope with residual symptoms and stress.
Monitoring and early intervention
Regular short video sessions make it possible to notice changes before a full relapse develops: disrupted sleep, suspiciousness, refusing medication. The doctor can adjust the plan, increase the frequency of contact, or refer the person for an in-person examination in time. This approach helps avoid repeat hospitalizations.
Myths and facts
MythSchizophrenia means a split personality
FactThese are different conditions. Schizophrenia does not create a “second personality”; it involves disturbances in thinking, perception, and emotion. The confusion comes from movies, and it prevents people from recognizing the illness and seeking help in time.
MythPeople with schizophrenia are dangerous
FactThe vast majority of patients are not aggressive; in fact, they are more often the victims of violence and deception. The risk of dangerous behavior is mainly linked to untreated relapses and substance use. Regular treatment significantly reduces this risk.
MythIf you feel better, you can stop the pills
FactImprovement is the result of treatment working, not a sign of recovery that makes therapy unnecessary. Stopping medication without medical advice is the most common cause of relapse. Any changes to the regimen should be discussed only with a psychiatrist and made gradually, under supervision.
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
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
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 schizophrenia be managed entirely online?
When the condition is stable, much of the monitoring can be done by video: checking how the person feels, discussing side effects, and supporting the family. However, lab tests and in-person examinations are needed from time to time, and an acute episode requires in-person treatment. The doctor will be honest about what can be done online and what cannot.
My loved one refuses treatment. What should I do?
Start with a consultation for the family: the psychiatrist will help you understand how to talk to the person without pressure, which arguments work, and how to preserve trust. If there is a threat to life or safety, call 103 or 112. Involuntary care is provided only on the grounds and in the manner established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Will I be put on a psychiatric registry after an online consultation?
A consultation at Psychiatry Online does not mean automatic registration with the state psychoneurological dispensary (PND). Information about your visit is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
How often are follow-up sessions needed?
At the start of treatment or after a change of medication, more often — sometimes once a week. In stable remission, once every few weeks or months. The doctor sets the frequency individually and changes it if warning signs or major life changes appear.
Can several relatives join the session?
Yes. Family members can join from different places — for example, one from the Bostandyk district and another from Konaev. This is convenient when you need to agree on a shared approach to support. Who takes part is discussed in advance, with the patient’s consent if they have legal capacity.
Why is cannabis use dangerous in schizophrenia?
Cannabis and other psychoactive substances increase the risk of relapse and worsen the response to treatment. If the person uses them, it is important to tell the doctor honestly: this is not a reason for judgment but information needed for the right plan. An addiction specialist can be brought in if necessary.
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
