Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a clinical (medical) psychologist; a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist join if needed
- Format
- video consultations, online testing, psychological intervention by video
- Duration
- consultation 50–60 minutes; assessment 1–2 sessions; a course of intervention of at least 6–12 sessions
- Confidentiality
- no registration and no full name required; confidentiality under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- When it's an emergency
- suicidal thoughts, psychosis, a threat to yourself or others — call 103, 112 or 150
- Outcome
- an understanding of your condition, recommendations and skills to improve it
What you should know
You need a clinical psychologist when you want to figure out what is happening to you — is it ordinary fatigue, an anxiety disorder already, or something else? Here is how to get there with us: you message us on WhatsApp about what is bothering you, the administrator matches you with a specialist and a time, and the psychologist joins a video call. At the first session, they ask in detail about your concerns, your history, sleep and workload, suggest tests and questionnaires if needed, and explain what the assessment will show.
In Almaty, many people choose an online consultation simply because it is faster: there's no need to take time off work, drive through Bostandyk district at rush hour and look for parking near the clinic. The consultation takes place at home, and the psychologist goes over the test results at the next session. Psychiatry Online includes the clinical psychologist in a shared care team: if the assessment shows that you need a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist, you will be referred to them without having to retell your whole story.
What People See a Clinical Psychologist For
- constant anxiety, tension and a feeling that you can't cope
- low mood, apathy, loss of interest and energy for everyday activities
- difficulty concentrating, remembering and paying attention, especially under stress
- a traumatic event: the loss of a loved one, divorce, an accident, an illness
- you want to understand whether you need a psychiatrist or can manage another way
- you need a psychological assessment to help choose treatment or at a doctor's request
- difficulty adjusting after a move, a job change or retirement
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.
How a Clinical Psychologist Differs from Other Specialists
A clinical psychologist studies how mental processes — thinking, memory, attention and emotions — change under stress, illness and mental health disorders. Unlike a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist is not a medical doctor, does not make a medical diagnosis and does not prescribe medication. Their job is to assess your psychological state using standardized methods, help you understand the mechanisms behind your difficulties and provide psychological intervention.
International practice regards clinical psychologists as an important part of the mental health care team. Their assessment helps the doctor clarify the clinical picture, and psychological interventions — cognitive behavioral, supportive and crisis interventions — are included in guidelines for anxiety, depressive and stress-related disorders. Working together with a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, treatment becomes more precise and more effective.
What an Online Consultation with a Clinical Psychologist Is Like
For a session, you need a camera, headphones and a quiet place. Sessions take place on WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom, and the conversation is not recorded. The psychologist asks about your concerns and life situation and, if needed, asks you to complete questionnaires online via a link. Many methods for assessing anxiety, depression, stress and cognitive functions have been adapted for remote use. The results are reviewed at the next session along with recommendations.
Not every assessment can be done online: some neuropsychological tests require an in-person appointment. A psychologist does not make a medical diagnosis or prescribe medication — if the results show that treatment is needed, you will be referred to a psychiatrist, who can see you by video or in person. If there are suicidal thoughts, psychosis or other dangerous conditions, call 103 or 112; young people can call 150.
How we help
Psychological assessment
Using standardized questionnaires and tests, the psychologist assesses your level of anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, personality traits, attention and memory. The results help you understand what is going on and find the right kind of help. If the assessment is done at a psychiatrist's request, the report is passed on to the doctor with your consent.
Psychological counseling
Counseling helps you work through a specific life situation — a conflict, a decision, a crisis — and find the resources to cope with it. The psychologist does not give ready-made answers but helps you organize your thoughts, see your options and make a choice. Sometimes just a few sessions are enough to make the situation clearer.
Psychological intervention
A course of sessions aimed at reducing anxiety, improving mood and learning self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Cognitive behavioral techniques, breathing and relaxation exercises, and work with thoughts and behavior are used. You get exercises for the week and discuss the results at the next session.
Crisis support
After traumatic events — a loss, an accident, violence, a sudden illness — the psychologist helps you get through the acute reaction, stabilize your sleep and emotions and find something to hold on to. If symptoms do not ease or get worse after a few weeks, the psychologist will recommend seeing a psychiatrist or psychotherapist for deeper work.
Myths and facts
MythA psychologist and a psychiatrist are the same thing
FactA psychiatrist is a medical doctor who makes a diagnosis and can prescribe treatment, including medication. A clinical psychologist assesses mental processes and provides psychological help but does not prescribe medication. They often work together.
MythOnline tests are unreliable
FactMany standardized assessment tools have validated online versions and give reliable results when the conditions are right: a quiet place, no one else present and honest answers. Some neuropsychological tests require an in-person appointment, and the psychologist will tell you if so.
MythYou only see a psychologist when things are really bad
FactYou can also reach out with moderate difficulties such as stress, fatigue or doubts. Early help often prevents a disorder from developing. Seeing a psychologist is prevention, not only treatment.
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 therapy session (50 min) | 15 000 ₸ |
| Package of 8 online sessions | 110 000 ₸ |
| Family/couples session (80 min) | 20 000 ₸ |
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 “Online clinical psychologist” 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
How is a clinical psychologist different from a regular psychologist?
A clinical psychologist has specialized training in medical psychology: they know how mental health disorders present, are skilled in psychological assessment methods and work closely with doctors. This matters if your difficulties are related to anxiety, depression, stress or illness.
Can a psychologist make a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist. A clinical psychologist carries out a psychological assessment and provides a report on the state of your mental functions and emotional well-being, which helps the doctor. If needed, we can arrange an online consultation with a psychiatrist.
How quickly can I get a consultation in Almaty?
Usually within 24 hours. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend slots are available. The online format doesn't depend on where you live: you can connect just as quickly from Almaly district, Nauryzbay district or Kaskelen. Traffic has no effect on your consultation.
How much does a psychological assessment cost?
The cost depends on the set of methods used and the number of sessions. The administrator will tell you the price before you start. An assessment usually takes 1–2 sessions, including a discussion of the results and recommendations. You can receive a clear written report on request.
Can my child or teenager have an assessment?
Yes, with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Age-appropriate methods are used for children and teenagers; some can be done online, while others may require an in-person appointment. The psychologist will explain which format suits your situation.
Are test results kept confidential?
Yes. Assessment results are not shared with third parties without your consent. If you were referred by a Psychiatry Online psychiatrist, the report is passed on to the doctor for your treatment. Exceptions are possible only in cases explicitly provided for by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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
