Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- A psychiatrist who works with adolescents; a psychotherapist when indicated
- Format
- Video consultation with the teenager and a separate session with the parents
- Duration
- First appointment about 60 minutes, care over weeks and months
- Anonymity
- Medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law; nothing is shared with the school
- When it's urgent
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm — 103, 112 or the 150 helpline
- Outcome
- An assessment, a treatment plan and ground rules for communication in the family
What you should know
Why is adolescence considered a period of increased risk? During these years the brain is rewired unevenly: the regions responsible for emotions and novelty-seeking mature earlier than the frontal lobes, which handle control and planning. As a result, emotions are felt more intensely and impulses are harder to hold back. Many disorders first appear in adolescence — depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder. Guidelines stress the importance of seeking help early.
Teenagers often find it easier to talk to a doctor from their own room than in an office with their parents waiting outside the door. The online format offers this privacy and saves time: there is no need to skip classes and cross the whole city against the winter wind. A psychiatrist at Psychiatry Online spends part of the session with the teenager alone and part with the parents, and honestly explains which information will stay between them and what must be shared with the family for safety reasons.
Warning signs in a teenager
- low mood, irritability and tearfulness lasting more than two weeks
- loss of interest in hobbies, friends and school, withdrawing into themselves
- sharp changes in sleep: insomnia at night or sleeping until noon
- cuts or burns, wearing long sleeves and covered clothing in hot weather
- talk of death or of life being meaningless, farewell notes
- a sudden change in eating, a preoccupation with diets, refusing to eat in front of others
- use of alcohol, vapes or other substances, new questionable acquaintances
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 teenagers develop mental health difficulties
Biological changes — hormonal shifts, brain maturation and a shift in sleep rhythm — make teenagers more vulnerable to stress. Heredity increases the risk of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Chronic sleep deprivation, typical at this age, worsens mood and self-control on its own. This explains why teenage emotions can be so intense and why it is important to distinguish age-related features from illness.
Social factors — academic pressure and stress before the UNT (Kazakhstan's national university entrance exam), bullying, family conflict and comparing oneself to others on social media — add to the burden. The long winter, short daylight hours and fewer outings with friends increase the risk of a seasonal dip in mood. If both parents are busy working late at government agencies, a teenager may be left alone with their worries for a long time.
How an online appointment with an adolescent psychiatrist works
A consultation usually begins with a short meeting with the parents; then the doctor talks with the teenager privately about mood, sleep, school, friends, relationships, substance use and thoughts of self-harm. The teenager needs a room with a closed door and headphones. The doctor explains the rules of confidentiality: what will stay between them and what has to be shared with the parents if safety is at risk. At the end there is a joint part and a plan.
The online format is not suitable if the teenager has already seriously harmed themselves, has taken a dangerous amount of medication or substances, or is in acute psychosis — call 103 or 112. The 150 helpline for children and young people works around the clock. Medication for minors is prescribed after an in-person examination, in accordance with Kazakhstan's legislation and with the consent of the legal guardians.
How we help
Assessment of condition and risks
The doctor conducts a structured interview, uses questionnaires for adolescents and assesses the risk of suicide and self-harm. They find out whether there are co-occurring difficulties: ADHD, eating disorders, substance use, bullying. Based on this, it is decided whether online care is sufficient or whether an in-person evaluation and, in rare cases, hospital care are needed.
Psychotherapy
For depression and anxiety in teenagers, cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are considered first-line treatments. For self-harm, dialectical behavior therapy adapted for adolescents is effective. Sessions take place online, which makes them more regular: the teenager joins from their own room after school.
Family work
Parents are helped to understand what is happening with their teenager, how to talk without blame, and how to offer support while setting boundaries. Family sessions help reduce conflict and create a safe atmosphere at home. What to do in a crisis and whom to call are discussed separately. Sessions are held online, and both parents can join even from work.
Medication
For moderate to severe depression, anxiety disorders and ADHD, the doctor may consider medication from the relevant classes approved for adolescents. Treatment begins after an in-person examination, with the consent of the legal guardians and in accordance with Kazakhstan's rules. Especially close monitoring of well-being is needed in the first weeks.
Myths and facts
MythIt's just a phase
FactMood swings are indeed normal, but persistent low mood, self-harm and refusing food and social contact are signs that need assessment. Blaming everything on age is dangerous: some disorders respond better to treatment when it starts early.
MythIf you ask about cutting, the teenager will start doing it
FactA gentle question does not provoke self-harm; it shows that the adult is ready to listen. It is important to talk calmly, without shouting or punishment, and to see an adolescent specialist in good time.
MythThe psychiatrist will tell the parents everything
FactThe doctor maintains confidentiality: personal details stay between the doctor and the teenager. Parents are told what concerns safety and the treatment plan. These rules are explained at the start of the session.
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 Astana
| Online child/adolescent psychiatrist appointment | 17 000 ₸ |
| Consultation for parents | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online appointment | 13 000 ₸ |
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 Astana online or at one of two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana, 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. 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 Astana 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 a teenager seek help on their own, without parents?
A teenager can receive an initial consultation and support. For treatment, especially medication, Kazakhstan's legislation requires the consent of the legal guardians. The doctor will help the teenager prepare for the conversation with their parents. In a crisis, they can call the 150 helpline.
How can I persuade my teenager to talk to a doctor?
Don't use threats or ultimatums. Explain that the doctor will not scold them and will not tell their parents everything. Suggest the online format — many teenagers find it less intimidating. Let the teenager choose the time and place to join.
What should I do if I find signs of self-harm?
Stay calm, don't shout or punish. Ask whether they need help and treat the wounds; for serious injuries, call 103 or 112. Remove dangerous objects and medications. Then contact an adolescent psychiatrist for an assessment.
Will information be passed on to the school?
No. Information about your visit is protected by medical confidentiality under the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is not passed on to the school without the consent of the legal guardians, except in cases provided for by law. Certificates are issued only at your request.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the problem. For depression and anxiety, a course of psychotherapy usually lasts 3 to 6 months, and longer with medication. Regular online sessions help avoid interrupting treatment during exam season or the long winter.
How often do we need to contact the doctor?
At first — every 1–2 weeks, then less often. If things get worse, you can get in touch sooner. At Psychiatry Online, the teenager and parents can reach the psychiatrist on duty 24/7 if a crisis arises between scheduled sessions. If life is in danger — 103 or 112.
Where can I be seen in Astana?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana and 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. 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
