Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- A child psychiatrist; a psychologist, speech therapist or neurologist when indicated
- Format
- Video consultation with parents and observation of the child at home
- Duration
- First appointment 50–60 minutes, follow-up sessions as planned
- Anonymity
- Medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law; nothing is shared with school or kindergarten
- When it's urgent
- Danger to life, self-harm, seizures — 103 or 112; the 150 helpline
- Outcome
- An understanding of the child's condition and a concrete plan of help for the family
What you should know
Why are tantrums a normal stage of development in one child but a reason to see a doctor in another? A child's mind changes quickly, and many symptoms depend on age: what is natural at three may signal difficulties at seven. A child psychiatrist assesses not an isolated symptom but the whole picture — development of speech, motor skills, communication, sleep and emotions — and compares it with age norms. Guidelines emphasize that early assessment improves the outlook for most developmental disorders.
The online format is especially convenient for young children: at home they behave more naturally than in an unfamiliar office, and they do not get tired from the journey. A family in Nura or Baikonur district does not have to drive the child across the whole city in freezing weather. A doctor at Psychiatry Online first talks with the parents and then observes the child at play. If in-person methods are needed to clarify the diagnosis — testing, an examination by a neurologist, a hearing test — the doctor will say so directly.
When to have your child seen by a psychiatrist
- delayed speech or the loss of words and skills already learned
- the child does not respond to their name, avoids eye contact, does not play with other children
- frequent, prolonged tantrums that cannot be stopped
- intense fears that interfere with sleeping, going to kindergarten or being apart from mom
- hyperactivity and impulsivity that keep the child from being accepted into groups
- repetitive movements, rituals and repeated actions
- a sudden change in behavior after stress, a move or the birth of a sibling
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 lies behind children's difficulties
Many conditions in childhood are related to neurodevelopmental differences: autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and delays in speech and motor development. They have a strong biological basis and a hereditary component and are not the result of “bad parenting.” A child's brain is highly plastic, which is why early support — speech therapy, behavioral and psychological help — is especially effective in the first years of life.
Other difficulties — anxiety, fears, behavioral regression — are often a reaction to stress: parents' divorce, a move, illness, conflict at kindergarten. Daily routine matters too: in winter, with short daylight hours and long periods spent indoors, children move less and go outside less, which affects their sleep and mood. A psychiatrist helps distinguish a temporary reaction from a disorder that requires treatment.
How an online appointment with a child psychiatrist works
The doctor conducts the first part of the consultation with the parents: pregnancy and birth, early development, speech, sleep, eating, and behavior at home and at kindergarten. Have discharge summaries, reports from a speech therapist and neurologist, and short videos of the behavior that concerns you ready. Then the child joins in front of the camera: the doctor observes how they play, talk and respond. It is best to position the camera so that the floor or a table with toys is visible.
A neurological examination, EEG, hearing test and some standardized tests that require physical presence cannot be done online. If epilepsy, a developmental delay of unclear cause or severe impairment is suspected, an in-person evaluation will be needed. In case of seizures, danger to life or self-harm, call 103 or 112. Medication for children is prescribed only after an in-person examination and in accordance with Kazakhstan's rules.
How we help
Developmental assessment
The doctor compares the child's skills with age norms in speech, communication, motor skills, play and self-care. Screening questionnaires for parents and direct observation are used. If there are signs of an autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay, the doctor recommends an in-depth assessment and bringing in specialists, without waiting for the child to “grow out of it.”
Behavioral programs
For ADHD, autism and behavior problems in children, parent training programs have the strongest evidence: how to give instructions, reward desired behavior and cope with tantrums. These sessions work well online — parents learn right at home, where the difficulties actually arise. Results are usually noticeable within a few weeks.
Psychotherapy for children
For anxiety, fears and the effects of stress, children benefit from play therapy and age-adapted cognitive behavioral therapy. A child psychologist or psychotherapist works with the child and the parents. Sessions for older children can be held online; for toddlers, a format with active participation by mom or dad is more often used.
Medication
Medication in children is used only for strict indications and after a thorough assessment — for example, in severe ADHD or serious behavior disorders. Drugs from the relevant classes approved for use in children are used. Prescribing is possible after an in-person examination and in accordance with Kazakhstan's legislation, with regular monitoring.
Myths and facts
MythA child psychiatrist will prescribe pills right away
FactMost children receive non-drug help: sessions with a speech therapist or psychologist and programs for parents. Medication is prescribed only for significant impairment and after an in-person examination. The first consultation is above all an assessment.
MythIf you see a psychiatrist, your child will be put on a registry
FactA consultation at a private clinic does not mean being placed on the state psychoneurological dispensary (PND) registry. The information is protected by medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law. Without the parents' consent it is not passed on to school or kindergarten, except in cases expressly provided for by law.
MythThe child will grow out of it, there's no need to panic
FactSome difficulties do pass with age, but in developmental disorders timing matters. An early assessment does no harm: if everything is fine, the doctor will reassure you; if not, help will start on time.
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
An online consultation for “Child psychiatrist online” is available to people across Astana and Akmola Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Astana has two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana and 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. Doctor home visits: 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
From what age can a child see a child psychiatrist?
From a very early age, if something worries the parents: delayed speech, no response to their name, sleep problems, unrelenting tantrums. The earlier the assessment, the sooner help can begin. The online format is convenient even for toddlers.
Can autism be diagnosed online?
An initial assessment, screening and observation that show whether there are signs of autism spectrum disorder can be done online. A definitive diagnosis often requires in-person standardized methods and examinations by other specialists. The doctor will tell you which steps are needed and in what order.
Does the child need to be present at the consultation?
The doctor conducts the first part with the parents, and then the child joins. Sometimes the first consultation is held with the parents only, especially if the child is very young or very anxious. Observation can be supplemented with home videos.
How do I prepare my child for a video appointment?
Explain in simple words that they will talk with a doctor who helps children. Choose a time when the child is not hungry or tired. Have their favorite toys, paper and pencils ready. Don't force them to answer: the doctor needs to see their natural behavior.
What should I do if my child has thoughts of death?
Take it seriously and talk calmly, without judgment. Remove dangerous objects and medications. If life is in danger, call 103 or 112. The 150 helpline for children and young people is free of charge. Once the situation is stable, see a child psychiatrist.
Will the information be kept confidential?
Yes. Information about your visit is protected by medical confidentiality under the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Without the consent of the legal guardians, it is not passed on to the kindergarten or school. At Psychiatry Online, documents are issued only to the parents.
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
