Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F23
- Who leads care
- A psychiatrist, with a mobile team when needed
- Format
- Urgent video call or phone call, followed by a home visit or hospital
- Duration
- Consultation 20–40 minutes, response within an hour, 24/7
- Anonymity
- Medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law; family information is not disclosed
- When it's urgent
- Aggression, attempts at self-harm, confusion — call 103 or 112 at once
- Outcome
- A clear route: ambulance, psychiatrist home visit or hospitalization
What you should know
Why can't you wait for psychosis to “pass on its own”? Because in the acute state a person cannot critically assess what is happening: they believe they are being persecuted, hear voices, may go without sleep for days and act under the influence of these experiences. Clinical guidelines emphasize that the shorter the period of untreated psychosis, the better the outlook. The first hours determine a great deal: safety, ruling out physical causes and starting treatment.
At such a moment it is most often relatives who contact Psychiatry Online. The online psychiatrist listens, asks structured questions, assesses the risks and tells you what to do right now: call an ambulance, wait for a doctor's home visit or gather documents for hospital admission. This is especially valuable at night, when a bewildered family in Nura district or on the outskirts of Baikonur district does not know whom to turn to, a blizzard is raging outside and the drive to the clinic is long.
Signs of psychosis in a loved one
- talks to invisible companions, seems to be listening to something
- is convinced they are being followed, poisoned or that their thoughts are being read
- speech is incoherent, thoughts jump around, it is hard to follow what is said
- goes without sleep for several days in a row but feels no tiredness
- behavior has changed sharply: closes windows, hides, barricades the door
- expresses unusual ideas about a special mission or special powers
- has stopped eating and looking after themselves, does not recognize familiar surroundings
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 causes psychosis
Psychosis is a syndrome, not a single illness. It can be a manifestation of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression or acute polymorphic psychotic disorder. The mechanism is shared: the dopamine system malfunctions, and the brain begins to attach special significance to random events and inner sensations. This is where delusions and hallucinations come from. Identifying the cause is essential because treatment depends on it.
Psychosis can also have organic causes: poisoning, infection, a tumor, epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal (delirium), or the use of stimulants and cannabis. That is why a first episode requires an examination, tests and sometimes a CT or MRI scan. Severe stress and sleep deprivation play a triggering role — for example, prolonged overtime under the tight schedule of civil service work, or sleepless nights.
What an urgent online consultation gives you
By video or phone, the psychiatrist asks the family questions: when the changes began, what the person is saying and doing, whether they are sleeping and eating, whether they have used alcohol or drugs, and whether they have chronic illnesses. If the patient agrees, the doctor talks with them briefly. As a result you get a concrete plan: call an ambulance now, wait for a psychiatrist's home visit or prepare for hospitalization. Have a list of medications and documents ready.
Acute psychosis cannot be treated online: it requires an in-person examination, ruling out physical causes and, as a rule, inpatient care. If there is aggression, attempts to harm oneself or others, confusion or a high fever, call 103 or 112 immediately. Involuntary hospitalization is possible only on the grounds and in the manner established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Online care begins after stabilization.
How we help
Urgent risk assessment
The first thing the doctor does is assess safety: whether there is a threat to the life of the patient or others, and whether an ambulance is needed. Then they clarify the likely causes: whether this is a first episode, and whether it is linked to alcohol, drugs or a physical illness. This determines where the person should be referred — to a psychiatric hospital or a general hospital.
Psychiatrist home visit
If the situation allows, the doctor comes to the home, carries out an in-person examination and decides whether treatment can start on an outpatient basis or hospitalization is needed. This is often calmer for the patient than a trip to the emergency department. Home visits are available on both banks of the river, but in blizzards and icy conditions arrival time may increase, and the doctor will warn you about this in advance.
Inpatient treatment
For acute psychosis, inpatient treatment is the standard of care: a hospital can ensure safety, carry out tests and start antipsychotic treatment under constant supervision. The online doctor helps the family prepare: which documents to take, what to tell the patient and how to arrange voluntary admission.
Care after psychosis resolves
After stabilization it is important not to interrupt treatment: the risk of another episode in the first year is high. The online psychiatrist monitors the patient's condition and tolerance of antipsychotics and works with the family on a plan for early recognition of deterioration. Regular video meetings help maintain remission and return to work or studies.
Myths and facts
MythPsychosis always means schizophrenia
FactNo. Psychosis occurs in bipolar disorder, depression, substance use, alcohol withdrawal, infections and other illnesses. Sometimes it is a single brief episode. A diagnosis can be made only after a proper examination.
MythA person in psychosis can be talked out of it
FactArguing with delusions is pointless and can heighten anxiety and aggression. It is better to speak calmly, neither confirming nor refuting the person's experiences, to ensure safety and to seek medical help. Delusions go away with treatment, not with arguments.
MythIf you make them get some sleep, it will all pass
FactLack of sleep can trigger psychosis, but sleep does not cure a condition that has already developed. Giving sleeping pills or alcohol without a doctor is dangerous: it can mask the symptoms of a serious illness. A professional assessment is needed.
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
| 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 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
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
What should I do right now if a loved one is psychotic?
Stay calm, speak in short sentences, do not argue with delusions, and remove sharp objects and car keys. If there is aggression, attempts at self-harm or confusion, call 103 or 112. If there is no immediate danger, contact an online psychiatrist to decide on the next step.
Can psychosis be treated at home?
Sometimes, when the condition is mild and the family provides reliable support, treatment begins on an outpatient basis after an in-person examination. But for a first episode, severe symptoms or a risk to life, inpatient care is needed. The decision is made by a doctor after an examination, not over the phone.
How can I persuade the person to see a doctor?
Focus on what bothers them personally: insomnia, anxiety, exhaustion. Do not call their experiences “delusions.” Suggest talking to a doctor “about sleep.” An online psychiatrist will help you find the right words. If life is in danger, contact 103 or 112 without delay.
Is hospitalization possible without consent?
Yes, but only on the grounds established by Kazakhstan's legislation — for example, if the person poses a danger to themselves or others or is helpless. The decision is made by doctors and a court in accordance with the established procedure. A clinic cannot forcibly hospitalize a person at the family's request.
How long does recovery from psychosis take?
With appropriate treatment, acute symptoms usually ease within a few weeks, but full recovery takes months. After a first episode, maintenance treatment for at least a year is recommended. Regular online meetings with a psychiatrist at Psychiatry Online help people go through this period without setbacks.
Will information about the psychosis remain in my records?
Information about seeking care is protected by medical confidentiality under the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” It is not passed on to employers. If a person is hospitalized, medical records are created, but access to them is restricted by law. The doctor will answer questions about your specific records individually.
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
