Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- A clinical (medical) psychologist
- Format
- Video consultations, online testing
- Duration
- Sessions of 50–60 minutes, assessment in 1–3 sessions
- Anonymity
- Confidential, information protected under Kazakhstan law
- When it’s urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, psychosis — call 103 or 112; young people can call 150
- Outcome
- Understanding your condition, a written report, an intervention plan or a referral to a doctor
What you should know
A clinical psychologist works at the intersection of psychology and medicine, studying how mental processes — attention, memory, thinking, emotions and personality traits — relate to health and illness. Unlike a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist does not make a medical diagnosis or prescribe medication, but carries out standardized psychological assessment whose results help the doctor. They also provide psychological intervention and counseling, often using CBT methods.
An online consultation lets you get professional help without waiting lists and without trips across the city when there is wind, frost and short daylight outside. At Psychiatry Online, people who turn to a clinical psychologist include civil servants and office employees, students, parents and those who aren’t sure whether they need a psychiatrist. The specialist helps make sense of the person’s condition and, if necessary, refers them to a doctor — so no time is lost and no unnecessary prescriptions are given.
What People See a Clinical Psychologist For
- persistent anxiety, tension and irritability with no obvious cause
- low mood and apathy, but you are not sure whether it is depression
- difficulty concentrating, memory problems and reduced productivity
- a reaction to stress, bereavement, divorce or another difficult event
- a chronic illness and the emotional difficulties that come with it
- a psychological assessment requested by a psychiatrist or neurologist
- you want to understand which specialist is right for your situation
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 Understands the Nature of Difficulties
The biopsychosocial model on which clinical psychology is based views a person’s condition as the result of the interaction of biological factors (heredity, illnesses, characteristics of the nervous system), psychological factors (beliefs, coping strategies, emotional regulation) and social factors (relationships, work, living conditions). The same symptoms — for example, memory decline — can have different causes, from depression to neurological disorders.
That is why assessment matters: standardized tools make it possible to distinguish, for example, anxiety-related loss of concentration from an organic cognitive impairment. External conditions are also taken into account: chronic overload at work, a demanding schedule, lack of daylight in winter and isolation can cause or worsen symptoms. Understanding the mechanism determines which kind of help will be effective.
How an Online Consultation With a Clinical Psychologist Works
At the first session, the psychologist conducts a clinical interview: clarifying your concerns, how they developed, your living conditions and past illnesses. Testing is then carried out if needed — questionnaires and tasks adapted for the online format: some are completed on screen, others during the conversation. You will need a quiet room, a stable internet connection, headphones and sometimes paper and a pen. Afterward, the psychologist explains the results and proposes a plan of work.
Some neuropsychological tests that require working with physical materials cannot be done online — they require an in-person visit. A clinical psychologist does not make medical diagnoses or prescribe medication: if signs of a mental health condition are found, they refer you to a psychiatrist. If you have thoughts of suicide, call 103 or 112; children and young people can call 150.
How we help
Psychological Assessment
Standardized tools assess emotional state, personality traits and cognitive functions such as attention, memory and thinking. The results help the psychiatrist refine the diagnosis and help the person understand what is happening to them. The report can become the starting point for treatment and psychological intervention, which are tailored individually.
Psychological Counseling
Short-term work on a specific issue: adapting to stress, making a decision, reacting to a crisis or loss. The psychologist helps clarify the situation, see the options and draw on your own resources. It usually takes a few sessions and is well suited to the video format, including for busy people.
CBT-Based Psychological Intervention
For anxiety and low mood, sleep problems and stress, clinical psychologists use cognitive behavioral therapy methods: working with thoughts, behavioral activation and relaxation techniques. The structure of the sessions and homework make this approach effective in the online format as well, and progress is tracked using rating scales.
Support for People With Chronic Illnesses
Diabetes, heart disease, cancer and chronic pain are often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which worsen the course of the illness. A clinical psychologist helps you come to terms with the diagnosis, stick to treatment and cope with limitations. The online format is especially valuable for those who find it hard to leave home often.
Myths and facts
MythA clinical psychologist only works with the “mentally ill”
FactA clinical psychologist helps people in a wide range of situations: stress, crisis, adjusting to illness, cognitive difficulties. Many clients do not have a mental health condition and come for support and a better understanding of their state.
MythA psychologist and a psychiatrist are the same thing
FactA psychiatrist is a medical doctor who makes medical diagnoses and can prescribe medication. A clinical psychologist provides assessment and psychological intervention but does not prescribe medication. They often work together, complementing each other.
MythOnline testing is inaccurate
FactMany standardized questionnaires have been validated for electronic completion. What matters is that the testing is conducted by a specialist who interprets the results together with the clinical interview. Tests that must be done in person will be scheduled separately by the psychologist.
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 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 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
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
Do I need a doctor’s referral for a consultation?
No, you can see a clinical psychologist on your own. If you have a referral from a psychiatrist or neurologist for a psychological assessment, let us know in advance: the psychologist will select tests to match the doctor’s specific request and prepare a report.
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychotherapist?
A clinical psychologist provides assessment, counseling and psychological intervention, working within a psychological rather than a medical model. A psychotherapist may be a medical doctor and can combine psychotherapy with medical treatment. In practice, their methods often overlap — CBT, for example.
How much does an assessment cost and how long does it take?
An assessment usually takes 1–3 sessions of 50–60 minutes, depending on the request and the number of tests. Please check the cost with the Psychiatry Online administrator. After the assessment, you receive an explanation of the results and recommendations, and a written report if needed.
Can I come in for burnout?
Yes, this is one of the most common requests, especially among employees with busy work schedules. The psychologist will assess the severity of burnout, rule out depression and anxiety disorders, and help you restore your resources, rethink your workload and develop recovery skills.
Does a clinical psychologist work with children?
Yes, there are specialists in child clinical psychology. The online format is suitable for counseling parents and working with teenagers. Assessing young children often requires in-person sessions with play materials, so the format is discussed in advance.
What should I do if the psychologist advises me to see a psychiatrist?
This does not mean your condition is critical — it simply means treatment may require a medical assessment. A psychiatric consultation can be held online, with a follow-up in-person visit if needed. The psychologist can continue working with you in parallel, coordinating with the doctor.
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
