Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- A child and adolescent psychotherapist, plus a psychiatrist if needed
- Format
- Individual video sessions + sessions with parents
- Duration
- Sessions of 45–50 minutes, a course of 8–20 sessions
- Anonymity
- Confidential; exceptions are a threat to life and cases provided for by Kazakhstan law
- When it’s urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm — call 103, 112 or the 150 helpline
- Outcome
- Fewer symptoms, emotional regulation skills and better family relationships
What you should know
Adolescence is a period of intense brain reorganization: emotional centers mature earlier than the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for self-control and planning. That is why teenagers’ emotions can be especially intense and their reactions impulsive. This is a normal part of development, but against this background anxiety and depressive disorders develop more easily. Clinical guidelines name psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression and anxiety in adolescents.
For many teenagers, video calls are a familiar environment, and talking through a screen is sometimes easier than in an office. At Psychiatry Online, sessions can be scheduled after school and extracurricular activities, without trips across the city in frost and wind, and without parents having to take time off work. This suits families from all districts — from Baikonur and Saryarka to the new residential complexes on the left bank, where parents often work in government agencies and offices until evening.
When a Teenager Needs Help From a Psychotherapist
- low mood, irritability or apathy lasts more than two weeks
- a sharp drop in grades or refusal to go to school
- isolation: the teenager has stopped seeing friends and spends all their time in their room
- anxiety about exams, public speaking or socializing gets in the way of daily life
- problems with sleep or appetite, or health complaints with no medical cause
- statements that life is meaningless, or signs of self-harm
- frequent conflicts with parents, bullying at school or online
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 Are Especially Vulnerable
Beyond neurobiological changes, adolescents are actively forming their identity: who am I, what am I like, how do others see me. Peers’ opinions become especially important, and rejection especially painful. Hormonal changes affect sleep and mood, while a shift in circadian rhythms makes early mornings physiologically hard. Chronic sleep deprivation is a common factor in anxiety and depression in teenagers.
Academic workload, exam preparation, family conflicts and bullying, including on social media, increase the risk. A hereditary predisposition to depression and anxiety disorders also matters. The seasonal factor should not be underestimated: a long winter with short daylight hours, when a teenager leaves for school and comes home in the dark, reduces activity and mood.
How Online Psychotherapy With a Teenager Works
The first session usually includes meeting the parents and a separate conversation with the teenager. The specialist discusses the rules: what will stay between them and the teenager, and what will be shared with the parents — for example, if there is a threat to life. For sessions, the teenager needs a room where parents and siblings cannot hear them, headphones and a stable internet connection. Interactive exercises, worksheets and sometimes mood-tracking apps are used.
The online format is not suitable when there is acute suicide risk, psychosis or a severe eating disorder that threatens health — an in-person psychiatric examination and sometimes hospitalization are needed. If a teenager talks about wanting to die or is harming themselves, call 103 or 112; the 150 helpline for children and young people is also available.
How we help
CBT for Teenagers
Adapted cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most extensively studied methods for anxiety and depression in adolescents. The teenager learns to notice the link between thoughts, feelings and actions, test anxious assumptions and plan enjoyable and meaningful activities. Materials are presented visually, with examples from the teenager’s school and online life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT adapted for adolescents is used for marked emotional instability, impulsivity and self-harming behavior. It teaches skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and effective communication. An important part is parental involvement: parents learn the same skills so they can support the teenager at home.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents focuses on relationships: conflicts with parents, problems with peers, and transitions such as changing schools or parents’ divorce. The method has evidence of effectiveness for adolescent depression and is well suited to those whose difficulties are closely tied to their environment and communication.
Working With Parents
Parents learn about adolescent psychology, practice listening without criticism, discussing rules and supporting their child through treatment. Family sessions are held if needed. If medication is required, it is prescribed by a Psychiatry Online child psychiatrist after an assessment, with the consent of the legal guardians and in accordance with Kazakhstan regulations.
Myths and facts
MythIt’s just a phase — it will pass on its own
FactMood swings are normal in adolescence, but low mood, anxiety or isolation lasting more than two weeks need attention. Untreated depression can drag on and affect school and relationships. Seeking help early shortens treatment.
MythA teenager has to want therapy themselves
FactMany teenagers agree to a first session reluctantly but become engaged once they feel respected and confident in confidentiality. The specialist knows how to build rapport without pressure. Sometimes it makes sense to start with a consultation for the parents.
MythThe psychotherapist will tell the parents everything
FactConfidentiality is the foundation of trust. The specialist explains the rules in advance: parents receive general information about how the work is going, while the details stay between the therapist and the teenager, except when there is a threat to life and in cases provided for by law.
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
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
From what age is online psychotherapy possible?
The online format usually works from age 12–13, when a teenager can stay focused during a video call and talk about their feelings. With younger children, specialists more often work through the parents or in person with play materials. The decision is made at the first consultation.
Is parental consent required?
For minors, medical care is provided with the consent of their legal guardians, except in cases provided for by Kazakhstan law. At the first session, the team discusses how the parents will be involved and what confidentiality rules apply to the teenager.
What if my teenager refuses to talk to a psychotherapist?
This is normal at the start. The specialist may suggest a short first session, with the camera off or via chat, and gradually build rapport. Meanwhile, parents can have a consultation of their own on how to talk to their teenager and reduce tension at home.
How can I tell whether my teenager has depression or is just in a bad mood?
Signs of depression include low mood or irritability nearly every day for more than two weeks, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. If you notice these, seek a consultation with a specialist.
How long does a course of psychotherapy last?
Usually 8–20 weekly sessions, plus several sessions with the parents. With more severe conditions or self-harm, the work may take longer and be combined with psychiatric follow-up. The specialist regularly discusses progress and next steps with the family.
What should I do if my teenager talks about suicide?
Take it seriously, do not leave them alone, and remove access to dangerous objects and medications. Call 103 or 112, or the 150 helpline for children and young people. After the crisis, it is important to continue care: an in-person psychiatric examination and psychotherapy.
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
