Reviewed by: Viktor Kim, psychotherapist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- A clinical psychologist, working together with a psychiatrist when needed
- Format
- Video consultations, online testing, and psychological counseling
- Duration
- A consultation lasts 50–60 minutes; an assessment takes from one to several sessions
- Confidentiality
- Confidentiality and medical secrecy under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- When it’s urgent
- Suicidal thoughts or acute psychosis — call 103, 112, or the 150 helpline
- Outcome
- Understanding of your condition, a psychological report, and a plan of support
What you should know
Clinical (medical) psychology is a field of psychology that studies mental processes and human behavior in the context of health and illness. A clinical psychologist assesses cognitive functions, emotional state, and personality traits and provides psychological help for mental disorders, serious physical illnesses, crises, and stressful situations, including adjusting to disability and long-term treatment.
Unlike a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist does not make medical diagnoses or prescribe medication; however, the results of their assessment help the doctor clarify the patient’s condition and choose treatment. An online consultation with a clinical psychologist in Stepnogorsk at Psychiatry Online is suitable for people who want to understand their condition, get psychological support, or undergo an assessment on a doctor’s referral without spending time traveling.
Common Reasons to See a Clinical Psychologist
- anxiety, inner tension, and difficulty relaxing
- low mood, apathy, and loss of interest in former activities
- coping with a loss, divorce, job loss, or another crisis
- worrying problems with memory, concentration, and attention
- the emotional impact of a serious physical illness
- a need for psychological assessment on a doctor’s referral
- burnout, chronic stress, and difficulty adjusting to change
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 a Psychological Assessment Matters
Many mental health difficulties show up in non-specific ways: fatigue, irritability, memory problems, and sleep disturbances can be linked to stress, depression, an anxiety disorder, or a physical illness. Psychological assessment using standardized tools helps distinguish one from another and gives the doctor additional information for making a diagnosis.
Beyond assessment, a clinical psychologist helps a person understand which thoughts, emotions, and behaviors keep their condition going. This is especially important in chronic illnesses, when the disease affects self-esteem and relationships, and during crises, when familiar resources have been exhausted. Timely psychological help can prevent more severe disorders from developing.
What Happens in an Online Consultation with a Psychologist
The consultation begins with a conversation about your concerns, how long they have lasted, your life situation, and your goals. If needed, psychological testing is carried out: some tools have been adapted for remote use, and answers are completed online. Afterwards, the psychologist discusses the results and suggests a plan — counseling, a course of psychological intervention, or a consultation with a doctor. For the session, you need a device with a camera, a stable connection, and a quiet place.
Not all assessment tools are suitable for the online format: some neuropsychological tests must be done in person. A clinical psychologist does not prescribe medication — if needed, they will refer you to a psychiatrist. In case of suicidal thoughts, acute psychosis, or a threat to life, call 103 or 112; support is also available at 150.
How we help
Psychological assessment
This includes a clinical interview, observation, and standardized tools for assessing emotional state, cognitive functions, and personality traits. The results are written up in a psychological report, which can be shared with your treating doctor with your consent. The assessment helps clarify your condition and plan further support.
Psychological counseling
Counseling focuses on resolving specific difficulties: adjusting to change, going through a crisis, making decisions, and improving relationships. The psychologist helps clarify the problem, see possible courses of action, and find resources. Counseling usually takes from one to several sessions and works well online.
Psychological intervention
For anxiety, low mood, and the effects of stress, the psychologist uses methods based on evidence-based approaches: cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness methods, and training in emotion regulation and problem-solving skills. The work is done as a course and is combined with tasks for independent practice between sessions.
Teamwork with a doctor
A clinical psychologist often works together with a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. The psychiatrist is responsible for medical diagnosis and medication, and the psychologist for psychological assessment and support. This model makes it possible to take into account both the biological and psychological aspects of a condition and choose the most suitable plan of care.
Myths and facts
MythA psychologist and a psychiatrist are the same thing
FactA psychiatrist is a doctor who makes medical diagnoses and prescribes treatment, including medication. A clinical psychologist provides psychological assessment and psychological help but does not prescribe medication. These specialists complement each other.
MythPeople only see a psychologist for serious problems
FactA clinical psychologist also helps with stress, crises, adjusting to change, and burnout. Seeking help early makes it possible to recover faster and lowers the risk of more severe disorders developing in the future.
MythOnline tests aren’t accurate
FactMany standardized tools have validated remote versions. The psychologist chooses suitable instruments and takes the limitations of the format into account. If an in-person assessment is needed, the specialist will tell you in advance.
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 Stepnogorsk
| 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 Akmola Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Stepnogorsk has two branches: 153 Tselinnaya St., Stepnogorsk and 153 Abaya St., office 22, Stepnogorsk. 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
How is a clinical psychologist different from a psychotherapist?
A clinical psychologist specializes in psychological assessment and counseling, while a psychotherapist in Kazakhstan is a doctor who provides psychotherapy for mental disorders. Their work often overlaps, and the choice of specialist depends on what you need help with. You can start with either of them: online booking in Stepnogorsk is available around the clock.
Can a psychologist make a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis is made by a doctor — a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist. A clinical psychologist writes a psychological report describing your emotional state, cognitive functions, and personality traits. This report helps the doctor clarify the diagnosis and choose treatment.
How many sessions are needed?
For counseling on a specific issue, one to three sessions are sometimes enough. A psychological assessment may take one or two sessions. A course of psychological intervention usually lasts from several weeks to several months, and the frequency of sessions is set individually.
How should I prepare for an online assessment?
Choose a time when you are not tired or in a hurry, find a quiet place, and check your connection. If you have medical records or a doctor’s referral, have them ready. Answer the test questions honestly, without trying to look better or worse than you are.
Is the report shared with my doctor?
The psychological report is shared with your treating doctor only with your consent. Information about your consultations is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” It may be disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Does a clinical psychologist work with children?
Some clinical psychologists specialize in working with children and teenagers. For minors, consultations are held with the consent of their legal guardians, and the format and tools are adapted to their age. Mention this when booking so that we can match you with the right specialist.
Where can I be seen in Stepnogorsk?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 153 Tselinnaya St., Stepnogorsk and 153 Abaya St., office 22, Stepnogorsk. 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
