. Behavioral health constitutes one of the most debated and intricate fields in contemporary psychological literature, scientific inquiry, legislation, and the practice of psychiatric and psychological care. The challenges in defining this phenomenon stem from both the ambiguity of its boundaries and the diverse approaches to its interpretation within global and modern Kazakhstani contexts. In Kazakhstan, the roots of this ambiguity are embedded in historical factors that have profoundly shaped the development of this concept, as well as its associated theories, influencing both collective and individual consciousness. This article explores the various approaches to conceptualizing behavioral health, along with the norms and disorders linked to it. It further examines the influence of the Soviet legacy on these areas and its impact on current methodologies for identifying behavioral disorders. Particular attention is given to the recent developments in clinical, forensic psychology, and pathopsychology. The article underscores the significance of acknowledging historical contexts and their influence on current trends in Kazakhstani science, thereby enabling a deeper understanding of the unique formation of approaches to behavioral health and its disorders. It also emphasizes the need to align these approaches with international standards in mental health, moving away from historically ingrained constraints that hinder the adoption of more modern, universal, and scientifically validated methods.