Locations / Georgia
Online psychiatry for Georgia
Board certified telepsychiatry for adults across Georgia, from metro Atlanta and Savannah to Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Athens, and the rural counties of south Georgia. Expert care by secure video, without the long drive or the long wait.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Published June 7, 2026 · Last reviewed June 8, 2026 · Editorial policy
One metro, many rural counties
Closing Georgia's access gap
Georgia's psychiatric workforce is heavily concentrated in metro Atlanta, with smaller pockets in Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Across much of the state, especially the rural counties of south Georgia and the Black Belt, a large share of counties have few or no practicing psychiatrists, and many sit in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas.
For families in places like Valdosta, Tifton, Waycross, or the small towns along the Georgia coast and the Florida line, the nearest psychiatrist can be more than an hour away. That distance often means symptoms deepen before care begins. shrinkMD closes that gap by bringing care to you over secure video, so your county no longer decides how quickly you're seen.
You'll work with a certified clinician, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in Georgia, with the same warmth, continuity, and follow up you'd expect from an in person practice, just easier to reach from home, work, or anywhere in the state.
What we treat
Conditions we treat
Care for the full range of adult mental health conditions, by secure video.
Specialty Populations
Athletes, students, professionals, healthcare workers, first responders, and veterans.
Learn more →
From the Atlanta metro to the rural south and the coast, expert care is a few days away.
How it works
Getting started in Georgia
Quick intake
Share your history and goals through a simple, secure form, in minutes.
Schedule fast
Pick a near term video visit. No referral, no long waitlist.
Meet your clinician
A thorough evaluation, a clear diagnosis, and a plan built around you.
Ongoing care
Continuity and follow up with the same clinician over time.
Georgia resources
Mental health resources in Georgia
Public starting points for care in Georgia. These are informational, not endorsements, and phone numbers, hours, and eligibility can change, so verify with each agency. None replace evaluation by a licensed clinician.
- Crisis, 24/7: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org). Calls route to a nearby Georgia crisis center when possible. Call 911 for emergencies.
- Georgia Crisis and Access Line: 1-800-715-4225, 24/7, a statewide line that connects you to crisis support and local behavioral health services.
- Mobile crisis response: 988 and the Georgia Crisis and Access Line connect you to local crisis centers, which can coordinate mobile crisis teams where the county system supports it. Availability varies by county.
- State authority: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, 404-651-8520, dbhdd.georgia.gov.
- NAMI Georgia: helpline, peer led support groups, and education for individuals and families. Find your local affiliate at nami.org/find-your-local-nami.
- Mental Health America affiliates in Georgia: advocacy, screening tools, and information and referral, where available, at mhanational.org/affiliates.
- 211 Georgia: dial 211 or visit 211.org for free, confidential referrals to behavioral health, housing, food, and transportation.
- SAMHSA FindSupport: 1-877-726-4727, 24/7, and samhsa.gov/find-support to locate mental health and substance use care.
- Georgia Medicaid Behavioral Health: coverage and a provider locator at medicaid.georgia.gov.
- Academic care: Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, med.emory.edu, and Augusta University Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, augusta.edu, which run specialty mood and treatment resistant programs and often accept community referrals.
- Veterans: find the nearest VA facility at va.gov/find-locations. Veterans Crisis Line, call 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
Cost and coverage
Insurance, access, and appointment availability in Georgia
shrinkMD operates on a transparent self pay basis, so you always know the cost up front, with no surprise bills. If your plan includes out of network telehealth benefits, we can provide the documentation you need to submit for reimbursement.
We're built for timely access. Many Georgia patients schedule a full evaluation as soon as availability allows, not the months long wait common in traditional practices, with online scheduling, virtual visits that remove travel and missed workdays, and consistent follow up that never restarts your care.
Local to you
Georgia cities we serve
shrinkMD provides telepsychiatry across Georgia, including these cities and their surrounding communities. Each linked city below has a dedicated local page.
- Atlanta
- Savannah
- Augusta
- Columbus
- Macon
- Athens
- Albany
- Alpharetta
- Sandy Springs
- Marietta
- and surrounding communities
Direct answer
Can an online psychiatrist prescribe medication in Georgia?
Yes. A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in Georgia can evaluate you by video and prescribe non controlled psychiatric medication electronically to any Georgia pharmacy, the same visit. shrinkMD clinicians hold Georgia licenses, and prescriptions are sent the day they are written. The exception is controlled substances, stimulants and benzodiazepines, which shrinkMD does not prescribe for any patient, in any state.
Keep exploring
Related care and next steps
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
Is telepsychiatry legal in Georgia?
Yes. Telepsychiatry is legal in Georgia when delivered by a clinician who holds an active Georgia license at the time of your appointment. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs are not controlled substances.
Do you prescribe controlled medication in Georgia?
No. shrinkMD does not prescribe controlled substances. We use non controlled medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and bupropion, paired with coordinated therapy, and your clinician will explain what they can prescribe in Georgia.
How fast can I be seen in Georgia?
Many patients schedule a full evaluation as soon as availability allows, depending on availability. Telepsychiatry often shortens the wait compared with finding an in person psychiatrist in a rural Georgia shortage area.
Where in Georgia do you provide care?
Anywhere in the state by secure video, including Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Athens, and the rural counties of south Georgia.
Does Georgia Medicaid cover mental health care?
Georgia Medicaid Behavioral Health covers medically necessary outpatient mental health services, including therapy and psychiatric medication management, for eligible residents. Coverage and in network clinicians vary by managed care plan. Start at medicaid.georgia.gov.
What number do I call in Georgia for a mental health emergency?
Call or text 988 from anywhere in Georgia, or call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225, available 24/7. If you may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Do I need a referral to start care in Georgia?
No. You don't need a referral to begin. Complete the secure intake and book your evaluation directly, and we'll coordinate with your primary care provider or therapist when that helps your care.
What conditions do you treat for Georgia patients?
We care for the full range of adult mental health conditions by video, including anxiety, panic, OCD, depression, bipolar and mood disorders, women's mental health concerns like postpartum depression, and more, all with non controlled treatment options.
Get started in Georgia
Expert psychiatric care, wherever you are in Georgia. Complete the intake and book your evaluation online, often as soon as availability allows.
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