California
Online Psychiatrist for Depression in California
Board certified, physician led care for depression, by secure video, for adults across California.
Written under the clinical direction of Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last updated October 4, 2026 · Editorial policy
Opening soon in California. shrinkMD isn't seeing patients in California yet. Join the California waitlist and we'll let you know when intake opens. If you need care sooner, here's how to find the right kind of help now. In a crisis, call or text 988.
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Depression care in California
Depression care for adults in California
If you are looking for depression care in California, shrinkMD offers board certified online psychiatry for adults by secure video, built for timely access instead of long waitlists. Anxiety and depression are our focus.
California is the most populous state, spanning dense coastal metros and a vast agricultural interior, home to more than 39 million residents. Despite its large coastal cities, much of the Central Valley and rural inland California faces persistent shortages of psychiatrists and other mental health providers, leaving many residents with limited access to local care. Timely online depression care matters here for exactly that reason: you meet a board certified clinician by video, on a schedule that fits your life, instead of driving hours or waiting months.
Our approach
How shrinkMD treats depression
Depression can look like low mood, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, trouble concentrating, or a heavy hopelessness that will not lift. We begin with a thorough evaluation to get the diagnosis right, then build a plan that often combines a non-controlled antidepressant when appropriate with therapy coordination and regular check-ins. Care stays non-controlled here. For depression, that means proven antidepressant options and steady monitoring rather than anything with dependence risk.
Access in California
Why California turns to online care
Why California residents are turning to online care. Despite its large coastal cities, much of the Central Valley and rural inland California faces persistent shortages of psychiatrists and other mental health providers, leaving many residents with limited access to local care. shrinkMD serves adults statewide, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose. You see the same clinician each visit, which is what makes depression treatment actually build over time.
Getting started
Starting depression care in California
shrinkMD is licensed in California and opening to patients first in Nebraska and Maine, then expanding. Join the waitlist for California now and we will reach out the day intake opens here. In the meantime, read how to start care.
“Provider is very knowledgeable and attentive.”
Verified patient reviews of our founder.
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
What if an antidepressant did not work before?
That is common and useful information. A careful re-evaluation often finds a better-fitting diagnosis or medication and a clearer plan.
Do you treat seasonal depression too?
Yes. Seasonal patterns of depression are part of what we treat, with the same careful evaluation and plan.
Can I get therapy as well as medication?
Yes. We coordinate evidence-based therapy alongside medication, and for many people the combination works better than either alone.
Do you handle treatment-resistant depression?
We evaluate carefully and adjust based on your history. If a higher level of care is needed, we will say so and help you find it.
Do you treat depression in California specifically?
Yes. shrinkMD holds a clinical license in California and provides depression care for adults there by secure video, with the same clinician over time and no controlled substances.
Is online psychiatry legit?
Yes. shrinkMD is LegitScript certified and led by a board certified psychiatrist, with care delivered by licensed clinicians over secure, HIPAA compliant video.
How much does an online psychiatrist cost without insurance?
Initial evaluations start at $295 and follow-ups run $110 to $215, with an optional $49 per month membership where offered (Maine, once intake opens). shrinkMD is cash pay and provides a superbill on request.
Start depression care in California
shrinkMD is opening first in Maine and Nebraska. Join the waitlist and we'll email you when booking opens in your state.
Join Our Waiting List