Portland, Maine
Online Psychiatrist for Depression in Portland, Maine
Board certified, physician led depression care for adults in Portland, Maine, by secure video.
Written under the clinical direction of Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last updated October 4, 2026 · Editorial policy
Opening soon in Maine. Maine is one of shrinkMD's first launch states, and we aren't seeing patients yet. Join the Maine 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 in Portland
Depression help in Portland, Maine
When depression takes hold, waiting weeks or months for a psychiatrist is not a real option. For people in Portland, online care closes that gap.
Portland is the commercial and medical hub of the region. Its residents, longtime Mainers, port and service workers, college students, and a growing number of remote professionals, deserve psychiatric care that does not require a long drive or a long wait. shrinkMD is licensed across Maine and serves Portland by secure video.
Mental health shortage data
Is Portland a mental health shortage area?
Cumberland County outlined; dot marks Portland. Light teal: other designated counties.
Neither Portland nor the rest of Cumberland County has a current mental health shortage designation. 12 of Maine's 16 counties do, mostly in the north, west, and Down East.
Even outside designated areas, new-patient waits for psychiatry can run long. Our guide to choosing the right kind of mental health professional can help you find the fastest route to care.
See Cumberland County on the Maine shortage map · All Maine designations
Source: HRSA mental health shortage designations, checked September 28, 2026; 2020 Census. Shrinktionary and shrinkMD are part of The Shrink Network, founded by Shariq Refai, MD.
Our approach
How we treat 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 look past the label to what is actually going on, sleep, stress, medical factors, then treat with non-controlled medication when appropriate and a plan that rebuilds momentum step by step. We do not prescribe controlled substances. Depression care here relies on evidence-based, non-controlled medication and consistent follow-up, which is what actually moves the needle over time.
Why timely care matters
Getting depression care in Portland without the wait
Portland is home to about 70,000 residents, the largest city in Maine. Many residents live hours from the nearest psychiatrist, and rural Maine has long faced a shortage of mental health providers. So even here, a timely in-person psychiatry appointment can be hard to come by, and that is the gap online depression care fills for Portland adults.
Care that fits
Online depression care that fits Portland life
Telepsychiatry suits Portland well: no commute, no waiting room, and the same board certified clinician over time, which is what makes depression treatment actually stick. shrinkMD is opening to patients first in Maine. Join the waitlist and we will reach out the day intake opens, or read how to start care first. You can also see our broader depression care or depression care across Maine.
“I have been with my doctor now for 6 years, I think he hears me and cares about me and my mental health.”
Verified patient reviews of our founder.
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
Is online treatment effective for depression?
Yes. Studies consistently find virtual psychiatric care matches in-person care for depression, with the added benefit of easier, more consistent follow-up.
What medications might be used?
Non-controlled options such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and other evidence-based antidepressants, chosen and monitored for your situation. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
How quickly can I be seen?
shrinkMD is designed for timely access instead of long waitlists. Actual timing depends on your state and clinician availability.
Do I have to live in Portland to be seen?
You need to be located in Maine during your visits, since that is where we are licensed. Portland and the surrounding area are covered.
Is online depression care as good as in person in Portland?
For most adults, yes. Research shows video-based psychiatric care matches in-person care for depression, and it is often easier to keep up with from Portland.
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.
Do I need a referral to see an online psychiatrist?
No referral is needed. You complete a secure intake and book once care is open in your state.
Start depression care in Portland
shrinkMD is opening first in Maine and Nebraska. Join the waitlist and we'll email you when booking opens in your state.
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