Cost
How much does an online psychiatrist cost without insurance?
Most practices won't publish a number. We do. Here's exactly what psychiatric care costs at shrinkMD when you pay cash.
Written under the clinical direction of Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last updated October 4, 2026 · Editorial policy
Already know your state is active? Skip to the waitlist.
The short answer
The short answer, with real numbers
At shrinkMD, an initial psychiatric evaluation starts at $295, follow-up visits run $110 to $215, and an optional membership is $49 per month after a free first 30 days where it's offered (Maine, once intake opens). There's no insurance to bill and no surprise statement weeks later. You see the price, then you decide.
Almost no online psychiatry practice publishes its self-pay prices, which makes it hard to compare. Publishing ours is deliberate. Prices shown are shrinkMD's published self-pay rates as of July 2, 2026, and are the same in every state where we practice.
What it costs
What psychiatric care costs at shrinkMD
| Service | Self-pay price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Initial evaluation | $295 or $395 | $295 with a psychiatric nurse practitioner or $395 with a psychiatrist: a full 45 to 60 minute evaluation, diagnosis, and written plan. |
| Follow-up visits | $110 to $215 | Per visit, depending on clinician and length. Member rates are lower where membership is offered. |
| Membership (optional) | $49 per month | Lower follow-up prices ($145 psychiatrist, $110 nurse practitioner, $120 therapy). First 30 days free. Maine only, once intake opens; not available in Nebraska or Florida at launch. |
Why no insurance
Why cash pay can cost less than it sounds
Cash pay isn't automatically more expensive. Insurance based psychiatry often means shorter visits, a rotating cast of clinicians, and out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays, coinsurance) that you can't predict until the claim settles. A clear, published cash price with a full-hour evaluation and the same clinician over time is a different value, not just a different bill.
If you have strong in-network psychiatric coverage, an insurance based practice may cost you less out of pocket. We're upfront about that. On request we can provide a superbill you may submit to your plan for possible out-of-network reimbursement, though whether you're reimbursed is determined solely by your plan and isn't guaranteed.
By state
Cost by state
Our prices are the same in every state where we practice. If you want the local picture, including access and wait-time context for your area, choose your state:
- Nebraska: psychiatrist cost in Nebraska
- Maine: psychiatrist cost in Maine
- Florida: psychiatrist cost in Florida
- Georgia: psychiatrist cost in Georgia
- Texas: psychiatrist cost in Texas
- California: psychiatrist cost in California
- New York: psychiatrist cost in New York
- Virginia: psychiatrist cost in Virginia
- Indiana: psychiatrist cost in Indiana
- Hawaii: psychiatrist cost in Hawaii
Want the reasoning behind our model? Read why we don't accept insurance and our cash pay overview. Curious what you might get back from insurance? See the out-of-network reimbursement estimator with worked examples by plan type.
“Provider cares about you as a person not just your diagnosis.”
Verified patient reviews of our founder.
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
How much does an online psychiatrist cost without insurance?
At shrinkMD, an initial evaluation starts at $295, follow-up visits run $110 to $215, and an optional membership is $49 per month after a free first 30 days where it's offered (Maine, once intake opens). Prices are published and the same in every state where we practice.
Is it cheaper to see a psychiatrist without insurance?
It depends on your coverage. Cash pay gives you a clear, predictable price with longer visits and continuity. If you have strong in-network psychiatric benefits, an insurance based practice may cost less out of pocket. See our reimbursement estimator for worked examples of what your plan might reimburse.
What is a superbill, and will I be reimbursed?
A superbill is an itemized receipt you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We provide one on request. Whether you're reimbursed, and how much, is decided solely by your plan and isn't guaranteed. Our reimbursement estimator shows typical scenarios by plan type.
Does shrinkMD charge for controlled substances or stimulants?
No. shrinkMD doesn't prescribe controlled substances at any price. Care is built on non-controlled medication and therapy coordination.
Is online psychiatry legit at these prices?
Yes. shrinkMD is LegitScript certified and physician led, with care delivered by licensed clinicians over secure, HIPAA compliant video.
See if shrinkMD fits your budget
Physician led, cash pay online psychiatry for adults, with published prices, no controlled substances, and the same clinician over time. Join the waitlist for your state.
Get StartedAlready know your state is active? Skip to the waitlist.