Services / Psychiatry
Virtual Psychiatry Services
Psychiatry diagnoses and treats conditions that affect mood, thinking, sleep, behavior, and daily life. We provide secure virtual psychiatry for adults across multiple states, with timely access and continuity, and no long waits or travel.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Published June 7, 2026 · Last reviewed June 8, 2026 · Editorial policy
What we treat
At shrinkMD, we treat a broad range of mental health conditions, with care that's tailored to each person. Here's a look at the areas we focus on. Choose one to learn more.
How it works
How psychiatric care works at shrinkMD
Psychiatric Evaluation
A thorough assessment of symptoms, history, sleep, stressors, life context, and impact for an accurate diagnosis.
Personalized Plan
Care tailored to you, which may include medication when appropriate, therapy coordination, and symptom tracking.
Medication Management
We select and monitor evidence based, non controlled medications to support stability with minimal side effects.
Ongoing Follow Up
Regular follow ups let treatment adapt as symptoms improve or life changes.
Why virtual works
Outcomes like in person, access that's better
Telepsychiatry offers outcomes comparable to in person psychiatric care while improving access and continuity.
- Faster appointment availability.
- Care from home or work.
- Consistent follow ups without travel.
- More privacy and flexibility.
You'll meet with a licensed clinician by secure video, with the same continuity you'd expect in person.
Where we practice
Licensed care across the country
All care happens through secure, HIPAA compliant video. Pick your state, complete the intake, and book online.
How we practice
Measurement based, evidence first
Good psychiatry is not guesswork. We use measurement based care, which means tracking validated symptom scales at every visit so both of us can see whether treatment is working. When we prescribe, we start at sensible doses, adjust based on your response, and give each change enough time to be judged fairly.
Just as important, we deprescribe. If a medication is no longer earning its place, we taper it carefully rather than letting prescriptions accumulate. And we coordinate with your primary care clinician and therapist, because psychiatric care works best as part of one connected plan.
When to see a psychiatrist
Psychiatry versus therapy alone
Therapy alone is often the right starting point for mild symptoms. A psychiatrist becomes important when symptoms are moderate to severe, when the diagnosis is unclear or layered, when medication may be needed, or when treatment that used to work has stopped working.
You do not need to have that figured out before booking. The evaluation itself answers the question, and if what you need most is therapy, we will tell you that plainly.
Keep exploring
Related services and next steps
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical clinician who evaluates mental health conditions, makes diagnoses, manages medications when appropriate, and coordinates therapy and ongoing care. Psychiatry addresses both the biological and psychological sides of mental health.
Does psychiatric care always involve medication?
Not always. Some people improve with therapy and lifestyle changes alone. Others benefit from medication as part of treatment. A psychiatric evaluation determines the safest, most effective approach for you.
Are controlled medications prescribed?
No. shrinkMD focuses on evidence based, non controlled psychiatric medications and does not prescribe medications such as Adderall, Xanax, Klonopin, or Ambien.
Is telepsychiatry effective?
Yes. Research consistently shows virtual psychiatric care is as effective as in person treatment for evaluation, medication management, therapy coordination, and follow up.
Is virtual psychiatry private and secure?
Yes. All appointments take place through HIPAA compliant video designed to protect your privacy and confidentiality.
Where can I receive psychiatric care with shrinkMD?
We offer secure telepsychiatry across Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, Nebraska, New York, Virginia, Maine, Indiana, and Hawaii.
Is there a way to see a psychiatrist for free?
Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and academic training clinics offer free or sliding scale psychiatric care, though waits can be long. If cost is the main barrier, the 988 Lifeline and SAMHSA helpline can point you to local low cost options.
Can you go to urgent care for psychiatric medication?
Urgent care can sometimes provide a short bridge refill, but it is not set up for psychiatric diagnosis or ongoing management. For anything beyond a one time gap, a psychiatric evaluation gives you a real plan.
Sources
Sources and further reading
Get started with psychiatry
Mental health conditions are medical, treatable, and manageable with the right care. Choose your state, complete the intake, and schedule your psychiatric evaluation online.
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