Irvine, California
Depression Treatment in Irvine
Irvine optimizes everything, but Orange County psychiatry resists optimization: months long waits, quietly closed panels, and fees quoted only by phone, while the pressure of high achieving households keeps compounding behind master planned hedges. Depression is biology, not a failure of will, and biology responds to treatment. shrinkMD treats adults in Irvine by video, with board certified clinicians, measured care, and first visits as soon as availability allows.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Published June 7, 2026 · Last reviewed July 7, 2026 · Editorial policy
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Why shrinkMD
Care built around Irvine
From Woodbridge to the Spectrum to Great Park, visits happen by video from home or office, with the one hour evaluation followed by 15 to 30 minute follow ups that respect packed calendars.
We bill no insurance, so care never touches an insurer database, with flat published fees, HSA and FSA accepted, and measurement based progress tracking.
What's included
How we treat depression
Precision first: an evaluation that separates depression from burnout, grief, medical causes, and bipolar lows, because each calls for different treatment. Then the plan runs on evidence: medication chosen against your complete history of past trials with doses and responses, activity scheduling that starts smaller than feels worth it because that's what depression allows, and therapy coordinated when the combination earns it.
Progress is measured, not assumed, validated scores at every visit, follow ups every two to four weeks during the climb, monthly or quarterly once you hold. Most patients feel energy shift before mood, usually inside four to six weeks. The final step is the one most practices skip: a relapse prevention plan with your early warning signs and the playbook for them.
Keep exploring
Care and next steps in Irvine
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
Is this affordable for a UCI graduate student?
Fees are flat and published, follow ups cost less than evaluations, and we are honest at the evaluation about what you actually need.
Does care show up in background checks or insurer records?
No insurance billing means no insurer records at all, and voluntarily seeking outpatient care is widely viewed as responsible.
What if antidepressants have failed me before?
Bring the history, names, doses, durations, responses. Past trials are a map, not a verdict, and structured re evaluation often finds the path earlier prescribers missed.
Will I be on medication forever?
Often no. Many patients treat for a defined period after recovery, then taper with a plan. Some conditions warrant longer treatment, and we're honest about which is which.
How long until depression treatment works?
Typically two to six weeks for medication, with energy improving before mood. We track scores at every visit so neither of us is guessing.
About Irvine
With about 320,000 residents, Irvine is a community we're glad to serve. It's a master-planned Orange County city and home to the University of California, Irvine. We care for students, tech and professional workers, and families.
Serving Irvine
Across Irvine, from UC Irvine, Woodbridge, and University Park, residents can meet a board-certified psychiatrist by secure video with shrinkMD. Irvine is a master-planned city in Orange County, so virtual care means no drive and no waiting room, just steady follow-up with one clinician.
What it costs
Transparent, published pricing
Our self-pay prices are the same in every state where we practice. No insurance billing, and no surprise statement later.
| Service | Self-pay price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Initial evaluation | From $295 | A full 50 to 60 minute evaluation, diagnosis, and written plan. |
| Follow-up visits | $110 to $215 | Per visit, depending on length and complexity. Member rates are lower. |
| Membership (optional) | $49 per month | Priority scheduling, member rates, and the Unstuck and QuitScrolling apps. First month free. |
Your care team
Who you will see
Your care is delivered by shrinkMD clinicians, and you keep the same one over time. You meet by secure video with a clinician licensed in your state.
- Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, founder and board certified psychiatrist (ABPN), dual board certified in psychiatry and in sports and performance psychiatry.
- Matthew George, PMHNP-BC, ANP-BC, dual board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with more than two decades of clinical experience.
Helpful guides to read next
More from a trusted source: Depression - National Institute of Mental Health.
Nearby areas
Depression Treatment in nearby California cities
Your next step in The Shrink Network
You are here: shrinkMD, the clinical care layer of The Shrink Network.
Each site in the network has one job. No matter where you enter, we help you find the next step that makes sense.
Get clinical care with shrinkMD
Want to understand more first?
Start depression treatment in Irvine
Call 1-877-747-4656 now, appointments are available as soon as availability allows for Irvine residents, by secure video from home.
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