Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Depression Treatment in Kailua-Kona
West Hawaii's psychiatric access problem is geographic to the point of absurdity: a months long wait in Kona, a drive across the saddle, or a flight to Honolulu. When care requires an itinerary, people skip care, and the skipping compounds. Two weeks or more of that pattern is clinical depression, and it's one of the most treatable conditions in medicine. shrinkMD treats depression in Kailua-Kona by secure video, with board certified clinicians and appointments 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
Made to fit life in Kailua-Kona
From Kailua-Kona to the coffee belt to Waimea, visits happen by video from home, office, or farm, deleting the itinerary entirely, with island economic rhythms respected.
We bill no insurance, fees are flat, published, and predictable through tourism's seasonal swings, with HSA and FSA accepted and superbills provided.
What's included
From flat to forward
The first visit establishes what we're actually treating, depression's severity and subtype, any seasonal pattern, and the medical or bipolar mimics that change everything, plus your full medication history with doses, durations, and responses. Treatment then starts immediately: a thoughtfully chosen antidepressant when indicated, an activity plan built for low fuel days, and therapy folded in where it strengthens the result.
Follow ups every two to four weeks measure your scores and adjust the plan while the medication takes hold, energy usually moves first, mood follows, most often within four to six weeks. As you recover, visits space out and the focus shifts to prevention: consolidating sleep, protecting the habits that lifted you, and writing the relapse plan that keeps the next episode from ever getting traction.
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Care and next steps in Kailua-Kona
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
Internet up the mountain is spotty. Will visits hold?
Usually yes on modest bandwidth, and a phone on cellular works; if the connection drops, your clinician calls and the visit continues.
My income swings by season. How do fees work?
Flat and published before you book, follow ups cheaper than evaluations, and honesty about visit frequency so you never overpay.
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.
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.
About Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is the main town on the Big Island's west (Kona) side. It's home to about 20,000 people. The people we see here include west-side island residents, retirees, and workers in healthcare, hospitality, and small business.
Serving Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is the heart of the Big Island's sunny Kona coast, and reaching a psychiatrist here shouldn't take a long drive. shrinkMD sees adults across Kailua-Kona by secure video, whether you're near Alii Drive, Kailua Bay, and Hulihee Palace. You keep the same clinician each visit, with no commute and no waiting room.
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.
Related reading
More from a trusted source: Depression - National Institute of Mental Health.
Your next step in The Shrink Network
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Start depression treatment in Kailua-Kona
Call 1-877-747-4656 now, appointments are available as soon as availability allows for Kailua-Kona residents, by secure video from home.
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