Hilo, Hawaii
Medication Management in Hilo
On the east side of Hawaii Island, psychiatric care has meant a months long wait, a cross island drive, or a flight to Oahu, which for working Hilo families, Puna's rural communities, and UH Hilo students has mostly meant not going. The shortage is the system; the symptoms are personal. Psychiatric medication deserves an owner, not an autopilot. shrinkMD provides board certified medication management to Hilo by secure video, with follow up that happens on schedule and decisions driven by measured results.
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 Hilo
Geography solved: evaluations within days by video from Hilo town, Keaau, Pahoa, or a dorm, on connections island internet can sustain, with phone backup when the weather argues.
Island life shapes the plan: schedules flex around farm, hospital, and tourism work, family is involved exactly as much as you choose, and nothing bills to any insurer.
What's included
From handoff to dialed in
Many patients arrive mid treatment, a prescriber retired, moved, or simply stopped paying attention. After an evaluation and records review we can usually continue your non controlled medications without missing a refill, then begin actually optimizing: one change at a time, tracked with validated scores until the numbers and your life agree.
Visits run 15 to 30 minutes by video on a cadence your treatment sets, every two to four weeks while tuning, stretching to quarterly once stable. Side effects, interactions, and the question of whether you still need each medication all stay on the table at every visit. Labs are coordinated locally when needed, and nothing here ever touches an insurance database.
Keep exploring
Care and next steps in Hilo
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
Can UH Hilo students keep care through breaks?
Yes, anywhere in Hawaii year round, and across our other states if home is the mainland.
Do you reach Hamakua and the upcountry?
Identically, the whole island under the same Hawaii coverage.
Do you prescribe stimulants or benzodiazepines?
No, anywhere. We're upfront about it before you book, and skilled with the non controlled options the evidence supports.
How do labs work with a telehealth practice?
We coordinate orders through your local clinic or lab, lithium levels, metabolic panels, thyroid checks, and review results together. Telehealth changes the visit, not the monitoring standard.
Can you take over prescriptions from my previous provider?
Usually yes, for non controlled medications, after an evaluation and records review. Switching shouldn't mean starting over or missing a refill.
About Hilo
With about 45,000 people, Hilo is a community we're glad to serve. It's the largest town on the Big Island's east side and the seat of Hawaii County. We care for Big Island residents, university and community college students, and healthcare and government workers.
Serving Hilo
Across Hilo, from the Waiakea Peninsula, historic downtown, and Banyan Drive, residents can meet a board-certified psychiatrist by secure video with shrinkMD. Hilo is the largest town on the Big Island's windward side, 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: Mental health medications - MedlinePlus.
Nearby areas
Medication Management in nearby Hawaii 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 medication management in Hilo
Call 1-877-747-4656 now, appointments are available as soon as availability allows for Hilo residents, by secure video from home.
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