California
Online Psychiatrist for Anxiety in California
Board certified, physician led care for anxiety, by secure video, for adults across California.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed July 17, 2026 · Editorial policy
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Anxiety care in California
Anxiety care for adults in California
shrinkMD brings board certified, physician led anxiety care to adults across California by secure video, so getting help does not mean a long drive or a long wait. Anxiety and depression are our focus.
California is the most populous state, spanning dense coastal metros and a vast agricultural interior, home to more than 39 million residents. Despite its large coastal cities, much of the Central Valley and rural inland California faces persistent shortages of psychiatrists and other mental health providers, leaving many residents with limited access to local care. Timely online anxiety care matters here for exactly that reason: you meet a board certified clinician by video, on a schedule that fits your life, instead of driving hours or waiting months.
Our approach
How shrinkMD treats anxiety
Anxiety can show up as constant worry, a racing mind, a pounding heart, trouble sleeping, irritability, or a sense of dread that does not match what is actually in front of you. Good anxiety care is not about numbing it. We diagnose carefully, use non-controlled medication when it earns its place, and pair it with strategies that lower the baseline so the worry has less to grab onto. Because we do not prescribe controlled substances like Xanax or other benzodiazepines, anxiety care here is built around treatments that create lasting stability instead of short-term sedation.
Access in California
Why California turns to online care
Why California residents are turning to online care. Despite its large coastal cities, much of the Central Valley and rural inland California faces persistent shortages of psychiatrists and other mental health providers, leaving many residents with limited access to local care. shrinkMD serves adults statewide, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose. You see the same clinician each visit, which is what makes anxiety treatment actually build over time.
Getting started
Starting anxiety care in California
shrinkMD is licensed in California and opening to patients first in Nebraska and Maine, then expanding. Join the waitlist for California now and we will reach out the day intake opens here. In the meantime, read how to start care.
“My visits are always very transparent with Dr. Refai. He is receptive to what my needs are and helps me understand my own mental health and how it works.”
Individual experiences. Outcomes vary. Care is personalized to each patient.
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
Can anxiety really be treated online?
Yes. Research shows video-based psychiatric care works as well as in-person care for anxiety disorders, and it often improves how consistently people keep up with follow-up.
Will I be put on Xanax or a benzodiazepine?
No. shrinkMD does not prescribe benzodiazepines for ongoing care. We focus on non-controlled options that treat anxiety durably, paired with skills and therapy.
How soon could I start?
shrinkMD is built for timely access rather than months-long waits. Exact timing depends on your state and clinician availability.
Is medication required to treat anxiety here?
Not always. Some people do well with skills and therapy coordination; others benefit from non-controlled medication. Your clinician builds the plan around you.
Do you treat anxiety in California specifically?
Yes. shrinkMD holds a clinical license in California and provides anxiety care for adults there by secure video, with the same clinician over time and no controlled substances.
Do I need a referral to see an online psychiatrist?
No referral is needed. You complete a secure intake and book once care is open in your state.
Is online psychiatry legit?
Yes. shrinkMD is LegitScript certified and led by a board certified psychiatrist, with care delivered by licensed clinicians over secure, HIPAA compliant video.
Start anxiety care in California
Get a full evaluation and a real plan from a board certified clinician, by secure video, cash pay, with no controlled substances. Join the waitlist and we will reach out the day intake opens.
Get StartedAlready know your state is active? Skip to the waitlist.