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Virginia

Online Psychiatrist for Depression in Virginia

Board certified, physician led care for depression, by secure video, for adults across Virginia.

Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed July 17, 2026 · Editorial policy

Board Certified Clinicians
HIPAA Compliant visits
No controlled substances
Same clinician over time

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Depression care in Virginia

Depression care for adults in Virginia

If you are looking for depression care in Virginia, shrinkMD offers board certified online psychiatry for adults by secure video, built for timely access instead of long waitlists. Anxiety and depression are our focus.

Virginia is a state that spans dense Washington DC suburbs in the north, coastal Navy communities around Hampton Roads, and rural mountain counties to the west, home to about 8.8 million people. With one of the nation's largest military and veteran populations and a sharp urban-rural divide, Virginia faces persistent provider shortages across its rural communities, where most residents live in designated mental health professional shortage areas. Timely online depression 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 depression

Depression can look like low mood, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, trouble concentrating, or a heavy hopelessness that will not lift. We begin with a thorough evaluation to get the diagnosis right, then build a plan that often combines a non-controlled antidepressant when appropriate with therapy coordination and regular check-ins. Care stays non-controlled here. For depression, that means proven antidepressant options and steady monitoring rather than anything with dependence risk.

Access in Virginia

Why Virginia turns to online care

Why Virginia residents are turning to online care. With one of the nation's largest military and veteran populations and a sharp urban-rural divide, Virginia faces persistent provider shortages across its rural communities, where most residents live in designated mental health professional shortage areas. shrinkMD serves adults statewide, including Virginia Beach, Richmond, Arlington, Norfolk, Alexandria. You see the same clinician each visit, which is what makes depression treatment actually build over time.

Getting started

Starting depression care in Virginia

shrinkMD is licensed in Virginia and opening to patients first in Nebraska and Maine, then expanding. Join the waitlist for Virginia 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.”

Verified patient

Individual experiences. Outcomes vary. Care is personalized to each patient.

Frequently asked questions

Good questions, clear answers

Is online treatment effective for depression?

Yes. Studies consistently find virtual psychiatric care matches in-person care for depression, with the added benefit of easier, more consistent follow-up.

How quickly can I be seen?

shrinkMD is designed for timely access instead of long waitlists. Actual timing depends on your state and clinician availability.

Can I get therapy as well as medication?

Yes. We coordinate evidence-based therapy alongside medication, and for many people the combination works better than either alone.

Do you handle treatment-resistant depression?

We evaluate carefully and adjust based on your history. If a higher level of care is needed, we will say so and help you find it.

Do you treat depression in Virginia specifically?

Yes. shrinkMD holds a clinical license in Virginia and provides depression 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.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this content does not create a doctor-patient relationship with shrinkMD, Dr. Shariq Refai, or any affiliated clinician. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding questions about a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you have read on this website. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Start depression care in Virginia

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.

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