Locations / Virginia / Richmond
Online psychiatry for Richmond, Virginia
Richmond's creative renaissance outpaced its psychiatric supply years ago. shrinkMD serves RVA and central Virginia by secure video, with board certified evaluations within days and care that fits studio, hospital, and state schedules.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Published June 7, 2026 · Last reviewed July 7, 2026 · Editorial policy
Already know your state is active? Skip to the waitlist.
Care in Richmond
Real psychiatry, without the local waitlist
Richmond mixes a creative class on irregular income, VCU's huge student and medical populations, and state government careers that make people wary of records, all sharing waitlists that quote next quarter. The river city deserves faster than that.
shrinkMD evaluates within days by video from the Fan, Church Hill, Carytown, or a quiet room at the hospital, with flat published fees that freelancers can plan around and structural privacy that state employees can trust, because no insurance billing means no databases.
VCU students keep continuity through breaks and after graduation across our ten states, and everyone keeps the same clinician, measured follow up, and same day prescriptions to their corner pharmacy.
What we treat
Conditions we treat
Evaluation, diagnosis, and ongoing care for the full range of adult outpatient conditions.
Sleep & Insomnia
Chronic insomnia and disrupted sleep, treated without controlled substances.
Learn more →
From the Fan to Short Pump, expert care is a few days away.
Getting started
Getting started in Richmond
Complete the secure intake
A few minutes online so we can match you with the right clinician.
Meet your clinician by video
A full 45 to 60 minute evaluation from anywhere private in the area, as clinician availability allows.
Get your plan the same day
A working diagnosis, clear next steps, and prescriptions to your local pharmacy when appropriate.
Follow up that actually happens
Short measured visits with the same clinician, scheduled around real life in Richmond.
Local resources
Mental health resources in the Richmond area
Crisis and community resources for the Richmond area:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, 24 hours
- The Richmond behavioral health authority operates crisis services around the clock
- Emergency: 911 or the nearest emergency department
Access
Insurance, access, and appointment availability in Virginia
shrinkMD operates as a transparent cash pay practice: we don't bill insurance, which is what keeps evaluations a full hour, follow ups consistent, and your records entirely out of insurer databases. Fees are flat and published before you book, HSA and FSA funds work, and superbills are available for possible out of network reimbursement.
Our clinicians are licensed in Virginia and see patients by secure video anywhere in the state, as clinician availability allows. If we're ever not the right level of care, we say so plainly and help you find what is.
Where we serve
Richmond and nearby areas we serve
Greater Richmond, covered identically:
- The Fan, the Museum District, and Carytown
- Church Hill, Manchester, and Northside
- Short Pump, Glen Allen, and Henrico
- Midlothian, Chesterfield, and the counties beyond
Keep exploring
Related care and next steps
Related conditions
- Psychiatric evaluation in Richmond
- Medication management in Richmond
- Anxiety treatment in Richmond
- Depression treatment in Richmond
- All of Virginia
- Online psychiatry in Virginia Beach
- Online psychiatry in Arlington
- Online psychiatry in Norfolk
- Online psychiatry in Alexandria
- Online psychiatry in Charlottesville
- Online psychiatry in Roanoke
- Online psychiatry in McLean
- Online psychiatry in Tysons
- Online psychiatry in Fairfax
Helpful next steps
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
Is telepsychiatry available in Richmond?
Yes. shrinkMD provides licensed online psychiatry for adults across Virginia, including Richmond, by secure video, with evaluations usually available as soon as availability allows.
Do you prescribe controlled medication in Richmond?
No. shrinkMD doesn't prescribe controlled substances anywhere, including stimulants and benzodiazepines. We're upfront about this and effective with the evidence based alternatives.
How fast can I be seen in Richmond?
Usually as clinician availability allows, compared to the months long waits common locally. Early treatment is easier treatment.
Will I see the same clinician each time?
Yes. Continuity is a core standard: one clinician who knows your history, your scores, and your goals, visit after visit.
What number do I call in Richmond for a mental health emergency?
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. shrinkMD is an outpatient practice, not an emergency service, and we want you safe first.
Does insurance cover telepsychiatry in Richmond?
We don't bill insurance. You pay a transparent flat fee per visit, HSA and FSA funds work, and we provide superbills you may submit for possible out of network reimbursement.
Where do appointments take place?
Wherever you've privacy and a connection: home, an office, or a parked car. There's no clinic to drive to and no waiting room.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. Book directly, and with your permission we coordinate with your primary care clinician afterward.
Can VCU students use shrinkMD and keep their clinician after graduation?
Yes, adults 18 and older, with continuity anywhere in Virginia and across our other states afterward. Nothing touches university systems or family insurance.
I freelance and my income is irregular. How do I plan for care?
Fees are flat and published, HSA and FSA work, and visit cadence flexes with your budget once you are stable. We plan the schedule with you, not at you.
About Richmond
Richmond is Virginia's capital and a regional medical hub anchored by VCU Health. It's home to about 234,000 people. The people we see here include state government workers, hospital staff, and healthcare professionals.
Serving Richmond
Richmond is Virginia's capital, on the James River, and reaching a psychiatrist here shouldn't take a long drive. shrinkMD sees adults across Richmond by secure video, whether you're near Carytown, the Fan District, and Shockoe Bottom. 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: Mental health - MedlinePlus.
Nearby areas
Other Virginia cities we serve
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 online psychiatry in Richmond
Call 1-877-747-4656 or book online. Appointments are available as soon as availability allows for Richmond residents, by secure video from home.
Get StartedAlready know your state is active? Skip to the waitlist.