Kara Darretta, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatry in Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Specialties:

Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Depression/feeling down Intense mood changes Panic attacks Self-esteem Stress management +11

Ages Served

18-64

Manages Medications

Yes

Accepts Insurance

Yes - View accepted plans

About Kara Darretta (She/Her)

Dr. Kara Darretta is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valparaiso University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society of Nursing. Dr Darretta’s experience working with individuals of all ages spans anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, thought disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders. She also has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Dr Darretta strives to meet individuals where they are and help them meet their goals through an individualized treatment plan. She believes a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for effective treatment. Dr Darretta brings warmth, empathy, and strong clinical decision-making skills to the therapeutic relationship.

In her spare time, Dr Darretta enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband and two mini Goldendoodles (Oakley and Dexter). She is also a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles!

Types of Care & Ages Served

Psychiatry/Medication Management: Ages 18-64

Areas of Focus

Psychiatry/Medication Management

Treat and prevent mental health disorders using medication and therapy.

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression/feeling down
Intense mood changes
Panic attacks
Self-esteem
Stress management
Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
Early adulthood: Starting college or career
Focus, concentration & memory
Menopause & perimenopause
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Other women's health concerns
Phobias
PMS & PMDD
Sexual trauma
Sleep issues or insomnia
Trauma & PTSD

Insurances Accepted

Languages

English

Education

Indiana University
Valparaiso University
University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Locations

LifeStance Health
660 S Mount Juliet Rd
Suite 130
Mount Juliet, TN 37122

Get Directions Phone Number

615-880-8427

615-369-8697

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Frequently Asked
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Kara Darretta

Please call us at 615-880-8427 to schedule an appointment with Kara Darretta.

See what our patients are saying about Kara Darretta

I have never been the type to write reviews, especially for psychiatrists, therapists, or doctors. In fact, if you had asked me a year ago, I probably would have told you I didn’t trust the mental health system at all. For most of my life, I avoided professional help because I was terrified of being judged. I grew up with a difficult past that included significant trauma, ADHD, years of depression, chronic substance abuse, and more impulsive, high-risk decisions than I care to admit. I spent over 15 years feeling emotionally numb. I honestly forgot what genuine happiness felt like without some kind of artificial way of creating it. To make matters even harder, my very first therapist died by suicide. That experience shattered what little trust I had left and convinced me that opening up to anyone professionally was a mistake. Then I met Kara Darretta. From the very beginning, Kara treated me like a human being instead of a diagnosis. She never made me feel ashamed of my past. She never rushed me, never dismissed me, and never made me feel like I had to hide parts of my story. For the first time in my life, I found myself being completely honest with someone because she created an environment where honesty actually felt safe. She listens with genuine compassion, asks thoughtful questions, and somehow balances professionalism with authentic kindness. She doesn’t simply prescribe medication and move on. She wants to understand who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re trying to go. For someone who spent years believing professional help wasn’t for people like me, Kara completely changed my perspective. She restored something I didn’t think could ever be restored—trust. If you’re reading reviews because you’re scared, uncertain, embarrassed, or convinced no one will understand you, I hope you take a chance anyway. I did, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

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Colby L.

Jul 06, 2026

Google

Colby L.

Jul 06, 2026

Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I actually had to come back and write a second review because one simply wasn’t enough. Google has a character limit, but my gratitude for Kara Darretta doesn’t. Mental health professionals often never get to see how much of a difference they make in someone’s life. Patients eventually get better, life moves forward, and people simply disappear. I didn’t want that to happen without Kara knowing what she has meant to me. She helped someone who walked into her office carrying years of depression, trauma, fear, and distrust begin to believe that healing was actually possible. She reminded me that being vulnerable isn’t weakness, asking for help isn’t failure, and that the past doesn’t have to dictate the future. Because of her care, I’ve started rebuilding parts of my life I had given up on. I’m back in therapy, taking my mental health seriously, becoming a better husband, a better father, and working toward goals that once felt impossible. She didn’t magically solve every problem I have, but she helped me believe that I was capable of solving them. That kind of impact is impossible to measure. Kara, if you ever happen to read this, thank you. Thank you for creating a place where honesty felt safe. Thank you for treating me with dignity instead of judgment. Thank you for helping restore hope when I had almost forgotten what it felt like. There are people in every profession who simply do their job, and then there are people who quietly change lives. In my experience, Kara Darretta is one of those people. Five stars doesn’t begin to reflect how grateful I am. It simply happens to be the highest number Google allows.

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ATE88 A.

Jul 06, 2026

Google

Response: Ate88, thank you for the kind words! Whether you are a patient, friend, employee, vendor, or family, we always strive to provide the highest quality care and further enhance our mission to help people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. –LifeStance Health

ATE88 A.

Jul 06, 2026

Google

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ LifeStance Health has been an incredible experience for me, but I’ll be honest—LifeStance is only as good as Kara Darretta. I do love the entire team but I feel I have to highlight the exceptional care and treatment I received from her. I’ve struggled for years to trust therapists, and Kara completely changed that. She creates a safe, judgment-free environment where I finally feel comfortable being honest and working through things I never thought I’d talk about. Her compassion, professionalism, and genuine care have made a tremendous difference in my life. If LifeStance is filled with providers like Kara, they’re doing something right. Thank you for helping people like me find hope again. Definitely a safe space to heal.

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Bobby H.

Jul 06, 2026

Google

If you’re nervous about reaching out for help, I’d seriously recommend giving Kara a chance. She’s patient, genuine, and does really care about the people she’s helping. The entire team at life stance are phenomenal ! But Kara Darretta is truly exceptional! The epitome of professional care ! Ask her for help , you won’t regret it !

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Jarred N.

Jul 06, 2026

Google

Kara is easy to talk to I’ve genuinely started noticing positive changes in my life after the first two visits and and I finally feel like I’m moving in the right direction and that in it self has had such an impact on my life is many diffrent ways . Thanks again for all the help definitely professional and effective treatment here

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Dre

Jul 09, 2026

Google

Ms. Kara is so sweet and is determined to help you have a better quality of life. Love her and all she's done for me!!! Thank you Ms. Kara DARRETTA!!!

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