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Dr. Cara McDermott, Psychiatrist

Dr. Cara McDermott, D.O., ABPN, Psychiatrist in North Charleston, South Carolina

Specialties:
Anxiety Depression/feeling down Panic attacks Self-esteem Sexual trauma Stress management Trauma & PTSD +76
Ages Served
6-75+
Manages Medications
Accepts Insurance

About Dr. Cara McDermott (She/Her)

Dr. Cara McDermott, D.O., helps children, teens, adults, and seniors across South Carolina find stability, clarity, and renewed functioning through thoughtful psychiatric care. As a prescriber at LifeStance Health, she provides medication management for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression, while also supporting individuals navigating substance use with evidence-based medication treatment. Dr. McDermott partners closely with patients to create practical, personalized plans that respect each person’s goals, strengths, and life circumstances. She is especially passionate about supporting individuals who are recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital, helping them transition safely back into daily life with close follow-up, symptom monitoring, and coordinated care. Dr. McDermott understands how vulnerable this period can be and prioritizes continuity, clear communication, and compassionate guidance to reduce relapse risk and promote long-term recovery. Dr. McDermott treats children and adolescents, teens, young adults, adults, and older adults. Her clinical experience also includes working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, military and veteran populations, and individuals involved in adoption or foster care. In addition to her primary specialties, she offers care for a wide range of additional mental health concerns, tailoring medication strategies to each stage of life and level of complexity. Her osteopathic training supports a whole-person approach that considers both mental and physical health when developing treatment plans. Outside of work, Dr. McDermott enjoys exercise and fitness, reading and book clubs, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Types of Care & Ages Served

Areas of Focus

Psychiatry/Medication Management

Treat and prevent mental health disorders using medication and therapy.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Panic attacks
  • Self-esteem
  • Sexual trauma
  • Stress management
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Ability status
  • ADHD
  • Adoption & foster care
  • Aging
  • Alcohol use
  • Anger issues
  • Attachment issues
  • Autism spectrum & neurodivergence
  • Autism with developmental delay
  • Autism: requires some assistance
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Body image
  • Bullying or harassment
  • Career & work issues
  • Caregiving
  • Childhood ADHD, attention or focus issues
  • Conditions caused by stress
  • Dementia & memory concerns
  • Detachment/disconnection
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Domestic violence & abuse
  • Drug/substance use
  • Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
  • Early adulthood: Starting college or career
  • Eating issues: binging
  • Eating issues: food deprivation
  • Eating issues: purging/regurgitating
  • Emotional abuse
  • End-of-life challenges
  • Ethnic identity & mental health
  • Family conflict
  • Focus, concentration & memory
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • Hair pulling & skin picking
  • Hallucinations
  • Hoarding
  • Immigration/cultural status
  • Intellectual disability (caregiver-supported care)
  • Intellectual disability (living independently)
  • Intense mood changes
  • Learning challenges
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Mental health changes after brain & head injuries
  • Mental health during perimenopause
  • Mental health related to pregnancy & reproductive health
  • Mental health support for chronic pain
  • Mental health support for neurological conditions
  • Mid-life transitions
  • Military, veteran, and first responder mental health
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Other addictive behaviors
  • Other women's health concerns
  • Parenting
  • Patterns affecting behavior, emotions and relationships
  • Personality disorders & related conditions
  • Phobias
  • PMS & PMDD
  • Premarital counseling
  • Psychosis/issues with reality
  • Race, culture & mental health
  • Religion, spirituality & mental health
  • Retirement
  • Schizophrenia/schizoaffective
  • School avoidance
  • Self-injury or cutting
  • Sex & intimacy issues
  • Sleep issues or insomnia
  • Social skills & communication
  • Sports performance
  • Stress from ongoing health issues
  • Stress related to discrimination & social injustice
  • Stroke-related mental health conditions
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Unusual thoughts or beliefs

Languages

  • English

Education

  • University of North Texas Health Science Center
  • Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Cara McDermott

Please call us at 854-246-1100 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cara McDermott.

See what our patients are saying about Dr. Cara McDermott

Dr McDermott is amazing and I’ve been having great service with LifeStance. It’s been really easy to make appointments in a reasonable time frame and communication has been good with any questions I’ve had :)
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Alison L.

Alison L.

Jun 18, 2026
Google Google
Saw Dr. McDermott...very professional and knowledgeable. Well run office...had a hiccup with prescription...went to patient portal...sent a message...quick reply..and nice follow up...Thanks!
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Derek

Derek

Aug 26, 2026
Google Google
Great first experience! Dr. Cara was very helpful and light hearted. She made me smile and laugh throughout the whole appointment which was very comforting. Glad I found this place.
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Monica D.

Monica D.

Apr 24, 2026
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I felt very heard and understood
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Caroline W.

Caroline W.

Oct 29, 2026
Google Google
Excellent experience
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Peggy V.

Peggy V.

Oct 28, 2026
Google Google
Excellent experience
Read Full Review
Eric C.

Eric C.

Oct 20, 2026
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Dr. Cara McDermott, Psychiatrist in North Charleston, South Carolina

Dr. Cara McDermott

Psychiatrist in North Charleston, South Carolina

Already have an appointment?

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