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Therapist in Lexington, Kentucky Kara Hardesty, Therapist

Gender Identity: Female (She/Her)

Ages Served: 18-75+

Appointments: In-office and Online

Manages Medications: No, provides therapy only

Accepts Insurance: Yes - View accepted plans

Kara Hardesty, Therapist

Kara Hardesty, LCSW

Specializes In:

Anxiety
Depression/feeling down
General relationship issues
Hallucinations
Marital stress or divorce
Panic attacks
Premarital counseling
Psychosis/issues with reality
Schizophrenia/schizoaffective
Self-esteem
Stress management
Unusual thoughts or beliefs
See all specialties >

Kara Hardesty, LCSW, is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based mental health care to individuals, couples, and families in Kentucky. She works with clients facing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and major life transitions, offering a supportive space to explore emotions and develop meaningful coping strategies. Kara believes that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and she collaborates with clients to help them build resilience, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being.

Kara specializes in working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, personality disorders, and mood disorders. She understands the complexities of these conditions and provides tailored support to help clients manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and develop skills for long-term stability. Additionally, she is passionate about couples therapy, helping partners navigate challenges, strengthen communication, and rebuild trust. Through her expertise, she empowers individuals and couples to create fulfilling and healthier relationships.

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and couples/marital counseling, Kara takes a holistic and solution-focused approach to therapy. She works with diverse populations, including individuals on the autism spectrum, first responders, military personnel, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Whether guiding clients through major life transitions or supporting them in managing complex mental health conditions, Kara ensures that therapy is tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Outside of her practice, Kara enjoys reading, traveling, meditation, and staying active through tennis, pickleball, and yoga. She values the importance of self-care and encourages her clients to find balance in their daily lives.

Types of Care & Ages Served

Areas of Focus

Couples Therapy

Helps partners address relationship conflict and improve communication with a clinician's guidance.

  • General relationship issues
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Premarital counseling

Individual Therapy

Get help addressing challenges and improve well-being with a clinician's guidance.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Hallucinations
  • Panic attacks
  • Psychosis/issues with reality
  • Schizophrenia/schizoaffective
  • Self-esteem
  • Stress management
  • Unusual thoughts or beliefs
  • Aging
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Bullying or harassment
  • Career & relationships (mid-life)
  • Career & work issues
  • Caregiving
  • Conditions caused by stress
  • Domestic violence & abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Empty nesters
  • End-of-life challenges
  • Focus, concentration & memory
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • Intense mood changes
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Menopause & perimenopause
  • Other women's health concerns
  • Parenthood
  • Phobias
  • PMS & PMDD
  • Premarital counseling
  • Retirement
  • Sexual trauma
  • Sleep issues or insomnia
  • Social skills & communication
  • Trauma & PTSD

Languages

  • English

Education

  • University of Kentucky

FAQs

Please call us at 859-368-0609 to schedule an appointment with Kara Hardesty.

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See what our patients are saying about Kara Hardesty

Kara Hardesty is one of a kind. She is so easy to talk to and supportive. She always listens and gives real input even when it’s not what I want to hear but also gives advice supporting whatever that may be. I’m so glad I found her and get to have her as a constant resource and friend.
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Delaney G.

Delaney G.

Apr 16, 2026
Google Google
I really appreciate the conversations Kara and I have. I've liked her from our first couple sessions. Feels good to trust someone and a to trust the person hearing your life. Thank you, Kara!
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Elizabeth C.

Elizabeth C.

Jun 05, 2026
Google Google
I appreciate having my therapist, Kara to talk to. She is kind she’s open and I know working with her she has my best interest at heart
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Elizabeth C.

Elizabeth C.

Apr 22, 2026
Google Google
Excellent experience
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Shavon L.

Shavon L.

Jun 22, 2026
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