Kara Iacovella, CRNP-PMH

Ms. Iacovella is a licensed and board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in Maryland. She treats persons with mental health disorders across the lifespan. Ms. Iacovella's preferred population is pediatrics.

Ms. Iacovella obtained her master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from Maryville University of St. Louis, Missouri. Her clinical experiences primarily occurred in the outpatient mental health office and the pediatric emergency department settings. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Ms. Iacovella worked in the intensive care unit for nine years as a registered nurse and obtained her critical care specialty certification. Ms. Iacovella often cared for patients with complex medical needs and co-occurring psychiatric illnesses, an experience that formed a robust medical and psychiatric knowledge base. Before her formal nursing education, she worked as a certified nursing assistant in the acute care and substance abuse rehabilitation settings. As a youth, Ms. Iacovella earned her emergency medical technician certification and volunteered in her community providing emergency medical services.

Ms. Iacovella proficiently treats an array of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and mental health symptoms associated with autism; among others.

Ms. Iacovella believes that the best treatment outcomes occur when the provider and patient work together to develop a treatment plan best suited to the individual patient, using evidence-based practices. Ms. Iacovella approaches mental health treatment in an integrative manner, with the understanding that mental health and wellness are multifaceted. Ms. Iacovella helps her patients examine potential influences on mental health, such as diet, physical activity, self-care, environment, physical health, relationships, and psychiatric medications if warranted. Although Ms. Iacovella does not provide comprehensive psychotherapy, she utilizes therapeutic techniques during appointments such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

In addition to helping her patients achieve optimal mental health and wellness, Ms. Iacovella enjoys spending quality time with her family members and pets. She enjoys exploring local nature and wildlife. Ms. Iacovella enjoys antiquing.