Kara Lightbourne, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Kara Lightbourne is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Relief Mental Health in St. Charles, Illinois. She specializes in the evaluation and management of psychiatric medications for teenagers ages 16 and older, and adults,  providing comprehensive and personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve their mental health goals.

In addition to psychiatric assessments and medication management, Kara administers SPRAVATO® (esketamine) treatment for patients as part of Relief Mental Health’s comprehensive care approach. She ensures a safe and supportive environment for individuals undergoing this innovative therapy for treatment-resistant depression or depression with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Kara has extensive experience in women’s health, offering support for diagnoses such as postpartum anxiety, OCD, and depression. Her treatment approach integrates active listening and motivational interviewing with a focus on incorporating faith and spirituality when it aligns with the patient’s values.

Kara earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, a Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill., and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from the University of Miami in Florida. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where patients feel empowered and understood as they work toward improved mental health and well-being.

When patients are in need of other mental health services, Kara connects them to adjunctive treatments at Relief such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), IV ketamine, or talk therapy, or outside resources.

Call (844) 731-7543 or complete the form below to make an appointment.