Working in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse counseling field since 2003 (2008  post-Masters), Melissa Nippert has years of counseling experience administering assessments, implementing specialized evidenced-based interventions, and coordinating community referrals as needed for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health, substance abuse, and social-emotional needs.   

She has dedicated most of her professional and personal life to understanding and helping people with ADHD. During her graduate school internship, Melissa focused on assessing and treating people of all ages with ADHD. She further honed her expertise at Bradford Health and Indian Rivers, and remains committed to staying updated on the latest ADHD research. Melissa's passion lies in assisting individuals and families in navigating ADHD and celebrating their breakthroughs.​

​

She earned both her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Masters' Degree  (Community Mental Health Counseling, with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy) at the University of Alabama. She values an authentic, trusting, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship and provides an integrative approach unique to each individual, couple or family.

Darlene holds the distinction of having been the first deputized woman from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. It was her dissatisfaction of working with juveniles, without being able to help them, that led her to a career in mental health and therapy.

Her belief is that everyone has their heart broken at one point or another. And that some recover on their own, while others need support to heal. Darlene spent the decades that followed counseling Air Force and Army veterans who served in Afghanistan, nursing home seniors, and emergency room patients at DCH.

She went into private practice for nearly a decade, before joining Lifecare Wellness Counseling. Darlene attended the University of Alabama, where she received her degrees in social work, including an MSW.

Krista is a lifelong Tuscaloosa resident, graduating from the University of Alabama with Bachelor’s of Social Work in 2006 and Master’s of Social Work in 2007. Her graduate work included specialization in Social Work practice with adults and families. 

​

​Krista has served the geriatric population of Alabama for 15 years, specializing in individuals with mental illness and dementia diagnoses, and their families. She also has over a decade of experience coaching clients with ADHD, helping them improve social skills and interaction in both one-on-one and group settings.

​

Her belief in dignity/worth of person and the right to self-determination is what drives her practice. Her goal at Lifecare is to help individuals in Tuscaloosa, and the surrounding areas, enjoy living life on their terms- no matter where they are in the lifespan. 
 

Krista has been married for 27 years to her husband, Carey and they have one daughter, Chloe who is currently a student at UA. When not working, Krista enjoys going to her church, Liberty Baptist, filling and watching the bird feeders in her yard, being an avid reader, and helping the elders in her family live out their golden years on their own terms.

Kate was born and raised in Gadsden, Al. She graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2017 and from The University of Alabama in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in 2019. She has since become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Kate has been practicing social work since graduation with the recent emphasis being on mental health.

 Kate enjoys working with families, adults and children. She utilizes an approach of meeting clients where they are in life, using a client-centered approach and respecting the right to self-determination. Kate is a patient advocate using data and research to create meaningful change in the community.

With a wealth of experience treating ADHD patients and firsthand understanding as a mother of a teen with ADHD, she emphasizes the importance of diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. Reflecting on her own child's journey, she notes, "Once he received a diagnosis and started his treatment plan, he became more comfortable with who he is."
 

Kate is married to her husband Chris and has two boys which make life interesting and full.“You are the one thing in this world, above all other things, that you must never give up on.”