About Us
About Advanced Practice Dermatology in Helena, MT
Looking Beyond The Diagnosis to See YOU.
As nurse practitioners, we pride ourselves in our nursing background, looking beyond the diagnosis to see YOU. At Advanced Practice Dermatology, our mission is to care for you as we would care for our own families. We provide compassionate, thorough, and personalized dermatologic care to patients of all ages.
Accessibility to Dermatologic Care is Our Priority.
We are applying our combined 30 years of dermatology experience in a way that is true to us. Our education in rural health care has prepared us to anticipate and address barriers to care, including accessibility to dermatologic care.
We are set apart by our diversity in leadership styles and specialties of care. By collaborating and referring to each other, as well as referring to other specialists in the area, we can provide an incomparable high-quality standard of care.
Learn more about our services or schedule your appointment today.
Kara Addison, DNP-C, DCNP, FNP-BC
Kara Addison, a Montana Native, is a Board Certified Dermatology Doctor of Nursing Practice. She received both her Doctor of Nursing Practice (2016) and Masters of Nursing Practice (2012) from Montana State University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carroll College. Kara received her aesthetics training from the Allergan Medical Institute and the IAPAM Institute.
Kara specializes in all skin care needs, including medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. She enjoys working closely with clients to treat and prevent sun damage, minimize age-related changes, and optimize skin health. Her goal is to create a safe, natural, and individualized experience for all clients.
She also focuses on psoriasis and autoimmune disorders of the skin. Her doctoral research explored the safety and monitoring of individuals with psoriasis on biologic medications. Advanced Practice Dermatology considers Kara’s passion for individualized patient care, patient education, and her depth of knowledge and management of psoriasis critical to the practice and the Helena community.
In Kara’s spare time, she presents on psoriasis management and biologic therapy around the country. If not working with patients or traveling, you can find Kara with her husband and son outside on the trails.
Kara Addison, DNP-C, DCNP, FNP-BC
Kara Addison, a Montana Native, is a Board Certified Dermatology Doctor of Nursing Practice. She received both her Doctor of Nursing Practice (2016) and Masters of Nursing Practice (2012) from Montana State University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carroll College. She practiced internal medicine and intensive care before finding her passion and love for dermatology.
Kara specializes in all skincare needs, including medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. She also focuses on psoriasis and autoimmune disorders of the skin. Her doctoral research explored the safety and monitoring of individuals with psoriasis on biologic medications. Advanced Practice Dermatology considers Kara’s passion for individualized patient care, patient education, and her depth of knowledge and management of psoriasis critical to the practice and the Helena community.
In Kara’s spare time, she presents on psoriasis management and biologic therapy around the country. If not working with patients or traveling, you can find Kara with her husband and son on the trails, ski slopes, or outside.
Megan Gittings, FNP-BC, DCNP
Helena native, Megan Gittings, has been a practicing dermatology nurse practitioner since 2005. She first found her love of dermatology after working as a nurse, which led her back to school to become a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). She completed her dermatology certification in 2007.
Megan prides herself on “walking patients through” their procedures and works her hardest to make the experience less scary and pain-free. This makes her an excellent provider for kids and nervous patients. She also has a particular interest in working with alopecia. When not treating dermatology patients, you might find Megan dancing, hiking (or both at the same time!), or spending time with her family.
Lindsay McCarthy, FNP-BC, DCNP
Lindsay McCarthy is a dermatology nurse practitioner who has spent the last 17 years caring for and supporting patients with skin issues. Lindsay’s approach to patient care is to understand each patient’s unique situation in order to tailor their treatment to meet their specific healthcare needs and goals.
Lindsay is a Montana native. She received her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Montana State University and is certified as a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (DCNP). She has presented at the Dermatology Nurses Association National Convention and has participated in skin cancer prevention and screening events such as the Montana Governor’s Cup and IRONMAN Triathalon. Lindsay is also a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Rheumatology Nurses Society.
Lindsay brings humor and a fun-loving spirit to her delivery of care and works with patients of all ages with general dermatological diseases and conditions. When not at the clinic, Lindsay spends her time chasing after her two children, paddling rivers, and relaxing with friends.
Lindsay McCarthy, FNP-BC, DCNP
Lindsay McCarthy is a dermatology nurse practitioner who has spent the last 17 years caring for and supporting patients with skin issues. Lindsay’s approach to patient care is to understand each patient’s unique situation in order to tailor their treatment to meet their specific healthcare needs and goals.
Lindsay is a Montana native. She received her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Montana State University and is certified as a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (DCNP). She has presented at the Dermatology Nurses Association National Convention and has participated in skin cancer prevention and screening events such as the Montana Governor’s Cup and IRONMAN Triathalon. Lindsay brings humor and a fun-loving spirit to her delivery of care and works with patients of all ages with general dermatological diseases and conditions. When not at the clinic, Lindsay spends her time chasing after her two children, paddling rivers, and relaxing with friends.
Shawna McCauley, APRN, FNP-C
Shawna McCauley joined Advanced Practice Dermatology in 2023. She is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has specialized in dermatology. She holds degrees from Carroll College, Montana State University-Northern, and the American Sentinel College of Post University in Connecticut. Shawna lives in Townsend with her husband, three children, and their cows. She is an international board certified lactation consultant, a member of the American Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Association, and volunteers as treasurer for her local 4-H organization.
Shawna McCauley shares our passion for providing patient centered dermatology care to Helena and our surrounding communities. We are thrilled to have her with us!
Advanced Practice Dermatology is owned and operated by Kara Addison, DNP-C, PLLC; Megan Gittings, FNP-C, PLLC; and Lindsay McCarthy, FNP-C, PLLC.