Able To Change Recovery Staff

Nicole L. Carlberg, D.O.

Consulting Psychiatrist

Dr. Nicole Carlberg, a Dana Point, CA psychiatrist, has been affiliated with Able to Change Recovery since 2007.  She attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico where she obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in biology with a minor in biochemistry. She also completed post-graduate education at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM, providing increased knowledge through coursework ranging in forensic anthropology to molecular physiology. She subsequently elected to pursue her medical education in Osteopathy.

Dr. Carlberg graduated University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri with a Doctorate of Osteopathy, (D.O.). Now known as Kansas City University of Biomedical Sciences, this university provides medical specialists with an foundation of viewing patients as individuals.  This university provides an educational foundation with a focus on the human system as a “whole“ compiled of integrated parts and thus not viewed as separate systems functioning independently.  In this extensive training, physicians are taught that one organ system influences the others and cannot be viewed alone  Applied to psychiatry, one’s mind and emotions are synergistically influenced by the health of one’s organs.  Dr. Carlberg integrates this model into her practice using the “bio-psycho-social model”.  Her patient’s benefit from her training in their physical/ biological systems (genetics, organs, nutrition, etc.).  She is also trained to consider the psychological influences and experiences an individual has, including the social system to which one is exposed.  The foundation of Dr. Carlberg’s treatment philosophy is to treat each person as a unique individual.

Dr. Carlberg relocated to California when she accepted entrance into her psychiatry residency at the University of California, Irvine. She gained tremendous knowledge through UCI, with a foundation in the core requirements as well as forensic psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychopharmacotherapy, adult ADD/ ADHD, and psychotherapy.

Dr. Carlberg extended her experience through her work in the California Men’s Department of Corrections via registry for 2 years, as well as working with the underserved through the County of Orange. She maintained  “Attending” status at South Coast Medical Center (SCMC) during which time she provided acute inpatient, outpatient partial, consultation, and addiction services.  She maintained privileges at SCMC until transitioning into private practice in Dana Point, CA. Prior to this, Dr. Carlberg provided care to patients in the workman’s compensation system in collaboration with another Orange County private practitioner. She also was chosen to participated in a Judicial Review Committee of ethical practice, and was a member of the Crisis Response Team for South Coast Hospital during her time there.

Dr. Carlberg has solid training and firm understanding of psychopharmacology.  She has direct experience with a plethora of psychiatric diagnoses ranging from chronic pain disorders and post traumatic stress disorder to depression and psychotic disorders. While she does not believe that medications are always indicated nor the best or only form of treatment, the correct medication for an accurate diagnosis can be helpful.  Dr. Carlberg chooses to act as an educator, facilitating the role for her patient’s empowerment.

Dr. Carlberg enjoys her work and looks forward to being part of your next step in healing.