Nicole Karst

Nicole M. Karst, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, licensed vocational nurse, educator, healthcare executive, and former Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute in La Jolla, California, and maintains a clinical practice with Practical Recovery Psychology Group.

Dr. Karst earned her doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology at Alliant International University. Her clinical and scholarly interests include substance use and addictive disorders, forensic psychology, trauma, professional ethics, clinical supervision, and the development of effective behavioral healthcare systems.

An experienced graduate-level educator, Dr. Karst has taught courses in clinical supervision and consultation, advanced ethics and professional issues, chemical dependency treatment, forensic psychology, diagnostic interviewing, dream analysis, and child and adolescent psychology. Her teaching emphasizes the integration of psychological theory, ethical decision-making, clinical experience, and real-world application.

Dr. Karst served as the 2025 President of the San Diego Psychological Association and has held leadership positions focused on continuing education, professional outreach, addiction psychology, and community engagement. Her professional background also includes executive and clinical leadership in outpatient mental health, substance use treatment, and multidisciplinary behavioral healthcare settings.