David Nickelson, PsyD, JD
Dr. Nickelson - a clinical psychologist and licensed attorney - helps executive leaders in healthcare and regulated industries turn AI investment into real business performance. His clients are CIO's, CFO's, CHRO's, COO's, and CAIO's — typically in hospital systems, regional health networks, insurers, or complex regulated organizations — who are beyond the question of whether to adopt AI and focused on how to use AI in and meaningful and ethically way that actually adds value.
Most healthcare AI investments stall — not because the technology fails, but because the individuals and organization isn't built to absorb it. Clinicians resist it. Compliance teams are nervous about it. Middle management doesn't know how to lead through it. And the ROI doesn't show up — not because the tools don't work, but because the adoption, governance, and operating model were never planned out. That's the problem Dr. Nickelson helps to address.
He helps mid-sized companies in regulated industries build responsible AI programs that are actually used, helpful, and serve an important function — not just deployed. His approach addresses the three dimensions that most organizations try to solve separately: the human adoption barrier, the legal and governance architecture, and the operational execution model. Solving one without the others is why most AI initiatives plateau.
What makes his work different is the combination of his skills, background, and education. He's a licensed clinical psychologist (PsyD), an attorney with deep experience in regulated and high-stakes industries, and a former enterprise digital strategist who has led complex technology transformations inside demanding healthcare environments. He is also completing his AI Governance Professional (AIGP) certification through IAPP.
That combination — behavioral science, legal risk management, and digital strategy — means Dr. Nickelson can work the human factors, the compliance requirements, and the execution architecture simultaneously -- all as part of the same engagement. Most organizations try to staff these three capabilities separately, while Dr. Nickelson brings them all to the table together.
The organizations he works with leave with an AI operating model their customers, patients, members and clinicians trust, their compliance teams can defend, and their CFO can see the benefits in the budget.
Dr. Nickelson supports the spectrum of one-on-one support with individuals, up to advisory roles with mid-size healthcare providers and health technology companies that are serious about AI as a competitive advantage — not just a capability.
If that describes your needs or organization, click here to schedule a 30 minute consult with Dr. Nickelson and find out how he can help you, your team, and the bottom line of your business.
Clarity Performance Solutions is a division of Clarity Psychological Services — where behavioral science, legal rigor, and digital strategy meet executive accountability.
