ÖZLEM HELİN CARKCI
M.D.
Istanbul,34
Summary
Dr. Özlem Helin Çarkcı is an experienced psychiatrist specializing in addiction medicine, schema therapy, and stigma reduction in mental health care. With over 16 years of clinical experience, she has contributed extensively to Turkey’s national addiction treatment ecosystem through her work at Bakırköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital, particularly within the AMATEM Clinic, the country’s leading center for alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Her professional focus integrates biopsychosocial treatment approaches, combining Samba (Substance Addiction Model of Behavior and Awareness) and Schema Therapy frameworks to enhance long-term recovery outcomes and reduce treatment stigma. Dr. Çarkcı currently provides consultancy services at the Green Crescent (Yeşilay) Rehabilitation Center and operates her own private psychiatry clinic. She has been actively involved in national congresses, educational programs, and clinical training modules that support evidence-based practices in addiction treatment. She is married, has one child, and continues to advance her professional mission of bridging clinical psychiatry, education, and public mental health awareness. Psychiatric professional with proven track record in delivering compassionate mental health care. Known for developing effective treatment plans and achieving positive patient outcomes. Highly collaborative team member focused on adapting to changing needs and maintaining high standards. Expertise in therapeutic interventions and patient assessment. Professional in mental health field with strong commitment to patient care and well-being. Skilled in diagnosing and treating range of psychological disorders, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to changing clinical needs. Known for effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure environments. Qualified [Desired Position] with strong background in psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Consistently improved patient outcomes through personalized care plans and evidence-based practices. Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care. Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Independent Psychiatrist & Consultant
Private Practice & Yeşilay Rehabilitation Center (Green Crescent)
ISTANBUL, Istanbul
10.2022 - Current
- Provides clinical treatment and psychotherapy to patients with substance use and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
- Offers consultancy to Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center, focusing on developing addiction recovery models that emphasize social reintegration and stigma reduction.
- Conducts psychoeducational workshops for healthcare professionals and families affected by addiction.
- Leading the conceptual development of a Combined Samba–Schema Therapy Model, aiming to extend remission duration and reduce societal stigma.
- Observed therapists and identified areas for improvement.
- Reviewed and evaluated treatment procedures and outcomes in order to present accurate case reports.
- Developed strong working relationships with community resources such as therapists, social workers, and substance abuse counselors, facilitating seamless coordination of care for patients requiring additional services.
- Developed strong rapport with patients, fostering trust and open communication to better understand their needs and concerns.
- Demonstrated empathy and active listening during patient interactions, providing a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences openly.
- Evaluated treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists or medical professionals.
- Conducted risk assessments on patients presenting with suicidal or homicidal ideation, implementing safety measures to protect both the individual and the broader community.
Psychiatrist
Bakırköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital, AMATEM Clinic
Istanbul, Istanbul
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Delivered inpatient and outpatient treatment to individuals with alcohol and substance dependence.
- Designed and implemented resident training modules on alcohol withdrawal, opioid maintenance therapy, and stigma prevention.
- Supervised multidisciplinary teams including psychologists, nurses, and social workers.
- Co-authored chapters in national addiction medicine textbooks.
Psychiatrist (Compulsory Service)
Siirt State Hospital
Siirt, Siirt
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Provided psychiatric assessment and treatment services in a high-demand regional setting.
Resident Psychiatrist
Bakırköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Completed residency with a thesis on emotional recognition deficits in alcohol dependence and their relationship with alexithymia and personality traits.
- Participated in [Number] assigned educational conferences, rotations, period testing and advisor meetings.
Education
Specialization - Psychiatry
Bakırköy Mental Health And Neurological Diseases Hospital
Istanbul, 3401.2014
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) -
Trakya University Faculty of Medicine
Edirne, 2201.2006
Skills
- Addiction Psychiatry (Alcohol, Substance, and Behavioral Addictions)
- Schema Therapy (ISST Certified – Ongoing Supervision Training)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy
- Stigma Reduction and Mental Health Awareness
Certification
2022-2023 (Ongoing) Schema Therapy (ISST) Supervision Training - ISST
Affiliations
- APA – American Psychiatric Association
- BPD – Addiction Psychiatry Association
- STD – Schema Therapy Association
- TPD – Turkish Psychiatric Association (Active Member, Alcohol and Substance Addiction Study Group)
SELECTED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & PANELS
- International Alcohol and Substance Addiction Congress (Northern Cyprus, 2019) – “Abuse and Addiction of Gabapentinoids”
- 1st National Smoking Cessation Congress (Antalya, 2019) – “Smoking and Sexuality”; “Attitudes of AMATEM Clinic Staff Towards Smoking”
- 12th National Alcohol and Substance Addiction Congress (Antalya, 2018) – “Prescription Drug Misuse: First, Do No Harm!”
- 11th National Alcohol and Substance Addiction Congress (Antalya, 2017) – “Public Perception of Substance Users”; Organizing Committee Member
- 10th National Congress on Addiction (Antalya, 2016) – “Relative Stigmatization in Alcohol and Substance Use”
ACADEMIC AND EDUCATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- Resident Training Programs (2017–2020):
- Alcohol Withdrawal and Delirium Tremens
- Assessment Scales in Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders
- Opioid Withdrawal and Maintenance Therapy
- Distance Learning Module (2020): “Prevention of Stigmatization in Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders,” Ministry of Health
- Public Education (2019): Tobacco Awareness Seminars, Bakırköy Mental Health Hospital
BOOK CHAPTERS
- Basic Book on Addiction Diagnosis and Treatment (Nobel Medical Publishing, 2021) – “Opioid Use Disorder”
- Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders: Comorbidity and Special Cases (2019) – “Alcohol and Substance Use and Stigmatization”
- Opioid Use Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment Guide (2017) – “Opioid Use Disorder in Special Groups: Elderly, Quality of Life, and Stigmatization”
RESEARCH & THESIS
- Recognition and Differentiation of Facial Emotional Expressions in Alcohol Dependence: The Relationship Between Alexithymia and Personality Dimensions
- Advisor: Dr. Elif Mutlu – Bakırköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital (2014)
CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Development of Combined Schema–Samba Therapy Model for addiction treatment
- Evidence-based interventions for stigma reduction and treatment adherence
- Integration of psychiatry education and digital tools in early intervention models
- Community-based mental health awareness and prevention programs
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH
- Contributor to Turkey’s National Tobacco Cessation Programs (2016–2020)
- Speaker at national and international addiction conferences promoting anti-stigma frameworks
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Empathetic and analytical psychiatrist with a strong sense of public responsibility. Advocates for the integration of mental health care, education, and social rehabilitation to improve recovery outcomes and promote inclusive, stigma-free treatment environments.
Timeline
Independent Psychiatrist & Consultant
Private Practice & Yeşilay Rehabilitation Center (Green Crescent)
10.2022 - Current
Psychiatrist
Bakırköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital, AMATEM Clinic
01.2015 - 01.2021
Psychiatrist (Compulsory Service)
Siirt State Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2015
Resident Psychiatrist
Bakırköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital
01.2008 - 01.2014
Specialization - Psychiatry
Bakırköy Mental Health And Neurological Diseases Hospital
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) -
Trakya University Faculty of Medicine