Innovative Psychiatrist, Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA, Leads the Charge in Modern Mental Health Care

Setting New Standards in Patient Care and Mental Health Research

Dothan, Alabama – Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA, a distinguished child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and visionary leader, is making significant strides in the field of mental health care as the Founder, Chairman, and Medical Director of the Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic (DBMC) and Investigator at Harmonex Neuroscience Research (HRX). With a commitment to enhancing the quality of patient care through innovative technology and comprehensive clinical practices, Dr. Handal has transformed DBMC into a thriving mental health facility, serving around 250 patients daily, including many who travel great distances for specialized services.

Dr. Handal’s extensive academic background laid the foundation for his impressive career. He began his studies at Ruprecht Karl University in Heidelberg, Germany, before earning his Degree from Universidad Mayor de San Andrés in La Paz, Bolivia, his hometown. He completed his internship and residency in general psychiatry at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse, followed by a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Miami School of Medicine. His diverse education equips him with a unique perspective on mental health, allowing him to address a wide range of patient needs effectively.

Recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Handal is also a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Currently, he serves as a Preceptor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he is shaping the future of mental health care through his mentorship and expertise.

As a passionate researcher, Dr. Handal has been the primary investigator in over 70 clinical trials, contributing to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge and treatment. In the late 1980s, he led one of the first global telemedicine referral services, showcasing his commitment to utilizing technology in mental health care. His innovative spirit continues to shine through with the development of CliniCom®, an online psychiatric assessment tool that has assisted over 60,000 patients over the past 15 years, streamlining the patient evaluation process and enhancing accessibility to mental health services.

Dr. Handal’s exemplary contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades, including the Heroes in the Fight Award from Mental Health America, The Excellence in Public Mental Health Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Patients’ Choice Award, and the Mental Health Professional of the Year Award for Alabama. Furthermore, he has been recognized as one of America’s Top Psychiatrists by the Consumers’ Research Council of America, and DBMC has earned the Best of Dothan Award in the Physicians category from the U.S. Local Business Association.

Dr. Handal’s dedication to his patients and the field of psychiatry has established him as a leading figure in mental health care. His recent features in prestigious publications such as Smithsonian and Forbes further highlight his commitment to innovation and excellence. As he continues to lead DBMC and HRX, Dr. Handal remains focused on improving mental health care for all, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care and support they deserve.

 

Learn More about Dr. Nelson M. Handal:

Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/8128007-Nelson-Handal-psychiatrist-Dothan-Alabama-36303/, through Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic, https://dbmclinic.com/our-team#handal or through Harmonex Neuroscience Research, https://hrxinfo.com/our-team 

About FindaTopDoc.com

FindaTopDoc is a digital health information company that helps connect patients with local physicians and specialists who accept your insurance. Our goal is to help guide you on your journey towards optimal health by providing you with the know-how to make informed decisions for you and your family.

Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson is an Associate Content manager for FindaTopDoc and responsible for working with distinguished physicians in documenting their significant accomplishments in their field. Karen is a CPR instructor and is a member of her local theater group.