Dr. Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA
Psychiatrist | Psychiatry
408 Healthwest Dr Dothan AL, 36303
About
Dr. Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA, is a distinguished child and adolescent psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. He is the Founder, Chairman, and Medical Director of Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Dothan, Alabama, where he provides care for patients with autism, ADHD, OCD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Additionally, Dr. Handal serves as Medical Director at Flowers Hospital, an inpatient psychiatric facility. An expert in his field, Dr. Handal has contributed extensively to clinical research and is a renowned national consultant and speaker. He has developed the CliniCom Psychiatric Assessment Software to enhance mental health care quality, showcasing his dedication to integrating technology with clinical practice. Dr. Handal's innovative work has been featured in Business Week and recognized by the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Dr. Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA's Videos
Education and Training
University of Miami School of Medicine
Universidad Mayor de San Andrés MD 0
Greater Bolivian University of San Andres Medicine
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology - Certified in Psychiatry
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology - Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Provider Details
Dr. Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA's Expert Contributions
Spotlight Video | Treating ADHD | Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that often begins between ages 3 and 6 and can persist through adolescence and adulthood. It comes in three main types:...
Spotlight Video | Signs Of Autism In Children | Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA
Dr. Nelson M. Handal is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist who is the Medical Director of Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Dothan, Alabama.Dr. Handal is the Founder, Chairman, and Medical Director of Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic (DBMC) and Harmonex Neuroscience Research...
Understanding the Overlap of ADHD with Depression and Anxiety
Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPAJune 28th, 2024Depression and Anxiety in the Context of ADHDDepression and anxiety disorders often occur alongside attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at significant rates. Estimates suggest that about 18% of adults with ADHD also experience major depressive...
Can social anxiety disorder be fixed?
Social anxiety treatment often combines therapy, medication, and self-help strategies, tailored to each individuals needs. Heres a breakdown of effective treatment options: 1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is the most researched and effective therapy for social anxiety. It helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Exposure Therapy, a subset of CBT, involves gradually facing feared social situations to reduce anxiety over time. This could start with low-anxiety situations and progress as confidence builds. 2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT encourages accepting anxiety as part of life and focuses on engaging in meaningful activities, even with anxiety present. It helps people live more aligned with their values rather than being limited by fears. 3. Medication Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or paroxetine are commonly prescribed for social anxiety. They help balance serotonin levels, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers (such as propranolol) can be helpful for short-term management of performance-based anxiety, such as public speaking. Benzodiazepines may be used in the short term, though they are typically prescribed with caution due to potential dependency. 4. Mindfulness Meditation and Relaxation Techniques Mindfulness practices teach individuals to stay present and reduce anxious thoughts. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can help manage anxiety in the moment. 5. Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Regular Exercise: Physical activity can lower anxiety levels by releasing endorphins and improving mood. Sleep and Diet: Good sleep hygiene and a balanced diet support mental health and reduce overall anxiety. Reducing Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can increase anxiety symptoms, so moderating intake may be beneficial. Nelson Handal MD READ MORE
Clinical Trials
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Holds the patent for the CliniCom Psychiatric Assessment Software -
- Local and Regional Public Speaking in Association with Pharmaceutical Companies for Peers -
- Founder, Chairman and Medical Director Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic (DBMC) & Harmonex Neuroscience Research (HRX) -
- Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine -
- Investigator Harmonex Neuroscience Research (HRX) -
- Preceptor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine -
Awards
- o Child and Adolescent Clinical Scholar Award, University of Miami School of Medicine 6/22/96.
- o National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) – National, Excellence in Mental Public Mental Health Award 2008
- o Guide to America’s Top Psychiatrists 2007 Edition, Consumers’ Research Council of America
- o Guide to America’s Top Psychiatrists 2009 Edition, Consumers’ Research Council of America
- o Guide to America’s Top Psychiatrists 2008 Edition, Consumers’ Research Council of America
- o Mental Health America Award, Heroes in the Fight, 2009
- o Humanitarian Award, VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Clemency) Southern Region, 2010
- o Fellow American Psychiatric Association, 2009.
Professional Memberships
- Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (DFAPA)
- Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Fellowships
- University of Miami School of Medicine Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1994
Internships
- General Psychiatry at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse in Syracuse, New York
Fellowships
- Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida 1994
Professional Society Memberships
- American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Articles and Publications
- Dr. Handal participates in extensive clinical research and has been primary investigator in over 70 clinical trials. He is a national consultant and speaker.
- Validation, reliability, and specificity of CliniCom Psychiatric Assessment Software. Nelson Handal, James P. LePage, Philip Dayley, Barbara Baldwin, Amellia Roeser, Joni Kay, Heather Ann Theobald
- A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Study to Determine the Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of a Controlled Release (CR) Formulation of Mazindol in Adults with DSM-5 Attent
What do you attribute your success to?
- -Support of family -Perseverance
Areas of research
- Extensive experience in clinical trials with psychotropic medications. Dr. Handal has been the Primary Investigator in over 30 studies since 2002. Research interest includes: Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Schizophrenia.
Areas of research
Extensive experience in clinical trials with psychotropic medications. Dr. Handal has been the Primary Investigator in over 30 studies since 2002. Research interest includes: Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Schizophrenia.
Dr. Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA's Practice location
Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic (DBMC)
101 Medical Drive -Dothan, Alabama 36303Get Direction
Dr. Nelson M. Handal, MD, DFAPA's reviews
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Media Releases
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.
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Nearest Hospitals
FLOWERS HOSPITALl
4370 WEST MAIN STREET DOTHAN AL 36305