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Dr. Nelson Handal, MD

Dr. Nelson Handal, MD

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry*
40+ years of experience

Dr. Nelson Handal, MD is a child & adolescent psychiatrist in Dothan, AL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Handal has extensive experience in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. He graduated from Universidad Mayor De San Andres, Facultad De Medicina in 1981. He is affiliated with medical facilities HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and Mizell Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.7 Star Rating
Based on 27 reviews 4.7 Star Rating (27 reviews)

Practice

408 Healthwest Dr Dothan, AL 36303
Telehealth available

Make an Appointment

(334) 702-7222

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Handal specializes in the areas of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychiatry. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ • See hospitals
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Dr. Handal's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Handal

4.7
27 ratings, 9 with a written review
5 star
89%
89%
4 star
4%
4%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
7%
7%

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The last thing I wanted to do was have to medicate my child for behavior, but when she came home with an F in conduct I was left with no other option . Dr. Handel is one of the most patient doctors I have ever met. My child was literally upside down in the chair and he managed to sit with her and talk for over 30 min about school and life and I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome. Hands down the best parenting decision I have ever made.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dothan , AL – Jan 03, 2019
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Great experience and excellent staff
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jun 09, 2018
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Dr. Handal is truly a treasure to the area. His CliniCom assesment is an industry leader for both Dr and patient alike, and I am so thankful I am a patient under his care. His staff went above and beyond for me as a new patient, even helping me gain a sooner appointment when one became available two months before I was originally scheduled. The facilities at Dothan Behavioral are also top-notch and very impressive.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
May 11, 2018
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I have always had a fear of Doctors. Especially when it comes to my children. One thing I feared more than Doctors is putting my child on medication. But it came to a point my son wasn't succeeding in school. So, I was referred to Dr. Handal. Best decision I could have made was taking Dr. Handal's advice. Never once did he tell me what I have to do. He explains different options to me and goes into complete detail about each option including pros and cons. He has been a blessing in our life's!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Amy DeFazio in Dothan, Al. – Apr 28, 2018
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My 8 year old went from making F's, D's and maybe C's. On his test. He is in a IEP program so he is aloud to retake test with a one on one teacher reading him the questions and answers. 1st week he seen Dr Handal. His grades went straight to A's with an occasional B and 1 C. With no help from teacher. No retaking test. All on his own. It's amazing. A dream come true.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Michele McDuffie in Geneva, AL – Feb 27, 2018
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He is a great doctor and really helps and listens to his patients I would recommend him to anyone
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jessica McAdams in Opp, AL – Sep 20, 2017
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I m the minister of a young man who has been seeing Dr. Handal over the past year for problems related to depression and other psychological disorder. Dr. Handal demonstrated great care and concern for the patient and his mother despite a language barrier (Korean). His professionalism and knowledge in diagnosing and treating Hyosang has been quite encouraging to the parents and of great benefit to Hyosang. I would feel very comfortable in recommending the services of Dr. Handal to others.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jerry L. Ogles (for Hyosang An) in Enterprise, AL – Apr 25, 2017
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Dr. Handal really listens and does a great job. He has worked with me for 2+ years and has improved my symptoms and genuinely seems to care about me and my mental health.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Enterprise, AL – Dec 10, 2016
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Dr Handal has worked with my son for almost 3+ years and under his care, I have watched my son transform to a brilliant and more sensitive young man. For everyone that knows him when we first arrived in AL, none of them can believe that this young man is the one they encounted over 3 years. Dr. Handal was very careful in placing my son on medications that allowed him to focus/grow and with every feedback he adjusted to fit his needs. If you are in this area check him out. We will miss him/staff
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Doris I. Anakwe in Enterprise, AL – Apr 08, 2016
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Know Before You Go

About Me

care philosophy

I believe in providing the patients with easy access, listening to them, gathering as much information as possible, being empathic, explaining my understanding of the problem from several angles (i.e. biological, family, work, relationships, etc) and formulating a plan that includes testing, therapy and medical care.

  • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

  • Psychiatry

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine

    Fellowship Hospital, 1996

  • Suny At Syracuse College Of Medicine

    Residency Hospital, 1994

  • Syracuse University Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 1990

  • Universidad Mayor De San Andres, Facultad De Medicina

    Medical School, 1981

  • University Of Heidelberg

    Undergraduate School, 1977
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology®
- 
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- 
Psychiatry
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

  • English

  • German

  • Spanish

Focus on Depression

Locations

Practice

Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic PC408 Healthwest Dr Dothan, AL 36303
1
Key Changes LLC101 Medical Dr Dothan, AL 36303
2
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 6:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 6:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 6:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 6:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Directions

Practice

Emerald Coast Therapeutics PLLC141 Mack Bayou Loop Ste 301 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
3

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Mizell Memorial Hospital

    702 N Main St
    Opp, AL 36467

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    86%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    4% higher than the national average

    82%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    6% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital

    449 W 23rd St
    Panama City, FL 32405
    Recipient of 8
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    80%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% lower than the national average

    73%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality