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Crystal L. Nelson, MD

Psychiatrist

I am a board-certified psychiatrist, published author, and national speaker with over 17 years of psychiatric experience. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, helping individuals navigate a wide range of mental health concerns. I am passionate about educating my patients, empowering them to take an active role in their healing, and providing compassionate, individualized care. In 2023, I was honored to receive the Atlanta Top Doc Award in Psychiatry from my peers in healthcare.

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Spelman College and my Doctor of Medicine degree from Morehouse School of Medicine, where I received the distinguished Arthur Pruce Award. I completed my General Psychiatry Residency at Virginia Commonwealth University and pursued specialty residency training in Geriatric Psychiatry at Emory University.

At Ascend Medical, I believe mental health is an essential part of whole-person care. My goal is to help patients feel heard, understood, and supported while working collaboratively toward improved mental wellness and a better quality of life.

Check out what patients are saying!

Today was my first visit for Spravato treatment but I'm already so encouraged after my visit. For my very first phone call I knew this was the place for me. There's such a warm, embracing energy and I can't wait to continue my journey to wellness.

Debbie

Smiling middle-aged woman with curly hair wearing a patterned blouse with arms crossed confidently.

Doctor Nelson was awesome as always today. She listens so intently and then gives the medical answer as well as her personal opinions/ideas to my questions. She seems to care about me as a human not just as a patient. I highly recommend her.

Brenda

a woman with her arms crossed

Dr. Nelson is amazing! She actually listens to your problems and helps find solutions along with medication management. Those two things have to be combined for the best results. I have been with her for about four years now and couldn't be happier!

Amber

Smiling blonde woman with wavy hair wearing a light gray sweater with arms crossed confidently

The medication has changed my life, while we also took a look at other things that affect my health. I'm grateful for the path they helped get me on.

Kyle

Smiling man with beard and mustache wearing a light blue denim shirt with arms crossed

Education & Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science, Spellman College, GA
  • Doctorate of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, GA
  • General Psychiatry Residency at Virginia Commonweath University, VA
  • Specialty Residency training in Geriatric Psychiatry, Emory University, GA

Awards

  • The 2023 Atlanta Top Doc Award in Psychiatry
  • Arthur Pruce Aware, Morehouse School of Medicine

Publications

  • Author of "A Blueprint for Better Mental Health"
  • Co-Author of "Against All Odds" with Lisa Nichols, 2024

Hobbies

  • Writing
  • Traveling
  • Spending time with my family and 3 children

Motivation

  • I am passionate about educating my clients about mental health and empowering them in the healing process

If I wasn't a provider..

  • I would still be involved in the mental health field helping people heal

Fun Fact

  • I am an author!
Crystal L. Nelson, MD

Crystal L. Nelson, MD

Psychiatrist

Proudly Helping Patients For
 17+ Years

5 Average Rating

Specialties

  • TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

  • Spravato (FDA Approved Depression Treatment)

  • Depression

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Cancer

  • Chronic illness

  • Dementia

  • Dual Diagnosis

  • Family Conflict

  • Geriatric & seniors

  • Grief

  • LGBT care

  • Marital & premarital

  • Mood disorders

  • Nutritional Psychiatry

  • OCD

  • Personality disorders

  • Pregnancy

  • Prenatal

  • Postpartum

  • Relationship issues

  • Insomnia

  • Spirituality

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Weight loss

  • Women's issues

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