Dr. Abdelhamid Afana
Senior Clinical Psychologist, NCCCR
Dr. Abdelhamid J Afana is a Senior Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist with extensive multicultural expertise in psychological distress and trauma. His work bridges individual mental health with broader cultural contexts, emphasizing culturally informed care.
With postdoctoral education in Social and Transcultural Psychiatry from McGill University, his research has significantly contributed to understanding trauma representations, survival strategies, and cultural idioms of distress.
A significant focus of Dr. Afana's recent work is transforming cancer care at the NCCCR. He is developing a pioneering model of culturally accepted psychosocial oncology services for patients and their families, seamlessly integrating this support with medical treatment. He has pioneered the use of art-based approaches in psychotherapy for patients with cancer. His dedication extends to educating oncology staff while prioritizing critical care for medical professionals themselves, which is a crucial intervention against burnout. He is widely trusted and respected by his colleagues, patients, and the broader medical community for his compassionate and innovative leadership.
Dr. Afana is the founder of the New Global Mental Health Network and co-founder of Bridges for Mental Health Services, where he currently leads the Psychosocial Oncology Services at the NCCCR. Previously, he served as President of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) and has designed ACGME-I-accredited training programs for psychiatry residents. An award-winning fellow, he has contributed to WHO mental health guidelines and has a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications.
Trusted and respected by colleagues, patients, and interdisciplinary teams alike, Dr. Afana combines clinical excellence with visionary leadership in psychosocial oncology, creating a lasting impact through his compassionate and innovative approaches to integrated mental healthcare.
