Dr. Alexandre Machado

Dr. Alexandre Machado is one of Europe’s leading clinical neuropsychologists, with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare. He combines extensive clinical and research expertise in neuropsychology, high-performance coaching, sports psychology, and military psychology with a unique background in strategic leadership and elite athletics.

Current Leadership Roles
• President – Emirates Neuropsychology Society
• Clinical Director & Clinical Neuropsychologist – Hakkini Mental Health Clinics, Dubai, UAE

CORE CREDENTIALS & AFFILIATIONS
Dr. Machado holds premier credentials across international regulatory bodies. He is a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Registered Clinical Neuropsychologist, a European Certified Psychologist (EuroPsy), and a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS). He is licensed by the Portuguese Psychological Association (OPP) and serves as the UAE Representative for the International Neuropsychological Society. His advanced technical certifications include being an accredited TMS Practitioner.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Dr. Machado’s clinical expertise integrates advanced neuromodulation with personalized cognitive rehabilitation, offering cutting-edge, evidence-based interventions for complex neurological and psychological conditions.

Clinical Neuropsychology
Comprehensive assessment and intervention for:
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ADHD, ASD, Learning Disorders)
• Neurological Conditions (Epilepsy, Neuro-oncology, Traumatic Brain Injury)
• Dementia & Neurodegenerative Diseases 

Clinical Neuromodulation
Expert in non-invasive brain stimulation and self-regulation techniques, including:
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Certified specialist utilizing targeted magnetic pulses to modulate cortical excitability, primarily for treatment-resistant depression, neuropathic pain, and rehabilitation of post-stroke cognitive deficits.
• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): Application of low-current electrical stimulation to enhance neuroplasticity, used adjunctively to accelerate learning in cognitive rehabilitation and treat conditions like chronic pain and focal deficits.
• Neurofeedback & Biofeedback: Certified practitioner employing real-time EEG and physiological feedback to train clients in self-regulating brain activity and autonomic responses, effective for ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, and peak performance training.

Cognitive Rehabilitation
Specialist in designing and implementing individualized, computer-assisted and behavioral rehabilitation programs to restore or compensate for impaired cognitive functions (e.g., memory, attention, executive functions, language) following neurological injury, stroke, or in neurodegenerative conditions.

Clinical Psychology & Performance
Provision of evidence-based psychotherapies (CBT, Dynamic-Interpersonal) for mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders. Specialized focus on Performance Psychology, applying psychological principles to enhance execution and resilience in elite sports, military, and corporate environments.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
His career path reflects a commitment to both clinical excellence and leadership:
• Emirates Neuropsychology Society  – President
• Hakkini Mental Health Clinics, Dubai – Clinical Director & Clinical Neuropsychologist
• Medcare Hospitals, Dubai – Clinical Neuropsychologist
• British Portuguese Mental Health Institute, Lisbon  Clinical Director & Neuropsychologist
• Central Psychiatric Hospital of Lisbon – Clinical  Neuropsychologist, Unit Coordinator Assitant 

UNIQUE BACKGROUND
Dr. Machado possesses a rare synthesis of elite-level experience:
• Former NATO Psychological Operations Expert (2003–2013)
• 5th-Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (IBJJF) & Professional MMA Athlete/Coach
• Hand-to-Hand Combat Instructor for Portuguese Marines & U.S. Army Special Forces

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
• Phd , MSc, Pgd, Bsc  Clinical Neuropsychology – Catholic University of Lisbon (UCL)

• Key Certifications: TMS Specialist (Maastricht University), Neurofeedback/Biofeedback Specialist (MindMedia), Computerized Assessment & Rehabilitation (Schuhfried Institute), Military Psychological Operations (NATO/US Army).