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Neuro-Behavioral Clinical Research (NBR) represents a thoughtful approach to understanding the complexities of the human mind. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Shishuka Malhotra, NBR was created to foster a research environment that is scientifically rigorous while remaining attuned to the needs of the community it serves.
The organization’s mission extends beyond advancing knowledge in brain and behavioral science, focusing on supporting individuals in achieving stability and access to care. “The essence of our work,” says Dr. Malhotra, “is to allow science and compassion to advance together, helping people receive care while contributing to discoveries that may improve lives in the future.”
NBR aims to serve as a bridge between neuroscience advancements and accessible mental health care. Designed to engage directly with the community, the organization integrates research with supportive programs that reach those who might encounter barriers to care.
Over the past two decades, NBR has expanded its clinical focus to encompass a broad spectrum of mental and neurological health, including psychiatry, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and women’s health. The team also explores innovative treatments, such as psychedelic-assisted therapies for anxiety and depression, alongside metabolic and GLP-1 interventions for the obesity epidemic in the United States. Facility expansions and increased clinical capacity reflect an adaptive approach that integrates research innovation with responsiveness to community needs.
Another hallmark of NBR’s work is engagement with diversity and community. “We acknowledge that historical experiences have sometimes shaped mistrust in research, so we emphasize representation and inclusion in our programs,” Dr. Malhotra notes. The team reflects the diversity of the populations it serves, fostering an environment of empathy and cultural awareness.
Community impact remains a guiding principle across NBR’s work. Clinical research is viewed as a way to foster trust, education, and awareness. Individuals are encouraged to participate not only for potential personal benefit but also to contribute to the broader understanding of treatments in diverse populations. The organization emphasizes transparency in its protocols, intending to make research processes accessible and comprehensible.
The Ohio Center for Hope, a nonprofit initiative founded by Dr. Malhotra, complements NBR’s research activities by providing care for those who may not qualify for trials. The center offers psychiatric evaluations, counseling, and access to community resources without cost or insurance requirements. Programs focus on quality of life, social stability, and equitable access to behavioral and neurological health support.
“In regions such as Cleveland, where wait times for care can be long, we aim to provide pathways for timely support,” Dr. Malhotra shares. “We strive to treat every interaction as an opportunity to support someone’s journey toward wellness.” Together with NBR, the center reflects a philosophy that places the well-being of each individual alongside the pursuit of scientific understanding.
Neuro-Behavioral Clinical Research stands as an example of how scientific inquiry can remain deeply connected to the communities it serves. By emphasizing accessible care, diversity, education, and research innovation, NBR creates pathways for individuals to achieve stability and empowerment while contributing to the evolution of mental health understanding.
