About Dr. Fineman

I am a UCLA trained psychologist with a Ph.D. in Psychology. I also have a Masters in Dance Movement Therapy from UCLA and enjoy incorporating my background in the arts whenever possible. I received my undergraduate degree at Northwestern University in Theater and moved to the Los Angeles area in the early 1990’s to pursue further training in mental health related fields.

I completed my clinical training at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute (now Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior) where I specialized in assessing and treating young children on the Autism Spectrum. I also received training in adult psychotherapy and worked at The UCLA Child Development Clinic, while also maintaining a private practice where I treated both adults and children.

I moved to the Bay Area in the early 2000’s and worked at The Children’s Health Council in Palo Alto while also maintaining a part time private practice. In the mid 2010’s my colleagues and I started a multidisciplinary assessment and treatment center (Mosaic Child and Family Therapy Services). While Mosaic is no longer a group practice, my colleagues and I maintain professional relationships and continue to perform multidisciplinary assessments when indicated.

In my current practice, I am committed to providing comprehensive assessments (that can include cognitive, neuropsychological, academic, social/emotional/behavioral assessment) and importantly an assessment that provides a picture of the entire child. These assessments are often utilized by parents and guardians to advocate for their child in IEPs, and/or in private school settings. I also routinely attend IEPs to advocate for my findings. I feel strongly that assessments for children must include some type of naturalistic observation (in schools and/or in home) and particularly enjoy this aspect of my work. I advocate a team approach and welcome the opportunity to include other professionals in the assessment process.

In my work as an individual therapist, I enjoy working with clients of all ages and often follow my therapy clients off/on from early childhood through college and beyond. I particularly enjoy working with parents of children who may have special needs as I have a long history of working with neurodiverse adults and children.

I am aware that navigating the world of assessment and therapy can be overwhelming and I look forward to hearing from you to determine if I can be of support to you and/or your child. I am one of the lucky few who love what I do and have always felt passionately that every client deserves my best effort.