Dr. Vanessa Luchtan Finkelman is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in individual, couples, family, and group therapy for individuals across the lifespan. With a primary focus on the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders and adjustment-related issues, such as grief and phase of life changes, Dr. Finkelman aims to assist clients with addressing their present concerns while developing the skills and mindset to manage future challenges. Believing that the therapeutic relationship is an integral component and agent for change, she utilizes a warm and empathic approach to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive space that motivates individuals to evolve and challenge themselves. Dr. Finkelman works closely and collaboratively with clients to understand their specific needs, goals, personal strengths, life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and other diversity factors. She feels this is critical in developing the targeted treatment plan and trust needed for effective collaboration and therapeutic gain. While she often employs a cognitive behavioral therapy lens, Dr. Finkelman also incorporates other evidence-based treatments for an integrated and individualized treatment approach that best suits and supports each client.
Throughout her clinical training, Dr. Finkelman conducted comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments and provided individual, family, and group interventions to culturally diverse populations in community mental health, private practice, and inpatient hospital settings. Specifically, during her APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Internship at Memorial Regional Hospital, Dr. Finkelman focused on crisis stabilization and provided individual and group interventions for inpatient psychiatric populations across the lifespan. In community mental health clinics and private practice, she provided outpatient services and completed in-depth assessment evaluations for youth and adults with academic, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns. Additionally, Dr. Finkelman has experience attending school observations, consulting with faculty and personnel, and providing extensive feedback to clients and other stakeholders to help inform appropriate interventions.
Dr. Finkelman earned both her master’s and Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She graduated from Northwestern University with double bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Art Theory and Practice. During her graduate program, Dr. Finkelman conducted research and co-authored academic and professional posters and presentations related to culturally sensitive psychological assessment and mindfulness-based art therapy strategies for stress management. She is fluent in conversational Spanish.
