Dr. Michael Friedman
Co-founder, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Michael Friedman is a clinical psychologist and Co-Founder of the Behavioral Science Institute. He specializes in evidence-based treatments for OCD and anxiety disorders (social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias) and is an experienced trainer, supervisor, and clinician. He has particular expertise in parent-based interventions for disruptive behavior disorders, ADHD, and early childhood anxiety, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), PCIT-CALM, and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). He is also extensively trained in comprehensive assessment of complex diagnostic presentations, ensuring accurate case formulation and targeted treatment. Drawing on this foundation, Dr. Friedman works closely with each patient to design a personalized, goal-focused treatment plan that maximizes outcomes and delivers meaningful change.
Dr. Friedman’s approach is grounded in advanced training and close mentorship from field leaders in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and early childhood interventions. Trained in PCIT and PCIT-SM by Dr. Steve Kurtz, a world expert in early childhood disorders and parent-based interventions, Dr. Friedman is a certified PCIT therapist and trainer, and a candidate to become a Certified Regional Trainer in PCIT. He received specialized training in diagnostic assessment and evidence-based treatments for anxiety and related disorders at the Rutgers Youth Anxiety and Depression Clinic (YAD-C) under the mentorship of Dr. Brian Chu. He furthered his training under the supervision of Dr. Alec Miller in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a comprehensive treatment approach to broader emotion regulation challenges.
Dr. Friedman has delivered talks for clinicians, trainees, and community partners at institutions including Rutgers University, ABCT, PCIT International, and others. His research interests include using intensive treatment options to accelerate and enhance treatment gains, and developing ways to improve the quality of mental healthcare by integrating evidence based interventions and technology, a topic he is particularly passionate about. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University and completed his bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Law at Ner Israel Rabbinical College. Prior to his career in psychology, Dr. Friedman taught high school and college-age students. He is an active member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT).