Yaritza Waddell

Yaritza Waddell, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in evaluations and treatments for children, adolescents, and young adults. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University and completed her predoctoral training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Dr. Waddell focuses on treating trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood and anxiety disorders, and disruptive behaviors. She applies evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with and without developmental disabilities.

Her expertise extends to addressing the psychological impact of medical conditions, helping individuals and families improve treatment adherence, coping strategies, adjustment, pain and anxiety management, and overall behavioral health outcomes.

Dr. Waddell prioritizes holistic, patient-centered care and has provided services in diverse clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient programs at hospitals and academic medical centers. Her research interests include family dynamics and their influence on mental health, as reflected in her dissertation examining the effects of perceived family functioning on depression, anxiety, stress, and social competence among young adults.