Meet Bella Su Yadanar, MA, Doctoral Practicum Clinician

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Bella Su Yadanar has worked in the behavioral and mental health field since 2019 across community mental health, substance use treatment, behavioral intervention, and residential care settings. Her experience includes working with children and teens with ADHD and autism, facilitating individual and group therapy in residential substance use treatment, and supporting adults navigating mental health concerns, addiction, and major life stressors.

Bella earned her B.S. in Biopsychology from the University of California Santa Barbara and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School, where she is currently completing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Her approach to therapy is flexible, collaborative, and grounded in authenticity. Bella does not believe therapy needs to feel overly clinical or scripted, and she adapts her approach based on what each client needs in the moment. She uses CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Seeking Safety, while also emphasizing practical problem-solving, skill-building, and self-understanding. She is supervised by Dr. Liane Roberts, PsyD (PSY#36228).

Bella works with adolescents and adults and has particular interest in identity exploration, substance use, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. She also recognizes the impact that political stress, economic uncertainty, and constant exposure to distressing news can have on mental health, especially for clients who already feel overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted.

Trust is a central part of Bella’s approach. She focuses on creating a space where clients can speak openly, feel respected, and work toward realistic goals at a manageable pace.

As a first-generation student, immigrant, and Asian clinician who speaks Burmese, Bella values culturally responsive and affirming care. She is especially passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ clients and individuals navigating questions around identity and belonging.

Bella approaches substance use from a nonjudgmental perspective and is particularly interested in helping clients better understand the role that coping, stress, shame, and survival strategies can play in addiction and recovery.