Therapists for college students near 60611

Hi! A lot of the students I work with have spent much of their lives being "the responsible one," who keeps the peace, reads the room, and puts everyone else first. I work with students who are navigating things like anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, trouble setting boundaries, identity questions, and figuring out how to exist in spaces that don't always feel welcoming. Together, we'll sort through the expectations that have piled up, get curious about who's underneath them, and build the kind of confidence it takes to show up for oneself. I welcome students of all races, ethnicities, immigrant backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, faiths, abilities, body sizes, and socioeconomic statuses. If you’d like to learn more or explore whether we’re a good fit, I would love to hear from you! You can email me at uma@shanmughampsych.com or call me (617) 990-9450. You can also learn more at www.shanmughampsych.com I look forward to connecting with you!

Jill Jensen, LCSW, provides a compassionate and empathetic space for individuals and families across Illinois. With a focus on understanding and honoring each client?s unique experiences, Jill helps create an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to take steps toward their mental health goals. Serving children, teens, young adults, and adults, Jill supports clients facing various challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and childhood behavior issues. Jill is especially passionate about helping clients navigate concerns related to body image and self-esteem, understanding the deep impact these issues can have on mental health and overall well-being. With specialized experience in addressing school avoidance and eating disorders, Jill employs evidence-based approaches to foster growth and resilience, particularly for adolescents and young adults who may be struggling to find balance and confidence in their lives.

Tekeia Hinton is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is experienced in working with anxiety disorders, transitional stress, substance use, depression, loss, crisis, and trauma. She uses techniques from many therapies including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She also incorporates skills of mindfulness and education. Tekeia received her Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She particularly enjoys the fall season and learning about new cultures.

Inshirah Hajjar, LSW, is a dedicated social worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals across Illinois in navigating life?s challenges. She provides compassionate care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, fostering a safe and collaborative environment for healing and growth. Inshirah specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and reproductive challenges, using personalized strategies to empower and build resilience. Inshirah is particularly passionate about addressing developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Her integrative approach includes evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Parenting Skills. Whether working with children facing behavioral concerns or adults navigating complex life transitions, she tailors her methods to meet each client?s unique needs. Her expertise also extends to treating depression, grief, and ADHD. Inshirah excels at guiding clients through midlife and later-life transitions, helping them adapt to change with confidence and hope. Additionally, she offers case management and group therapy services to ensure comprehensive support for a variety of concerns.

Stephanie Alvarez, LCSW, knows going to therapy is a vulnerable experience, so she creates a safe and inviting environment to allow her clients to express themselves in an honest way. In sessions, she takes a holistic approach to tailor therapeutic tools that best support each client's needs. She also considers a client's social and cultural background to enhance her understanding of each client. Each person has a different path to healing, and she enjoys discovering that path together. Stephanie uses a combination of modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed interventions, and psychodynamic influences.

Gosha Thornton is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2010. She studied at University of Chicago, The Crown Family School of Social Work, Roosevelt University, and the School of Psychiatric Nursing in Poland. Gosha offers a lifelong focus on providing wisdom and empathy that is centered on the well-being of the clients. Although she has academic training, Gosha keeps her practice grounded in the realities of everyday life. Outside of work, Gosha enjoys music, art, theater, decorating, cooking, and exercising.

Hattie Stein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work, and also holds a Bachelor's of Arts from DePaul University. Hattie offers a warm, compassionate, and tailored approach to working with clients and utilizes a combination of dialogue, psychoeducation, and evidence-based practices. Through gentle challenging, Hattie helps clients see beyond rigid thoughts, patterns, and beliefs and support them through actionable steps towards a more fulfilling life. Hattie's training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy allows her to meet clients where they are at and provide them with tools to become the architect of their own life. Outside of work, Hattie enjoys spending time with friends and family, podcasts, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

Robin looks forward to collaborating with clients to increase their understanding of themselves and the challenges they may be facing. Robin uses a variety of approaches, customized to the needs of her clients. Robin operates on the premise that people thrive when treated with dignity and respect. By providing an environment of acceptance and non-judgment, Robin supports clients as they identify and utilize their strengths, values, and abilities to overcome obstacles and live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Robin especially enjoys helping clients challenge old beliefs and behaviors and incorporate new ways of thinking to foster long-term improvements in their overall quality of life. Robin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a Master's degree from Adler University in Counseling and Organizational Psychology. Robin has worked in a number of community mental health settings with variety of populations. Robin particularly enjoys working with adults, whether it be managing day-to-day issues or navigating difficult life transitions.

Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been practicing since February 2018. She graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a Masters in Art Clinical Psychology in Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. Lisa believes in integrating Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis to provide counseling treatment services. Lisa believes whatever client brings into session should be the focus and hope to empower as well as support client in working through life's journey. Her main areas of focus include (but not limited to) working with individuals living with emotional regulation issues, dealing with life transitions, substance use issues, and those seeking safe space to share life experiences. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys walking, reading books, and spending time with personal animal.

Philip Montgomery, LPC, PhD, has a track record of delivering high-quality services to individuals with a variety of emotional difficulties. He believes each client's voice needs to be heard and their stories validated to allow them to feel safe so the work can begin. Philip earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University and a PhD from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is highly experienced in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, personality disorders, LGBT challenges, relationship difficulties, and a variety of social challenges facing African American males in the community. Throughout his career, Philip held a variety of clinical and managerial positions with both community-based organizations and private entities. He also holds an academic position with Roosevelt University in the department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling lecturing for their graduate Masters program.

Brighid Morse, LSW, ASW, is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health who serves adults and seniors across Florida. With a unique and holistic approach to mental health care, Brighid brings an understanding of how systemic forces shape individual well-being. Their practice emphasizes collaboration, creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported. Brighid believes in the power of community and approaches therapy as a joint effort, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. For them, mental wellness is deeply interconnected with addressing societal issues, and they are committed to challenging oppression and promoting empowerment. Brighid's experience in crisis response, combined with their identity as a queer therapist, allows them to offer a therapeutic space that is affirming and sensitive to the needs of marginalized individuals. They are particularly passionate about supporting clients within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as first responders and veterans.

Ms. Shauntai P. Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois with more than 14 years of experience in the field. She holds an MA in School Counseling Psychology and specializes in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions to individuals with various mental health challenges. Ms. Taylor adopts a client-centered and collaborative approach to counseling, tailoring interventions to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Her therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, active listening, and fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and address their concerns. Ms. Taylor is committed to staying current with the latest developments in the field of counseling through regular participation in workshops, seminars, and advanced training courses. Outside of work, Ms. Taylor enjoys traveling, music concerts, theater performances, church, and family time.

Shannon feels that the relationship that she has with a client is the most important aspect of counseling. With a safe and trusting environment, Shannon and her clients can collaboratively work through their specific needs together. She believes that clients should feel as though they have power in counseling, in their decision-making and in their lives. Shannon believes open and honest communication about ones' difficulties and the counseling process is key to success. Shannon hopes to create a brave space where clients can be vulnerable, try new things and speak openly in a position where they feel accepted rather than judged. Counseling can be uncomfortable, and it can also be fun and rewarding. Shannon finds it important to bring humor to counseling in addition to the hard work that occurs at each session. While Shannon uses different approaches and techniques with each client; a strengths-based approach is central to her work. Everyone seeking treatment does so with strengths that continue to bring success throughout the journey. The first of these strengths is making an appointment and seeking the change for which they are ready. These strengths are often the driving force behind successes in treatment, help to build courage and tap into other strengths and assets.

Ganime Nazif, LCSW, CADC, is dedicated to helping individuals and families in Illinois navigate life's challenges with compassionate, expert care. At LifeStance Health, she offers a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns, develop coping strategies, and work toward their personal goals. Ganime specializes in treating conditions such as alcohol and drug use, PTSD/trauma, and depression, providing evidence-based interventions tailored to each client's unique needs. Ganime is particularly passionate about supporting those struggling with alcohol and drug use. As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), she combines her clinical expertise with deep empathy to help clients on their journey to recovery. She believes in a holistic approach that not only addresses the symptoms but also fosters long-term well-being and resilience. In her practice, Ganime works with a wide range of clients, including adolescents, adults, and seniors. Her therapeutic methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, and Individual Therapy, which she adapts to best suit the individual's situation. Ganime also has a strong commitment to serving diverse populations.

Linda Quizhpi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with both her bachelor's and master's. Linda has worked with a wide range of age groups and diverse populations. Linda takes into consideration all aspects of a client's life as a whole in order to create a unique treatment plan to help address one's needs. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused interventions, dialectical behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, play therapy, and person-centered interventions. In her free time, Linda enjoys reading, journaling, and working with local advocacy groups aiming to promote positive change.

Dr. Raymond Gonzales, MD, is a compassionate psychiatrist dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults in Illinois through life?s challenges. With a personalized approach, he blends therapeutic techniques and medication management to create a safe, supportive environment where patients can navigate mental health concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Dr. Gonzales emphasizes fostering emotional independence, helping individuals and families build resilience and confidence as they work toward meaningful change. Dr. Gonzales is particularly passionate about helping individuals address anxiety, ADHD, and depression. He takes a collaborative approach, working closely with his patients to tailor treatment plans that meet their unique needs. His expertise includes guiding patients through school avoidance, addressing childhood behavioral challenges, and managing trauma-related conditions like PTSD. By fostering trust and providing evidence-based care, Dr. Gonzales empowers his patients to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.

Nina Dismukes has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with attention issues, learning disabilities, substance use, self-esteem, expressing emotions, trauma, coping skills, and more. Nina believes that effective therapy is a soulful-healing process that takes time, patience, loyalty, self-love, and the openness to communicate. Nina feels that it is important to help empower patients by allowing them to express themselves in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe. She works collaboratively with clients, encourages them to be themselves, and motivates them to help ensure their personal goals are met and that treatment has been successful. Nina Dismukes has received her Master's Degree from Marquette University in Clinical Mental Health with a specialization working with children and adolescents. During her time at Marquette, she was the Diversity Leader for her class and felt strongly about diversity and inclusion in the world of mental health involving people of color and the stigma behind those factors. Although Nina has used different approaches, she does not believe in one therapy working for one individual or a specific diagnosis.

Jaclyn Weiss, LSW, is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space for clients throughout Illinois. She brings warmth and compassion to her practice, fostering a comfortable environment where clients can work on their mental health challenges. Jaclyn specializes in helping adults and seniors manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). With extensive training in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), she offers a structured approach to equip clients with coping skills and emotional regulation techniques. Jaclyn is particularly passionate about supporting clients through life transitions, including midlife changes, later life adjustments, and health-related challenges. She works with individuals experiencing grief, helping them process loss and build resilience.

You don’t have to carry this alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or stuck in patterns that feel impossible to break—please know that you’re not alone. It takes incredible courage to reach out for help, and that first step can be the beginning of real, lasting change. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing. I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, low self-esteem, and parent-child relationship difficulties. I understand how complex and deeply personal these struggles can be. That’s why I offer a flexible, compassionate approach tailored to your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all solution. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. We’ll focus on building practical coping strategies, strengthening your emotional resilience, and helping you reconnect with a sense of stability and purpose. Healing is possible—and it starts with a conversation. If you’re ready to take that next step, or even if you’re just thinking about it, I invite you to reach out. Schedule an appointment or send a message today. Let’s work together to help you move toward a healthier, more balanced, and empowered life.

Gretchen Aich (she/her), PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Gretchen has advanced training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care and works with children, adolescents, and adults, including Spanish-speaking clients. Gretchen brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, private practice, and telehealth. Her background includes supporting individuals in crisis, working in community and court-mandated programs, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. During her clinical training, she worked extensively with children and adolescents with complex needs, provided substance use and court-ordered therapy, and assisted with advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO and TMS. In her work with clients, Gretchen creates a safe, judgment-free space grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and uses a collaborative, flexible approach to care. Through active listening and evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, she partners with clients to set meaningful goals and support healing in a way that fits their lives.