Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

In our therapy sessions, we’ll work collaboratively to increase your insight and better understand the deeper roots of the current problems that you are facing. Together, we will increase your ability to better tolerate difficult emotions, more effectively cope with the issues that you are facing, and create a problem-solving style that works for you. My empathic, direct, and empowering clinical style will help you discover the best version of you. Here are some of my specialties: *Generalist *Interpersonal, Relational Style *Adults *Individuals *LBGTQ+ Affirming *Depression *Mood Disorders *Anxiety *PTSD/C-PTSD *Trauma Informed *Substance Abuse *Self-esteem/Assertiveness/Boundaries *Grief/Loss *Relationship Issues *Understanding unhealthy family/childhood patterns & roles and changing how these are repeated in one’s adult relationships *Narcissistic abuse recovery

Whether you’re seeking clarity around a current challenge or hoping to create deeper, lasting change, therapy offers an opportunity to understand and rework patterns that affect your relationships or hold you back. With advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, I view the therapeutic relationship as central to growth and healing. I bring empathy, openness, humor, and genuine curiosity to our work. Most importantly, I believe therapy should feel collaborative—a partnership where we deepen understanding, create new possibilities, and support meaningful change.

I am Isa Bogart (they/she), a queer and nonbinary therapist with a background in survivor advocacy and sexual education. I am a provisionally licensed therapist practicing in the Chicagoland area with a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I take a compassionate, creative, and anti-oppressive lens to approaching mental wellness, meaning that I center autonomy, self-expression, and authenticity. As a queer individual, I am passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and supporting individuals in navigating their queerness and other identities. Also as a survivor of sexual violence, I find purpose in working with survivors and supporting them in healing and reclaiming joy. I believe every individual should have access to mental health resources not only in times of crisis, but also when they want support in thriving. I am interested in an integrative, relational, and creative approach to counseling, utilizing skills from Internal Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic/Body-Based Practices. Reaching out for support and prioritizing your well-being isn’t easy – I hope you’re proud of yourself. If you’ve found yourself here, maybe you are looking to try something new with your mental health and self-care. Maybe you are looking to reclaim your life by unlearning harmful past scripts formed by trauma, upbringing, and societal expectations. Maybe you are looking to explore new or pre-existing identities that you hold. Perhaps you are looking to grow in self-compassion and want to honor and celebrate all parts of yourself. Or maybe you just need a safe space to process all the pain, trauma, and grief that exists in the world today. Whatever feelings and experiences have brought you here today, you are seen here. Together, we can build a space full of warmth, compassion, and authenticity that allows you to safely explore the patterns in your life that contribute to pain and distress. In our space, I will integrate specific approaches to guide our work together - utilizing Internal Family Systems, Feminist and Queer Theory, Liberation Psychology, somatic practices, and creative expression just to name a few. I am passionate about meeting you where you are at and creating an environment that is collaborative and resonates with your unique needs and life experiences. I promise to bring my authentic self with me into the therapy room and will support you in doing the same! By making room for your whole self without judgment, we will work through feelings of shame and work towards valuing your whole, genuine self. In my clinical work, I make space for my clients to process, grieve, rage, and organize around the systemic violence and oppression they face. This looks like asking my clients how they are feeling and processing global atrocities, naming systemic oppression when it shows up in the therapeutic space whether in our clinical relationship or in the client's experiences, supporting the client in unlearning internalized forms of supremacy or oppression, and being clear about my values. I fundamentally believe that mental health and wellbeing is political, and that in order to be truly supportive, counselors must consistently weave racial justice and social justice into their work. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my community and loved ones (ideally outside and in the sun), cuddling my two cats, cooking delicious meals, rock climbing, and browsing local shops. I am a lover of horror movies, reality TV, tarot, astrology, and tattoos. I welcome you bringing your own interests into our therapy space! Additionally, I am a certified domestic violence and sexual violence counselor. Before starting my training as a counselor I worked in advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and relationship violence, as well as in sex education for teens and young adults, two issues I am extremely passionate about. As a queer and non-binary person, I am passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and supporting individuals in navigating their queerness, relationships, and other identities. I take private insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Evernorth, UnitedHealth) as well as private pay ($130/session). In addition to working individually, I also work with relationship systems, couples, and families! To anyone reading this, I am sending caring energy your way and hope to hear from you soon!

Charissa Simon-Wright earned her BA in Criminal and Social Justice from the University of Arizona (formerly Ashford University), MS in Psychology with a Specialization in Addictions from Perdue University (formerly Kaplan University). Charissa has received a doctoral degree at Walden University- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology. She is a member of Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, since June of 2019. Charissa has also obtained certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP-I), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Charissa has worked passionately in the behavioral health field for over fifteen years with children and families in multiple roles such as a case manager, housing specialist, family preservation worker, and counselor. While working at the second largest health department in Illinois, Charissa gained vast knowledge and skills that encompasses group counseling, individual counseling, clinical assessments, crisis counseling, addiction counseling, and trauma counseling. Charissa believes in treating the whole person. This means that she takes into consideration the underlying factors that can inhibit a person’s ability to practice healthy habits, so that she and the client can address the root of the issue and not just the symptoms in a collaborative manner. Charissa believes that the client is in charge of their own treatment which creates a sense of autonomy and empowerment that enables the client to move towards identified goals.

I specialize in assisting adults with relationship and family concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and identity exploration and development. I also have a passion for working with young adults, university students, and developing professionals as they navigate life transitions. I provide individualized, collaborative, evidence-based treatment. Body-image concerns and sports performance are also areas I am well-versed within.

I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their experiences, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship concerns, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic challenges. With a genuine and authentic presence, I empower clients to reach their fullest potential. Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City and raised in a culturally rich Nigerian-American household, I am deeply committed to enhancing mental health care within marginalized communities. A fierce advocate for social justice, I recognize the profound influence of systemic oppression on well-being and strive to address the intersectional nature of social injustices in my work. I believe that therapy is most effective when centering clients' unique cultural backgrounds and values, helping them navigate and resist oppressive structures. Through my experience providing therapy at the Buffalo State University Counseling Center and my ongoing doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at the APA-accredited program at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, I have become attuned to the unique challenges and joys faced by students and early career professionals. - I offer limited evening and weekend availability.

I specialize in helping college and graduate students manage anxiety, stress, and navigate relationships. My approach to therapy is rooted in wellness, incorporating mindfulness techniques that are both practical and powerful. Whether you're dealing with the pressures of academics, relationship challenges, or personal stressors, I’m here to support you in finding balance and clarity. In our work together, I integrate a variety of mindfulness exercises—some that you can use in the moment when you're feeling overwhelmed, and others that, with practice, will help you build long-term resilience. My goal is to equip you with tools that not only address immediate concerns but also foster your overall well-being. I offer both virtual and in-person therapy in Chicago, allowing us to create a space that fits your needs. Whether you're on campus, at home, or balancing a busy schedule, therapy is accessible and fits into your life. If you're ready to take a proactive step toward managing your stress, anxiety, or relationship challenges, let’s connect and work together to create a meaningful path forward.

My work as a therapist is deeply rooted in connection. Creating a safe space is essential in order to explore and uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings. Considering important aspects of connection such as attachment style, communication, and intimacy can enhance not only the relationship with one’s self, but also with others. I am passionate about working with individuals who have survived trauma, live with anxiety, depression, grief, codependence, as well as interpersonal and internal conflict. My individualized care caters to each client and meets them where they are, while considering each of their identities. Building strong connections with each client is essential as well as my belief that each person is the expert of their own experience. I have worked with many students and understand academic stress as well as the many adjustments that come along with being a student in higher education. I am here to provide support, understanding, and non-judgement.

Evolve Wellness is a modern therapy practice designed for college students navigating life’s challenges. We offer a warm, inclusive space to explore stress, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationships, and the impact of today’s social and political climate. Affirming & inclusive: We provide compassionate support for LGBTQ+ and nonbinary students, honoring every part of who you are. Trauma-informed care: Our therapists help you process and heal from past experiences safely and at your own pace. Flexible & accessible: Choose in-person or virtual sessions, with evening and weekend options that fit your schedule. Holistic growth: We integrate evidence-based methods (CBT, ACT, Mindfulness) with a focus on self-understanding, values, and connection. At Evolve Wellness, you’re not alone. You belong. You matter. Let’s heal and grow together.

School can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of change. For many students, being in a campus environment can also bring increased body image pressures, stress, and challenges with eating, making this a time when eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns often show up or become more intense. I've spent years specializing in eating disorders and OCD across higher levels of care and outpatient private practice, giving me the experience to support you wherever you are in your recovery. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you can build practical tools, feel more like yourself, and spend less time stuck in symptoms and more time living the life you want.

At Restartt, we work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, emotional dysregulation, addiction, procrastination, relationship stress, and life transitions. Many clients feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, avoidance, people-pleasing, shame, or self-defeating behaviors. Our team uses evidence-based approaches, including REBT and CBT, to help clients understand how their beliefs influence emotional distress and behavior. We focus on building emotional discipline, self-awareness, healthier coping, and lasting behavioral change.

Erika Siesennop, Beckie Magnuson, and Sarita Aguirre are Registered Dietitians who specialize in working with individuals who struggle with disordered eating and body image. An anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach. We accept BCBS PPO and Blue Choice PPO plans.

Are you carrying pain that feels too heavy to name, let alone heal? Do the things you’ve lived through feel like a weight you can’t put down, or old wounds that echo into the present? Do you struggle to trust your emotions, or feel like they run the show? Or maybe you feel disconnected from others? Yet, even in the midst of all that, there’s a part of you longing for something different? Hello and welcome! I work with folks navigating complex trauma, deep emotional pain, and unjust systems. Through the use of collaborative, non-judgmental, and anti-oppressive frameworks, we center your resistance, healing, and self-determination. I integrate a variety of therapeutic interventions including Internal Family Systems (IFS)/ parts work, DBT, grounding techniques, and mindfulness to help you accomplish your goals and move through shame, guilt, depression, loneliness, anxiety, overwhelm, anger, trauma/c-PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-hatred, interpersonal distress, and emotion regulation. Here, healing is not a linear path or a checklist to complete. It is a remembering, a reclamation, radical act, it is relational. As an autistic, queer, trans non-binary therapist, I believe that you are inherently worthy as you are, and still, you deserve to carry heavy burdens more lightly. If you're ready to begin, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Our mission at Center Focused Therapy is to provide the highest level of ethical, competent and intentional treatment to our clients. We appreciate how difficult it can be to start therapy and do not take this decision lightly. Whether you have a clear idea of what you hope to address in therapy or are unsure of where to begin, our therapists are determined to meet you where you are in your own journey of healing and growth. Interested in learning more? Email or call us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

I am a pre-licensed clinical psychologist specializing in individual therapy for adults, including young adults and college/graduate students. My therapeutic approach is rooted in psychodynamic and relational frameworks, with an emphasis on exploration and understanding of how your experiences have shaped the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. I strive to help clients feel empowered by integrating skills- and values-based interventions drawn from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I view therapy as a collaborative process and bring an empathetic, compassionate, and curious approach to helping clients identify patterns that may keep them feeling stuck while building the confidence to make meaningful changes. My areas of specialization include supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, non-suicidal self-injury, relationship and dating concerns, family issues, identity exploration, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), perfectionism, stress, grief, and self-esteem challenges. I also work with couples and welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and with intersecting identities, including first-generation individuals, immigrants, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and international students. I strive to provide a culturally responsive and affirming space where clients can bring their full selves to therapy. *I am able to accept BCBS PPO, select BCBS HMO sites (see below for complete list), Blue Choice, Aetna, and Cigna plans. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) from The Chicago School and am currently working toward independent licensure. My professional experience includes providing care to adults and adolescents across higher levels of care—including inpatient hospital settings, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs—as well as university counseling centers and outpatient private practice. I grew up on the East Coast and have called Chicago home for the past five years. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, connecting with loved ones, trying new restaurants, and attending comedy shows, concerts, and neighborhood festivals. Accepted HMO Sites: - 099: Advocate Medical Group West - 124: Advocate Lutheran General Physician Partners - 294: Advocate Good Samaritan Physician Partners - 302: Advocate Christ Hospital Physician Partners - 331: Advocate Good Shepherd Physician Partners - 357: Advocate Illinois Masonic Physician Partners - 398: Advocate Medical Group - 464: Advocate Condell Physician Partners - 474: Advocate Sherman Physician Partners - 600: Advocate Health Care

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois with over 10 years of experience. I’m also a Board-Certified Art Therapist and hold a trauma professional certification. I work with individuals 13 and up around concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, self-harm, self-esteem, and trauma. I take a holistic, strengths-based approach that honors your whole self. I draw from a variety of treatment approaches, personalizing care to focus on what feels most supportive for you. As an Art Therapist, I offer art making as an outlet for emotional healing and joyful creativity. Art Therapy can be especially helpful to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to verbalize, while also supporting self-worth and mind–body connection. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and believe it is the foundation for meaningful change. I bring compassion, curiosity, and respect to each session, honoring that change can be both brave and hard. You don’t have to do this alone—I’ll be alongside you as you build skills, connect with your strengths, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life. “Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” -Brené Brown

My name is Jenny Logan (She/Her/Hers), and I have over a decade of professional experience in my field. I am dedicated to supporting clients in cultivating more meaningful and fulfilling lives, even in the face of mental health challenges. I am passionate about helping clients strengthen their relationships, heal from attachment wounds and trauma, navigate parenting challenges and life transitions, and address issues such as perfectionism, substance use, grief and loss, social anxiety, and self-acceptance. My work focuses on supporting clients living with chronic pain and conditions, substance use, trauma, and mood related disorders. I am deeply committed to creating affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+, parents, women, young adults, BIPOC, and neurodivergent clients. We focus on fostering a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable at your own pace. I know that opening up can take time. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my cats, embracing my role as an aunt, and watching true crime documentaries. I also love road trips, exploring new restaurants, & singing along to music in the car.

I am a Counselor with a passion for supporting emerging adults as they wade through the complexities of today's world. I believe in a Person-centered , Humanistic approach to therapy. Building therapeutic relationships based around trust and mutual respect, fostering an environment of non-judgement, positive regard, and authenticity. I assist my clients on their journey towards their desired goals, working together we will discover ways to spur personal growth and foster a greater sense of fulfillment in one's life, utilizing, expanding, and developing skills and abilities, including ones you might not even know you already have. I have experience working with a broad range of clients. I particularly enjoy working with emerging adults struggling with life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. I also have a strong interest in working with clients involve in the creative arts. As well as those living with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. Utilizing my own experience gaining a BFA in Filn and Television from DePaul University, and being informed by my journey with Legal Blindness. I strive to listen and understand without judgment, and to honor each client's individual perspective on life and the world around them. I am excited to collaborate with my future clients, providing compassion and support as you tackle life's many hurdles. I have immediate availability for new client's, including weekdays and weeknights.

Ami Goetz received her Masters from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (Top-Ranked). She is a compassionate and motivated therapist who strives to create a safe, accepting environment to help clients overcome obstacles, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals. Ami has extensive experience partnering with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. She has high interest in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, sexual assault, life transitions, grief, disabilities, executive functioning, and relationships. Ami also works well with patients who struggle with executive functioning and time management as a part of her disability background. She utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed approaches, Mindfulness, and Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to foster self-acceptance and build resilience. Ami applies a strengths-based, holistic approach that tailors treatment to each individual’s particular needs. She is certified in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), is a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), and practices cultural competency, attunement, and humility to cultivate a nonjudgmental, safe space where the therapeutic relationship can continue to evolve and progress. Ami values transparency, equity, loyalty, and unconditional acceptance which she emulates in each session. She is passionate about partnering with clients to improve their daily lives and achieve their desired outcomes.

Hello there, I’m Elisabeth and I have spent my career working with adults across the life span; much of my experience lies in working with folks experiencing challenges within the developmental transitions of adulthood, such as parenting, midlife, and aging. As a therapist I value and aim for a collaborative, warm, and active approach to your concerns. Perhaps you are coming to a crossroads in your life – a challenging life transition, a shift in roles, relationships, or your identity. You may be experiencing increased stress, grief or loss, or physical or mental health challenges. Perhaps you are rethinking what is truly important to you in your “one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver, The Summer Day). It may be time to find an experienced professional to walk with you as you figure out what’s next, make a change, or how to cope better. My belief is that therapy starts simply with a conversation. Over time and with “a good fit” in the therapeutic relationship, these conversations can lead to a deep, trusting partnership with the capacity to promote self-awareness, growth and healing. My approach is client-centered; you are the expert of your own life, and my role as a therapist is to listen empathically, respond authentically, and use my skills and training to walk alongside you as a compassionate facilitator of your own unique experience. Like many therapists, my way of working is eclectic, yet also “evidence-guided”; this means I tailor my approach to each client informed by my areas of clinical expertise and experience, client preferences and needs, and what clinical research recommends. My work as an adjunct professor for graduate students at UIC, also informs my practice. As a social worker, I approach my work through an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally sensitive lens. This lens requires continual refocusing, awareness of my positionality and privilege, and is constantly evolving. Taking the first steps to finding a therapist can be overwhelming, but if this profile has caught your attention, please get in touch with me to set up a free consultation. I am in-network with all BCBS PPO plans (including ACA plans), United Healthcare/ Optum, and Cigna/Evernorth.