Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

You might be someone who, from the outside, has built a life that looks steady—getting into college, building friendships, increasing responsibilities—but inside, you feel more anxious, alone, or unsure of yourself than expected. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, self-esteem, identity, and relationships—often shaped by life transitions, adjusting to a new environment, or disappointment and unmet expectations. These experiences make sense. Navigating them alone is hard. College is hard! My work is grounded in the therapeutic relationship. I believe growth happens in the context of feeling safe, understood, and emotionally supported. I strive to create a warm, attuned, and collaborative space where we gently explore patterns shaped by relationships, attachment, and life experiences. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you’re used to carrying it all on your own. You don’t have to know where to start to begin. If you’re curious about working together, I invite you to reach out. I'm available in-person in the North Shore of Chicago or virtual across Illinois. I'd be so glad to partner with you!

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Feeling more overwhelmed than usual? Noticing the weight of past experiences getting in your way? Looking to move toward healing? Wanting to lean into a healthier version of yourself? These types of thoughts are common. We all struggle, at times, with how we react to different situations. Our life experiences and environments have an affect on our thoughts, feelings and emotions. I believe that you are capable of breaking patterns that no longer serve you and finding your way towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. I offer support in your growth towards more ease and grounding no matter the circumstance. I will offer you a secure space that is welcoming and open to all as well as filled with compassion, acceptance, and curiosity. I believe that you will find me easily approachable and responsive to your unique needs and experiences. I hold a relational focus because the connection that you and I create is essential for the work it takes to get you closer to what you are looking for in your life. I am authentic and honest in my approach because we are humans coming together in a common experience that requires trust and vulnerability to be able to work on hard things together.

As a therapist specializing in mental health and substance abuse, my goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive, and compassionate space where you can begin or continue your journey toward recovery and wellness. My work is guided by deep empathy for the challenges you face. I know that reaching out for help can be difficult, and I’m here to listen without judgment, offering the understanding and validation that can make all the difference in the therapeutic relationship. I look forward to walking the path of self-discovery and recovery with you.

I specialize in overthinking, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Clients who come to me often struggle with feeling “enough.". They often feel an imbalance in their lives and are quick to sacrifice self-care for others or in the face of stress. They feel their emotions strongly and sometimes feel controlled by them, leaving them often emotionally and physically drained. My clients are ready to create change in their lives and feel more peace of mind.

I earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in Psychiatry from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am proud to say I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a true believer that not one of my fellow humans is immune to stress, anxiety, and feelings of sadness at some point in their life. We all find ourselves feeling vulnerable at times. It is completely normal to question why we feel the emotions that we do, why we seem to fall apart at times, and better yet, how we can get through it all in one beautiful piece. I think the first step to meaningful recovery from anxiety, depression, complex mental illness, and/or substance use is to reach out and ask for help. It is a difficult, but very brave action. I am not one to judge, look down on, question your past experiences, or current situation. I am very good at rationally breaking down a situation and I can offer practical advice and medication suggestions depending on your goal in mind. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I integrate a medical-model approach with supportive therapy to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. While diagnostic labels can help guide medication decisions, my focus is on understanding the deeper context of your challenges—exploring symptom triggers, emotional meanings, and how relationships influence your coping style. Mutual respect and trust are the foundation of my practice, and I am committed to creating a relaxed, non-judgmental space where honesty, transparency, and collaboration empower you to take an active role in your treatment. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, addiction, OCD, complex grief, and chronic illnesses. Together, we’ll work toward authentic growth, healthier choices, and a more positive outlook on life.

Hi, I’m Payton Smith, and I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, pressure, or expectations. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe enough to explore your experiences, process what’s been weighing on you, and begin to make sense of your story. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths while building the tools needed to navigate life with more confidence. I use a flexible, collaborative approach that allows me to meet you where you are and adapt to what you need in each moment. I value going beyond surface-level conversations and creating space for meaningful, honest work.

Through compassion and support, I strive to empower my clients to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and autonomy. My objective is to equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate their personal journeys with confidence. Recognizing that each person comes from a unique background with varied needs, I prioritize a collaborative therapeutic process tailored to your specific circumstances. I am committed to creating a safe, judgment-free environment where questions and feedback are always welcome. While therapists are often seen as “experts,” I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own life. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in working with children aged 11+, teens, college students, emerging adults, and adults from diverse backgrounds. I take an eclectic approach, integrating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Art Therapy, Bibliotherapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Practices to help you achieve your goals. Commonly, I support individuals experiencing anxiety, ADHD, low self-esteem, perfectionism, life transitions, and challenges related to college or emerging adulthood. I also work with clients to manage stress, build coping skills, address women’s issues, and explore the impact of being a child or an adult child of an alcoholic or dysfunctional family (ACOA) and (COA). Alongside my clients, I help identify areas requiring focus, set meaningful goals, and develop skills to foster a sustainable holistic approach to long-term emotional well-being. I am dedicated to helping individuals confront life’s challenges with courage and will always meet them where they are on their personal wellness journey.

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I earned my **Master’s degree in Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University in 2008** and became a **National Certified Counselor (NCC #247220) in 2016**. I have been a **Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois (LCPC #180.011277) since 2017**. With more than **14 years of counseling experience**, I have worked with adolescents, college students, and adults facing a wide range of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in helping individuals manage **anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, substance use concerns, stress, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions**. I understand that the college years can bring unique pressures—academic stress, uncertainty about the future, balancing relationships, adjusting to independence, identity exploration, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. My goal is to provide a supportive space where students can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and develop practical strategies to succeed both personally and academically. My background includes work in **outpatient, residential, in-home, rehabilitation, foster-care, correctional, and telehealth settings**. I have experience providing **individual, group, and family therapy**, with a strong focus on helping clients improve emotional regulation, executive functioning, stress management, communication skills, decision-making, and healthy relationship patterns. I take a **collaborative, nonjudgmental, and strengths-based approach** to therapy. Together, we will identify your goals and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and values. I want clients to feel safe, heard, and respected throughout the counseling process. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual and may include evidence-based methods such as: * **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** * **Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)** * **Mindfulness-Based Interventions** * **Solution-Focused Therapy** * **Motivational Interviewing** * **Attachment-Based Therapy** * **Behavioral Activation** * **Person-Centered Therapy** * **Positive Psychology** To help students get the most out of therapy, I often provide **practical exercises, skill-building activities, and between-session strategies** that can be applied in daily life, academics, and relationships. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and I would be honored to work with you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your college experience.

Hi, I’m Jaime! I’m a licensed therapist who creates a supportive, nonjudgmental space for students navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or big life changes. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered to take steps toward healing and growth—at your pace, and in your way.

Hi there! My name is Estefi and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, social anxiety, and school issues. I have more than 11 years of experience working as a therapist with clients of varied cultures, ages, and backgrounds. I specialize in working with college students or young adults facing a variety of personal, academic, professional, and psychological challenges. In my practice, I celebrate the uniqueness of every person and believe in the power of the trusting working relationship between client and therapist. I personalize my interventions based on the client’s needs, challenges, and goals. I use different therapeutic models while maintaining a strength-based perspective. Some of the therapeutic methods that I use are psychodynamic theory, systems theory, person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, CBT, and EMDR. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I was born and raised in Argentina, but I've been living in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years.

My approach to therapy Together, we’ll untangle the stress, overthinking, and self-doubt that keep you feeling stuck. I help you build practical tools to manage anxiety, set boundaries, improve communication, and make decisions with more confidence. Our work is collaborative, honest, and focused on real-life changes you can apply outside of sessions.

I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as of 2023. I started out as an RN nine years ago and have experience in mental health. I received my Master's Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from Northern Kentucky University. I take great pride in being able to help patients when they need it most, fully aware of how difficult it can be to battle with mental health issues. I’m committed to making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. I believe in taking a holistic approach to mental health, understanding that each mental health problem and situation is unique for each individual—no single scenario is ever the same. I look forward to embarking on your mental health journey with you and will always be nonjudgmental, supportive, and empathetic to your needs. Schedule your session easily through our online booking link. Click "Website" to find a time that works for you.

Licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience providing Telehealth in Illinois. My clinical training and practice has primarily centered on college students and the unique challenges of emerging adulthood. Areas of focus include eating disorders, anxiety disorders and performance/perfectionism guided by principles of trauma-informed care. Modalities used include CBT, DBT, ACT and psychodynamic therapy. Please see my website for more information about me.

We are a team of clinical social workers specializing in yoga/mindfulness, EMDR, and CBT. Our understanding is that in order to truly heal, we must honor our whole-body and mind working together. Many of our clients find that much of their suffering is stored throughout their bodies as anxiety, depression, and stress begin to take over. We support students as they navigate the unfamiliar and sometime daunting transition into adulthood and offer a warm, hopeful guide towards joy and purpose. Our virtual counseling services are available to individuals located in Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Vermont, Maine, Illinois, and California. We welcome you to get to know us, the services we offer, and reach out to schedule session.

When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by life? Have you been waking up and feeling that existential dread a little bit more and more as the days go by? Do you want to scream into the void a lot? Same, let's do that together! My name is Shelby and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, and phase of life transitions. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and integrate cultural humility within all of my sessions. I believe there is no such thing as "TMI" in therapy and that this is your space to be, authentically, unapologetically, YOU!

Trauma impedes our natural ability as humans to be able to identify and reach goals, and connect and form relationships with others. I know that this can all be worked through with a positive therapeutic relationship and guidance to rediscovering the inner knowing you possess about what you truly need to thrive. My personal approach to therapy is what allows for others to connect with me- I am laid-back, direct, funny, caring, and most of all, nonjudgemental. I provide that open space of comfort that is needed to be your authentic self.