Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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!

My focus has been on individuals of all ages struggling with trauma, attachment, mood issues, and family issues. I work with individuals and families struggling with the effects of trauma, change, anxiety, and their relationships. I am here to help build a sense of safety, joy, and connection. As most people in this society, I have been affected by trauma, and I believe that my personal insight as well as my training and experience. I work with all ages, though I am unable to work with small children right now as sessions must be virtual. I love helping people feel more empowered and grow in their understanding.

I’m a licensed psychologist with specialty training in exposure therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders, evidence-based trauma treatments, and transgender and queer healthcare. My passion is engaging in short-term, collaborative change processes with people—helping them make their lives bigger and more fulfilling, while providing the skills to better weather the stresses of life. It’s a hard world to live in for many of us, and I believe one of the best things we can do is get connected to the people and things that make our lives matter, even when it’s hard. In my experience, the thing that usually makes us the most miserable is when we avoid our internal experiences and move away from the things we actually want and value. Therapy can build your resilience, help you get past the barriers to living the life you want, and give you tools to manage or overcome the symptoms that get in your way. My style of practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a treatment modality which can improve the symptoms of many problems in 12-16 sessions and emphasizes the practice of therapy skills in between sessions to maximize gains. My passion in CBT is exposure therapy: approaching the risks we are avoiding and learning, by living, what we are capable of. I have completed exposure therapy training at the Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Central Michigan University as well as a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for OCD and Anxiety Disorders in St Louis. Another passion of mine is improving access to, and quality of, healthcare for LGBTQ+ people. I helped develop a specialty queer & transgender mental health program at St Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and served as the clinical director of that program prior to beginning my work at CBT Solutions. In addition to CBT, in therapy I also incorporate strategies from Acceptance Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindful Self-Compassion. In couples work, I use the Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy. The integration of these strategies can address both short-term change and longer-term self-exploration work. I work with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma and PTSD, people coping with sexual assault, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobia, perfectionism, and unhelpful personality patterns. I particularly enjoy working with LGBTQ+ clients, and I welcome ethical nonmonogamy, nontraditional family structures, and kink lifestyles in my practice. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples / relationship partners. I look forward to getting to know you better! Schedule a free 20-minute consult so we can discuss what you want out of therapy and whether I am a good fit for helping you move towards your goals.

We can't always decide what happens to us in life, but we can choose what we do about it. I love working with clients who are open to building trust, ready to begin exploring, and want to create change. You don't have to have it all figured out right now, I would be honored to share space with you and start the process of rediscovering yourself. I have the most experience working with self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, difficult family relationships, romantic relationship stressors, gender identity, and sexuality. I want to learn what makes you unique, help you build trust in yourself, and help you reclaim your life narrative. My passion is in learning people's stories. I use trauma-informed techniques to look at the context of our lives, and together we can forge a new path forward towards the life you find most fulfilling. I draw from narrative therapy to learn about your story, and I use EMDR to help reprocess our experiences.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Struggling to escape the same old patterns? Looking to empower yourself and create change in your life? I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has spent my career assisting men in achieving their goals, making lasting and fulfilling relationships, and facing life's challenges head-on. I have worked with adults across the lifespan to address concerns about relationships, behaviors, substance use, and more. You will receive evidence-based, values-driven interventions to address your unique goals and needs. Through collaborative exploration you are empowered to write your own story and captain your own ship. You can expect to spend your first session with me identifying goals and highlighting strengths, values, and barriers. Clients will explore their beliefs and values to develop a personal roadmap to success. If you're looking to create change in your life and focus on what's important to you, please reach out to my listed contact and schedule an appointment. I look forward to seeing you!

Welcome, and thank you for reaching out. Emotional wellness leads to happiness and peace in your life and in your relationships. I'm here to help. Together we'll explore what's happening in your life, and how to live from a place where you can feel your best. I help people get curious about their feelings of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues, and understand how to feel more relaxed, and at ease in their life. My therapy style is relational, where you can feel heard, and seen, and supported. I have over 25 years of experience helping young adults navigate college, work, and all of their important relationships. I'd like to help you.

Margarita Kos is a board-certified Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Illinois. She obtained her MSN as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) from Loyola University and post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health certification from Maryville University. She has over 25 years of nursing experience that includes working in the emergency room, family practice, pain management, and psychiatric mental health as a registered nurse (RN) and APN. Margarita is fluent in English and Polish. Margarita is actively practicing in the Chicago-land area with a focus on maintaining mental health wellness, providing psychopharmacologic treatment management, and improving the quality of life of her patients through preventative healthcare. Her areas of special emphasis include mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of mental illnesses amongst the childhood, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Margarita is dedicated to providing compassionate care to her patients while maintaining a safe environment to promote therapeutic relationships. By actively adapting to the needs of each patient on a personal level, Margarita is able to assist patients in developing treatment plans to meet their goals and desired outcomes. Margarita strives to develop mental health treatment plans through various approaches including psychological or physical well-being, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies.

Are you looking for a place to find clarity on your relationships? Feeling so overwhelmed you aren't sure where to turn next? Or for a place to find school/life balance? We should talk. I help people like you find direction for their relationships and life. I specialize in those struggling in friend, family, and romantic relationships. I help those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, trauma, grief, and faith/spirituality. If you would like a caring space and support for a path forward you can send me an email and we can set up a free consultation and chat about your hopes for our work together.

Beth Thornton is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and completed her specialized psychiatric training at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Beth’s approach to care is grounded in patient-centered practice, where your unique needs, experiences, and values guide the treatment process. She is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment, emphasizing respect, empathy, and empowering you to actively participate in your mental health journey. Beth integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that address your individual needs. Passionate about demystifying psychiatry, she welcomes all questions and strives to make the process clear and approachable. "Empowering you to take an active role in your care is my passion. Every session provides an opportunity to review and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your concerns and goals are met. Life brings changes, and you deserve a flexible treatment approach that supports you through every season. Please note, I generally do not prescribe controlled substances during an initial consultation." Sessions are designed to be low-stress, and questions are always encouraged. You are unique, and we will take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs before crafting a plan that supports you in achieving your goals.

Do you feel stuck? Perhaps you recognize that something in your life isn't working and you've tried to fix things or make changes, but it didn't work and you find yourself feeling exhausted, defeated, confused, helpless, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Or maybe you have no idea where to start. You've landed in the right place because getting unstuck is my specialty. Reaching out for help is a courageous choice. I am honored to provide a safe space for clients to pause, reflect, process, learn, and grow. My goal is to empower clients to live fully and embrace a lifestyle that sustains a sense of well-being. I am licensed in NY, PA, IL, and NH, which allows me to support students year-round who may live in one state and go to school in another, or who plan to move to another state following graduation. Transitions are often a time of increased stress so finding a therapist who can be present *virtually* throughout is important. In addition to our work together in session, I make use of an app that is free to my clients to provide resources between sessions and collect data to create a personalized approach to treatment.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults who appear high functioning but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stuck. Many are navigating trauma, anxiety, or depression rooted in earlier life or relationship patterns, particularly those from BIPOC communities seeking culturally responsive care. I help clients slow down, understand these patterns, and build emotional regulation, clarity, and more stable ways of relating to themselves and others. I provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you develop insight, regulate emotions, and create lasting change. Spiritual integration, including Christian faith, is available if desired. If you have been holding it together on the outside but struggling internally, you are not alone. Therapy is a space to slow down, feel understood, and begin making meaningful changes. I provide accommodation letters for clients needing documentation for school or work. Healing should fit your life. When you are ready, reaching out is a powerful first step.

Charlie Health is a virtual behavioral health program for adolescents and young adults with moderate or severe mental health concerns or co-occurring substance use or eating disorders. Designed to meet the needs of those who require more than weekly therapy, our program combines curated group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy into personalized treatment programs. We are helping to serve those who are in crisis, or have been historically underserved, by eliminating the most significant treatment barriers: geographical and financial access. We work with nearly all commercial insurance nationwide and have no waitlist, thereby helping people access quality, evidence-based care regardless of insurance, location, or other barriers.

Hello! Are you struggling with generalized anxiety or social anxiety? Do you have excessive worries that control your daily functioning? Are you an athlete struggling with anxiety and perfectionism? Are you going through a major transition/adjustment in your life? Having family issues? What about acculturation? Dealing with 1st generation American issues with parents or 1st generation college student concerns? Struggling with career issues? I can help. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and EMDR (brain and body work) to address your concerns. I have expertise in Family therapy, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Issues, Trauma, Children impacted by Divorced parents, Anxiety, Career Counseling.

Are you longing to feel more connected—to yourself, to the people you love, or to what really matters? It’s common to move through life feeling stuck or off-track, even when everything looks “fine” on the outside. You might be craving more clarity, authenticity, or ease in your relationships—or simply a space to reconnect with your values and sense of self. I’m Dan, a counselor with over fifteen years of experience working with students and adults navigating anxiety and self-doubt, searching for meaning and direction, and striving to feel more authentic and connected in their relationships. Whether you're facing academic burnout, parenting stress, or communication struggles with a partner or family member, therapy can offer a space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in helping you reconnect with your strengths. In my work at Middlebury College and in private practice, I’ve supported people through moments of uncertainty, emotional stuckness, and growth—whether that means sorting through persistent thoughts, easing the physical toll of stress, or learning to speak more honestly and effectively with loved ones. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. We’ll work together with curiosity and compassion to help you feel more grounded, capable, and aligned with what matters most.

Could you use a safe space to process a major life transition? Are you looking for guidance on improving your relationships? I see therapy as a valuable tool to reflect on life, unpack how you're feeling, and discover what changes you can make to be more satisfied. My therapeutic style tends to be a good fit for clients who identify as perfectionists, struggle with anxiety and uncertainty, or who are experiencing stress from significant phase of life changes like starting school, getting married, or having kids. As a violinist myself, I love working with creatives, musicians, and performing artists. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and currently working towards my Perinatal Mental Health Certification. I strive to cultivate a supportive and compassionate relationship with my clients while also encouraging growth and accountability. I utilize evidence-based techniques, including ACT and CBT, to help clients improve their mental health. I also draw from my experience as a couples counselor to assist clients in developing more satisfying relationships. I received my EdS degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and hold a degree in Violin Performance from Northwestern University. I started my private practice, Vivant Counseling & Psychotherapy, in 2022. Outside of the therapy room, I love taking walks with my pitbull Rosie, cooking pasta, and British crime dramas.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) I have experience working with adults and immigrant populations who are navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness. As an immigrant, I can empathize with the unique obstacles faced by those adapting to a new environment and a different way of life. I take a client-centered, culturally responsive approach that recognizes each individual's distinct needs and experiences. I have experience working with individuals navigating both past traumas and the challenges of adjusting to a life that may differ from their previous expectations. I have also worked in hospital settings, supporting patients and their families from the moment of diagnosis through the emotional process of coping with illness and loss. In our first session, we’ll explore what brought you to therapy, what’s currently happening in your life, and what changes you’re hoping for. Utilizing a psychodynamic framework, we will uncover unhelpful patterns and defense mechanisms, helping you develop healthier coping strategies while processing uncomfortable emotions. Shall we dive in?