Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist. I provide sessions both in English and Spanish based on the needs of my clients. I provide a safe space for clients to share their unique stories and perspectives, allowing us the opportunity to learn more about their experiences and their behaviors. I am passionate about empowering my clients by helping them discover the tools they need to cope with difficult times and challenging feelings.

I work best with students and young adults who are thoughtful, overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of who they are while carrying a lot more than they should have to. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, burnout, family stress, or major life transitions like college, grad school, or early career shifts. I offer a warm, collaborative space where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out. Therapy with me is grounded, reflective, and practical. We focus on understanding your nervous system, building emotional regulation skills, and unpacking patterns that keep you stuck while honoring your cultural background, values, and lived experience. I am especially affirming of LGBTQ+ clients, BIPOC students, neurodivergent folks, and those who have felt misunderstood in previous therapy spaces. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with curiosity, compassion, and real conversations. We move at your pace, with the goal of helping you feel more steady, more connected to yourself, and more able to navigate life with clarity and confidence.

Holistically Divine Counseling is centered around providing a form of care that accounts for all areas of a person's life. Operating within the 8 dimensions of wellness, we empower our client's exploration, growth and pursuit of healing for the mind, body, soul and spirit.

Hello, My name is Ben De La Torre, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in my hometown of Chicago. I’ve been practicing therapy for over 20 years, working with individuals, families, children, teens, and adults across a range of clinical settings—including inpatient hospitals, outpatient behavioral health clinics, and public schools. I earned my Master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice in 2005 and currently offer virtual therapy services throughout the state of Illinois. My approach to therapy is humanistic and solution-focused, rooted in mindfulness and personal exploration. I believe in helping clients reshape the narratives of their lives—on their terms and by their design. Therapy with me is a collaborative process where we’ll explore your unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions to identify practical paths toward the changes you seek. I draw from a variety of psychological theories and developmental perspectives to tailor treatment to your needs. In our first session, we’ll discuss what brings you to therapy and begin identifying meaningful, effective strategies for progress. Over time, we’ll explore different perspectives and opportunities to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. If you're feeling stuck or simply ready to explore your next chapter, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I’m happy to answer your questions and help you determine if this is the right fit for you. Feel free to call, text, or email to book a consultation. You can also visit my website for more information about my services, registration, insurance plans, and payment options. I accept most major insurance plans, and private-pay sessions can be made by credit card. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you. Warm regards, Benjamin “Ben” De La Torre, LCSW

As a therapist, I strive to co-create a space of curiosity and self-compassion with my clients. I believe that healing and growth are best supported when individuals feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore their inner experiences. This collaborative environment allows for a deeper connection with oneself and the development of meaningful insight. My approach is grounded in two years of post-master’s training in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented modality that helps regulate the nervous system and process trauma. I also draw from polyvagal theory, psychodynamic principles, and attachment theory to inform my work.

Things may feel heavy right now, and as a younger person trying to make sense of it all, it is no surprise you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Between social expectations and constant news cycles, you may be unsure of your next step. We specialize in supporting teens and twenty-somethings who are navigating anxiety, depression, school stress, relationship challenges, and the “What am I doing?” moments that show up during significant transitions. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I also work closely with clients exploring their identities, including the overarching systems and pressures we navigate. Our experience as high school social workers informs my work with neurodivergent clients, making the complex feel practical by incorporating evidence and body-based practices. With humor, honesty, and a touch of sarcasm, we will identify patterns, strengths, and values to create tools that complement your life. Your story is worth telling, and so is the chance to reconnect with yourself through thoughtful reflection and action. Whether you are seeking support for the first time or have experience doing this work, you will be met with a down-to-earth and warm space where you can show up exactly as, and who, you are.

Pari Health & Wellness approaches therapy through a collaborative & client-centered lens. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Drawing from evidence-based practices such as mindfulness and CBT, I’m committed to transparency—not just in thought, but in dismantling the cognitive barriers between who you’re taught to be and who you truly are. I work with you to identify goals and build coping strategies while fostering this meaningful change. I integrate solution-focused, holistic techniques to help you develop self-awareness, resilience, and tools for navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re addressing anxiety, depression, grief, child sexual abuse, or personal growth, my focus is on empowering your transformation at your pace.

Welcome! I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes and parenting issues. In my practice, I have worked with families, individuals, and children/teens. As a woman of color, I am especially passionate about working with female BIPOC children, adolescents, and adults. I find it deeply rewarding to work with clients to reach their goals and achieve overall better well-being. I create a strong relationship with my clients by giving them an environment where all of their feelings are welcome.

Empowered Mind Therapy is a private practice serving college students and young adults throughout Illinois. We specialize in supporting students navigating anxiety, academic stress, burnout, relationship concerns, life transitions, and family challenges. College can feel overwhelming, whether you're balancing classes, work, finances, or figuring out your next steps. We provide a supportive, structured space where students can build coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and gain clarity during stressful seasons. We offer: • Individual therapy (Virtual) • Flexible scheduling for students • Spanish-speaking services • Acceptance of BCBS PPO, BCBS Community (Medicaid), Aetna, and other major insurance plans

Are you tired of facing your problems alone, yet feeling unsure about discussing them with a stranger? Are you feeling trapped in your anxious and depressive thoughts, but feeling too embarrassed to talk, or express yourself in fear that you may be judged? You are not alone in this. I want to applaud your courage and bravery in taking that first step. I have helped those seeking help with a variety of issues, and work well with complex conditions. Some include depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, self-esteem, bullying, family conflict, defiant behaviors, anger management, and coping with stress. My work has also included providing parental support in working with their children / adolescents with regard to communication, discipline and affection. My main desire is for all clients to know they are not alone and help them on their journey. I will adapt to meet your needs. I recognize that no two people are alike. We are all unique in some ways. With this, I meet each client with an individualized (client-centered) approach. I emphasize mindfulness, strengths, coping skills and positivity. I utilize aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT, psychoanalysis, and some other methods. I believe that success in therapy relies on the foundation of mutual trust and therapeutic alliance. With this, clients can work to improve and achieve goals they set. I place the utmost value on respecting my clients, providing a safe and supportive space for growth, and emphasize the importance of placing the client's needs, values, and goals as the driving force for change. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

I believe change occurs in the context of our relationships, with our own self and with others. Oftentimes, when people seek out therapy, they are feeling lost, discarded, and may be filled with self-doubt and negative thoughts and feelings about themselves in the world. I work with clients to forge new ways of relating to ourselves and others to engage more fully in the world. We do this by learning a range of new skills and processing past experiences, but at its core, it is about connection with another human being and being seen, heard, understood, respected, and known. Therapeutically, I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR. With these two treatments you learn effective skills to manage painful thoughts, feelings, and sensations, develop direction and purpose, as well as process painful past experiences towards resolution and prepare for how to handle the future. My style as a therapist is energetic, accepting, compassionate, and challenging. I truly love my work and experience a deep sense of gratitude for being able to participate in it. People are endlessly complex and I am constantly in awe of our resilience and depth as human beings. If what I’ve written here speaks to you, I encourage you to reach out.

Melissa Mello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. Melissa received her BS in psychology from the University of Washington and her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Melissa completed her training at UC San Diego in an outpatient setting and went on to contribute to clinical research and provide services for eating disorders on multidisciplinary teams. She was also a program therapist for the UCSD Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program- a week-long intensive program for teens with eating disorders and their families. She has been trained in and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy( ACT). Her primary interests include working with children, teens, and young adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation and a certified Family Based Treatment provider.

Being in college right now is tough. Personal struggles, family issues, and the pressure to keep it all together, plus the chaos of everything going on in the world, it makes sense that you're feeling overwhelmed. If you’re dealing with difficult past experiences, family stress, or just the daily pressure of trying to stay afloat, you don’t have to go through it alone. I specialize in helping people process tough emotions, navigate life transitions, and manage stress in healthy ways. I’ve worked with folks navigating trauma, family dynamics, and anxiety—and I use tools like EMDR and IFS to help you work through what’s weighing you down. Therapy is about giving you the space to deal with what’s hard and find practical ways forward, so you can feel more in control and less stuck. I’m passionate about working with women, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ folks. No judgment. Just real, down-to-earth support to help you move forward.

Thanks for visiting Helpful! With a combination of education, specialized training, and genuine compassion the entire Helpful team is proud to provide therapeutic services to the Chicagoland area. Simply put, the vision of Helpful is to help as many people as possible find their way to being the best versions of themselves. We are all in this life together and our hope is the work done at CIC creates meaningful change in people's lives that then creates meaningful change in our world. Feel free to browse our website to learn more or reach out to us. We hope to be a resource for you!

I am a firm believer that when undergoing life’s challenges, we owe it to ourselves to be our own best support person we can be. Sometimes that means asking for help. Whether it’s managing the stresses of everyday life, keeping up with ever changing and ongoing societal and systemic concerns, or managing serious mental health distress, I am excited and honored to work with you towards your therapy goals.

I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else, so my role is to provide resources and support to help them meet their goals. As a social worker, I also help my clients unpack how larger systems impact their mental health and relationships. I work from a queer-affirming, anti-oppressive, and neurodivergent-affirming approach to therapy.

Hello, and welcome. We're a small relational trauma-responsive strengths-based psychotherapy practice that serves clients across incomes, race, gender, age, ability, interests, etc. We're also a diverse group of therapists with our own specialties, modalities, and service populations -- one of our therapists worked in higher education for over 10 years. But each one of us can see any type of client. Check out our profiles for more information and please don't hesitate to reach out.

I believe in acknowledging and honoring the yet untold stories of our lives, especially the messy and imperfect parts. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 14 years of experience as a therapist. Over the years, I've worked with those struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, generalized and social anxiety, self-esteem issues, substance use concerns, suicidal thoughts, life transitions, family conflict, academic stress, and more. I’ve worked in many diverse settings, however, when I began working in university counseling centers several years ago, I discovered a true passion for working with students. My style is warm, validating, and direct. I bring my genuine, authentic self to the therapy space, and will work with you to understand past experiences, identify recurring themes, and uncover patterns, aiming to bring clarity and foster change. For those who prefer a more structured, goal-oriented approach, another important part of my work with you is to help you discover and develop your own abilities, skills, and strengths- turning them into practical coping skills that can be used in your everyday life outside of sessions. My hope is to build a compassionate and collaborative relationship with you, and to support you through the range of experiences that come with academic life- from its challenges and triumphs to everything in between.

Welcome. We are glad you are here. We can help. You may be seeking relief from painful thoughts, emotions, or memories. Perhaps you wish to heal from and better understand the here-and-now impact of past traumas, losses or painful life experiences. You may want help in changing some aspect of your life or relationships that you feel is keeping you stuck. In the midst of a life transition or identity shift, you may need support in navigating this change. Perhaps you aren’t sure exactly what’s wrong, but you know that things aren’t right, either. No matter what brings you therapy, our goal is to help you to experience relief from pain, build your strengths and capacities, and more deeply understand and accept all parts of yourself.

We are a virtual private practice. Each of our therapists has their own expertise, and training specializing in, but not limited to, perinatal mental health, couples counseling, family therapy, support for adolescents and emerging adults, sports and mental performance consultation, and addiction and recovery support. ​All of the therapists at Chase Wellness are dedicated to continuing education, growth, and professional development. We care about our clients and work hard to create a compassionate, strengths-based environment that is conducive to healing. We have a range of specialized trainings and cater therapeutic approaches and interventions to each individual client based on their needs. ​