Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

You may be reading this because you’ve experienced a very difficult loss or transition in your life. Maybe you have lost a loved one or a pregnancy. Perhaps you are struggling as you or a relative begin hospice care or approach the end stage of a disease. You might be grieving a beloved pet or the end of a meaningful relationship. Loss, although universal, can feel isolating and unbearable to endure. I can help you cope - you don't need to go through this alone. Through my work helping others navigate hard times, I’ve been described as a “bright light in a time of darkness.” I’m a warm and welcoming therapist with a deep understanding and capability for helping people who are struggling. Therapy with me is informed by five years spent as a hospice social worker and extensive grief and loss training. I am licensed in Illinois, New Jersey, California and Florida for online therapy. I provide therapy through a secure and convenient telehealth platform (online video conferencing). I hope you will contact me for a free 15-minute consultation on how we may work together to support you. Please note, the hours listed on this profile are in Central Time Zone.

I am a young adult therapist who helps clients control their behavioral response to challenging emotions, effectively adjust to change, and live a life that makes them proud. I have experience with young adults with anxiety, depression, self-injurious behavior, ADHD, and life transitions. I create a safe space and act as a guide, assisting the client as they explore past and current issues, unhealthy patterns, and identify overall goals. I utilize evidence-based strategies and techniques from an integrated cognitive-behavioral, individual psychology approach. Additionally, I incorporate aspects of mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I am accepting new clients and would love to be apart of your journey to overall wellness and success.

Our mission is to inspire and empower holistic care by providing our community with a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space for mental healing and personal growth. We are committed to making mental health care accessible, service-oriented, and rooted in compassion. We support individuals in managing a wide range of mental health concerns—from everyday work or school-related stress to processing trauma and navigating life crises. At Balance and Entity Wellness Care, we practice a therapeutic approach that emphasizes holistic, culturally inclusive, and transparent care. We strive to create an environment where clients feel welcome, supported, and understood—starting from the very first session.

The students I work best with often feel a disconnect somewhere in their lives, even if they cannot quite name it. For some, that shows up as a body that will not settle, thoughts that will not quiet, or a mind that stays one step ahead of the moment they are actually in; for others, it looks like falling behind on the very things that used to feel manageable, and not understanding why motivation and follow-through feel so out of reach. Some are holding everything together so well that no one around them realizes how much effort it takes, while others are visibly struggling and carrying shame about it. What they tend to share is not a grade point average or a diagnosis; it is the sense that something feels harder than it should, paired with the belief that they should simply be able to push through it on their own. Many are navigating anxiety, OCD, or ADHD that has gone unrecognized for years, often because it does not look the way they expected it to. My work is to help them reconnect body, mind, and daily life, so college can feel less like something to survive and more like a place they can actually be present in.

Professional Statement As a clinician, my philosophy is to meet clients where they are and help them establish their own goals. I believe in empowering individuals to take ownership of their healing process, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. My areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mood dysregulation, and domestic violence. I work with a diverse range of clients from various backgrounds and belief systems, and I am fluent in Polish, which allows me to connect with a broader population. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing clients express that they feel better after our sessions, knowing that I have helped them take another step toward healing and growth. I am deeply committed to understanding others' perspectives and feelings, and I genuinely care about helping clients achieve the goals they set for themselves. Listening actively and without judgment is a core part of my approach, and I find great fulfillment in supporting clients as they work toward positive change in their lives. What should a new client know about working with you? I believe in creating a supportive and respectful space where clients can move at their own pace. I will never push them beyond their comfort zone unless they specifically request it. With nearly 20 years of experience in providing mental health services, I understand the importance of fostering trust and allowing clients to guide their own healing process. My approach is grounded in patience and understanding, empowering individuals to take the steps they’re ready for while offering the encouragement and support they need to move forward when they feel ready. What is your typical process for working with clients? I begin by providing a brief overview of the services offered, as well as a clear explanation of HIPAA policies to ensure clients understand their rights and confidentiality. During the initial session, I conduct a thorough mental health assessment, working collaboratively with the client to develop a personalized treatment plan. This process includes helping the client identify their own goals for therapy, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey. I also prioritize scheduling a follow-up appointment, ensuring continuity of care and the opportunity to revisit and adjust goals as needed. This approach creates a foundation of trust and allows for ongoing progress in therapy.

I’m here to support college students and young adults as they figure out who they are and where they’re going. My approach is all about creating a space where you feel genuinely safe, heard, and never judged. With a background in schools and working with families, I’ve spent years helping teens and young adults navigate the tough stuff—like transitioning into adulthood, managing ADHD and executive functioning challenges, or understanding learning differences. I love helping people build confidence, work through relationship challenges, and grow into themselves with curiosity and self-compassion. I’m LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive, and support body liberation. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure, therapy can be a great place to start finding your way.

Hi, I’m Spencer (they/them)! I’m a queer, non-binary, neurodiverse therapist who believes that everybody deserves a space in therapy. Working in mental and behavioral health spaces I have found that it can be difficult to find professionals who are competent and specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and I aim to help change that! So much about therapy revolves around identity. Having a therapist who is part of your communities can make all of the difference. I work from a systems, anti-opressive, and liberation focused lens, meaning that there are many factors both internal and external that affect our well-being, one of which is community! Community is important for everybody, but especially for LGBTQ+ identities. This was one of the main reasons I chose to name my practice Neighborhood Psychotherapy, along with being based in Chicago and coming to love and appreciate the city’s strong sense of community and neighborhood identities, and being inspired by the work of Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. My therapeutic approach weaves together DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Thearpy), CBT (Cognative Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused interventions to deliver the best care possible to my clients. I specialize in offering therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD/Austim, Neurodiversity, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Having experienced the world as a queer and neurodiverse individual, I understand the profound impact of being truly seen. I see my work as collaborative, let’s work together to set goals and effect change in your life.

Hi there, my name is Juan Contreras, and I'm a therapist at Mindful Therapy Services in Chicago. We have no waitlist at this time and currently accepting new clients. Clients often come see us because they're looking for a down-to-earth therapist. We offer therapy services for most issues including anxiety, depression, relationships issues, college navigation/transition, first generation college students, immigrant background, LGBTQ+, ADHD, suicide ideation, emotion regulation and expression, and more. We do accept insurance (most PPO plans like BCBS, Aetna, USHIP, UnitedHealthCare, and Cigna) and can verify your benefits before getting started. For convenience, we offer online therapy allowing for more flexible scheduling for during the day or later in the afternoon. Why wait? Get started with a free 15-minute introduction call by emailing us at info@mindfultherapyservices.net

I understand life can be stressful. We all struggle at times and need someone to help us through. In my work with clients and families, I firmly believe in building on the strengths and resilience you already possess to help you get through more difficult moments. My attitude and approach to treatment is that while we all have our struggles, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

Jenna is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and the owner of Daylily Counseling. She graduated from Boston University's School of Social Work and has been privileged to work with clients as a therapist since 2015. Prior to starting Daylily Counseling, Jenna worked in community mental health settings in Boston and Chicago, working across the life span with children, adolescents, and adults. She has significant experience working with college and graduate students and is passionate about supporting them through the unique transitions of being a student such as navigating first jobs, moving away from home, new relationships and friendships, and adjusting to a new country for international students Jenna is also passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma and is a nationally certified provider of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She also has specialized experience providing services to immigrant and refugee youth and young adults who have experienced trauma in their home countries or along their migration journeys. Her experiences with clients from around the world have informed her approach to cultural humility in the therapy space as well as her unwavering belief in every individual's capacity to heal and to grow. Jenna’s approach combines strengths-based, client-centered, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. She believes every individual is the expert in their own life and in meeting individuals where they are. She works together with her clients to collaboratively develop a treatment plan and she hopes to create a therapeutic space where there is warmth and safety so that she can best support clients to build insight, problem solve, and take steps to heal and create change in their lives.

At NeuroBloom Mental Health Collective, we specialize in helping clients reclaim safety, identity, and joy through trauma-informed and culturally attuned care. Our clinicians understand the unique stressors faced by students navigating family expectations, cultural identity, and systemic pressure. We work with immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent students and integrate somatic healing, mindfulness, and evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, ACT, and IFS. Our team includes Spanish- and Arabic-speaking providers and offers therapy that feels warm, collaborative, and affirming — because healing should feel human, not clinical.

Welcome to Reparo Health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals seeking support in understanding themselves, managing emotional challenges, and building healthier patterns in daily life. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, identity-related challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based strategies, and trauma-informed care to help clients gain insight and develop practical coping tools. My work is culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in warmth, empathy, and curiosity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a significant change, or exploring personal growth, my goal is to offer a supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward meaningful and lasting change.

Hi, my name is River! I work with adults (18+) and my main areas of focus are anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I also have a particular passion for working with people from the queer and neurodivergent communities. I enjoy working with clients who are trying to live fuller, more authentic, values-driven lives, and I am passionate about helping each client carve out a path forward that honors their unique identities. My approach to therapy is all about creating a space where you can bring your full authentic self and drawing on your inherent strengths to overcome whatever challenges you’re facing. I believe the therapeutic process looks different for everyone. Whether you are looking for something more structured and direct or you just need a space to talk things out, I will always strive to meet you where you’re at. I also take a systemic lens to therapy, bringing issues of power and privilege into the conversation. Understanding how systems of power and oppression impact the problems you are facing deepens our understanding of the issue and informs how to best move forward. I understand that starting therapy is not easy, and opening up to a stranger doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It is important for me to meet you where you’re at, whether you have experience in therapy or this is your first time. If you think I might be a fit, I would love to talk about how I can help support you. I look forward to meeting you!

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I work with young adults who struggle with OCD, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I have extensive experience as well with neurodivergent persons. I can appreciate the stress of being a college student, living away from home, navigating new relationships, identity issues, and the transition to careers. I went through this myself, and I have a daughter in college, too. I have my Bachelor's and Doctorate degrees from UCLA and I'm currently based in Chicago. I am licensed to practice in IL, NY and I participate in PSYPACT which allows me to practice in various states across the country. I am currently offering virtual therapy sessions. I take Blue Cross, Cigna and UHC insurance, and I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. I know it can be hard to reach out for help. Please feel free to contact me.

Welcome! I'm a passionate healthcare professional dedicated to providing compassionate and effective telehealth therapy. With a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, I offer supportive counseling services for adults and older adolescents. My experience in counseling and case management has equipped me with the skills to provide impactful mental health therapy, ensuring my clients receive the care and support they deserve. I see clients almost exclusively during morning hours, up until noon (CST) and can easily accommodate people with non-traditional schedules, since I have appointments as early (or late!) as 1am CST. Just like a good workout, a therapy session first thing in the morning can help you start your day off right. In addition to counseling, I've been instrumental in developing innovative strategies for Medicaid Special Needs programs, emphasizing quality assurance and improvement in Illinois. My cross-functional leadership has enabled me to work collaboratively with community partners, optimizing program outcomes and enhancing quality of care. I hold certifications as a Case Manager (CCM) and Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), which reflect my commitment to providing holistic care. I'm dedicated to meeting my clients where they are at, and helping them to achieve their mental health goals, without judgement. My goal is to help you navigate your health journey with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. Let's work together towards your well-being.

I am a strengths-based, relational therapist who works primarily with trans, queer, and neurodivergent adults. Our sessions will focus on interpersonal growth, rather than finding a cure for symptoms. I want to understand your challenges and celebrate your successes. Together, we will explore the ways in which you are affected by societal systems and help you develop skills to advocate for your wants and needs. I strive to lead by example in showing that it is okay to make mistakes, to always be learning about oneself, and to continue growing and developing your identity as you move through different life experiences. When we are through with our work together, I hope you will have the tools you need to live a sustainable, satisfying, and ever-evolving life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about your next steps, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. College can bring a lot of pressure, transitions, and uncertainty, which can leave you feeling anxious, burned out, or disconnected. Therapy offers a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and start making changes that feel meaningful and manageable. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience in hospitals, residential programs, private practice, and working with college students. I work with individuals navigating stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and challenges related to body image, disordered eating, and overall wellbeing. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping you build practical tools while better understanding yourself.

Clients can expect a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where they feel heard, respected, and encouraged to grow. In our sessions, we will work together to build insight, develop healthy coping strategies, and set realistic goals that align with your personal values and needs. My approach focuses on creating a space that fosters trust and emotional safety, where clients can explore challenges, build on their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward healing and positive change.

There are so many things outside of our control that are inevitably difficult to cope with. Even with the unforeseen situations and stressors that life throws our way, the one thing we do have control over is the way we respond to them. However, it is difficult to know how to respond when we are experiencing fear, anxiety, and other heightened emotions. I want to help people strengthen their coping capabilities in an environment that is open, non-judgmental, and collaborative. My goal is to provide support to individuals, couples, and families tackling every day and life stressors with more confidence, hope, self-empowerment. I have been working in mental health for 5 years and have over 5,800 hours of supervised and specialized experience with OCD, anxiety, and ED. I use CBT, ACT, ERP, BA, and DBT Skills to treat a variety of disorders including OCD, skin picking, hair pulling, hoarding, phobias, BDD, GAD, social anxiety, panic, depression, eating disorders, and others. I am a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) and a multi-state licensed professional counselor including Tennessee (LPC-MHSP), Kentucky (LPCC), Illinois (LCPC), Oklahoma (LPC), and FL. I currently live in the Chicago area and provide professional counseling to individuals in ALL FIVE states via TeleMental Health services. I look forward to connecting with you!

I provide counseling and therapy services to children and teens ages (9-14 y/o), adults, and parents. We all develop unhelpful patterns that often hold us back and can harm us instead of helping us. When this happens it’s helpful to have someone we can talk to who listens and supports us without judgment. I’ve had the opportunity to help support children and parents for the past 20 years as an educator within the education systems and now through the therapeutic process as a therapist. Currently, I specialize in working with people who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, chronic illness/pain, life transitions, relationship struggles, parenting, and caregiver challenges. I welcome the opportunity to support you in your process toward change, growth, and healing.