Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Veronica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. There are joys of being a parent and there are also the difficult, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting moments where you might feel like you don't know what to do to help your child. Kids struggling with behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem sometimes need an extra hand to help them navigate the difficulties in life. Veronica understands both childhood development and the complexities of parental struggles, and she can help your child have a better experience of their life. Veronica utilizes play therapy interventions with children ages 3-12 years old that allow them to develop and practice skills to cope with difficult experiences and emotions, have a better understanding of themselves, and tune into their natural resilience. Veronica tailors her approach based on the needs of the child, teen, or family - truly meeting them where they're at. Starting therapy can be difficult and vulnerable for anyone, and with the right therapist and approach, positive change is possible. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys painting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Mija Bradford, LPC, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding individuals through their spiritual and emotional journeys. Mija believes that many struggles stem from a misalignment with one's true self and works to help clients reconnect with their inner essence. They provide a safe, sacred space for clients to explore their spiritual identity, moving beyond surface-level symptoms to address the root causes of distress. Mija specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma, particularly in those who feel disconnected from their authentic selves due to societal expectations, past traumas, or self-limiting beliefs. Their approach is holistic, integrating traditional therapeutic techniques with spiritual practices like mindfulness, meditation, and energy work. Mija is especially passionate about working with women and LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting them in uncovering deeper truths and achieving profound personal transformation. They also focus on childhood behavior issues and couple's issues, offering a space for healing and growth for children, adolescents, and couples alike. They are committed to helping clients realign with their true selves, guiding them toward greater peace, clarity, and a more authentic life.

Tiffany believes everybody can benefit from working with a therapist. Every client is unique and deserves an individualized approach to help live their authentic life. Her approach is authentic, warm, energetic, and positive. Her mental health work experience includes working in Community Mental Health for individual and group counseling, running groups for self-esteem, and substance addictions, as well as private group practice. Clients have noticed an increase in self-awareness, self-reflection, and how to use the awareness to their advantage. Through psychoeducation, expanding/building skill sets, and learning and implementing coping strategies, it is her goal to help support clients to thrive. She uses a variety of treatment modalities to encourage personal growth and healing. Depending on your needs and desires, traditional methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), interpersonal, solution-focused, and strengths-based therapies are used.

Andy Benson, LCSW and CADC, offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients in Illinois, providing individualized and effective evidence-based treatment. Specializing in the treatment of substance abuse, PTSD/trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Andy has extensive experience working with first responders, older adults, and other diverse populations. His approach involves deep listening and understanding, meeting clients where they are to facilitate their healing and growth. At LifeStance Health, Andy Benson is dedicated to helping adults and seniors navigate the complexities of their mental health. He employs a range of interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address various mental health concerns. His expertise includes dealing with midlife and later life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and men's issues, ensuring that each client receives tailored care that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. Andy is particularly passionate about addressing alcohol and drug use.

Layla Byrnes is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Layla provides a safe space to authentically learn and grow, to feel capable within one's own autonomy and community. Layla offers time and space to consider suspending beliefs that are no longer serving you, and to do so within your boundaries. It can be hard to see the "forest for the trees," and it can be helpful to have some assistance. Outside of work, Layla enjoys simple things like a feel-good yoga stretch or her tea light candles. She also loves big moments like Madonna's Blond Ambition tour in the 90s, and graduation ceremonies. Her close friends and family are her everything, not to mention her beloved cat, Athena.

Anisa Pasho, M. A. , LPC, is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges with a calm, accepting, and growth-oriented approach. Serving clients in Illinois, Anisa provides a supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns and find practical solutions to address the here-and-now. Whether working through anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, Anisa's humanistic approach emphasizes each individual's inherent capacity for growth and self-actualization. Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Family Therapy, she helps clients achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Anisa is particularly passionate about addressing trauma, anxiety, and spiritual concerns. She has extensive experience supporting clients with past life memories, out-of-body experiences, and other profound phenomena that can feel overwhelming or unexplainable. Her holistic approach to therapy ensures that clients feel heard and validated, while also exploring deeper issues that may contribute to their mental health struggles.

Tasheia Williams is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. She earned her Master?s degree in Nursing at Walden University. Among the most common myths related to mental health is the idea that one is either mentally healthy or mentally ill. Regardless of one?s state of being, they exist on a continuum. As a provider, Tasheia provides the most recent evidence-based practice treatment to fully help each patient that is struggling with mental health. Her treatments are all patient centered, meaning providing patients with the physical, behavioral, emotional, and social services required to improve health outcomes and to improve quality of life. Tasheia is her patient?s biggest advocate. In her free time, Tasheia likes to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and biking. She also takes time to make blankets and paint abstract paintings.

Jonathan McIntosh, LPC, is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to clients across Illinois. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, he works with clients in individual and group therapy to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and substance use. Jonathan helps clients build self-understanding and resilience, fostering a therapeutic space where they feel supported as they navigate life's complexities and challenges. Jonathan has a particular passion for helping clients manage issues related to ADHD, grief, and trauma/PTSD. His expertise also extends to working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals facing military and veteran-related challenges, and those in adoption or foster care. Jonathan's commitment to understanding and honoring each person's unique background and experiences allows him to offer effective and empathetic support tailored to their needs. Jonathan utilizes psychodynamic psychotherapy to help clients explore the underlying emotional roots of their issues. By facilitating deeper self-awareness, he supports clients in achieving lasting personal growth and improved well-being. Outside of his practice, Jonathan enjoys playing guitar and keyboard, reading, and spending time with his pets.

Joan Ajide is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Joan treats various psychiatric orders in different age populations, particularly in the adolescent and adults. Her special interests include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, and psychotic disorders. Joan?s focus is not only on appropriate pharmacotherapy through evidenced based practice, but also on intensive psychoeducation to improve emotional well-being. Joan?s relationship with clients is more of a partnership to allow them gain ownership of their health. Outside of work, Joan enjoys spending time with family, traveling, singing in the choir, and good food.

Dr. Taylor Bonno, PsyD is dedicated to helping you navigate through the challenges and uncertainties of life. Practicing in Illinois, she understands that reaching out for mental health treatment often comes after feeling stuck for a prolonged period. Dr. Bonno uses a combination of evidence-based approaches to understand your personal lived experiences and guide treatment. She believes that each client is the expert on their own life and uses this invaluable perspective to tailor the therapy process. By fostering recognition and awareness of your protective behaviors, she empowers you to make choices that allow you to move forward and reconnect with your true self, loved ones, and passions. Dr. Bonno is particularly passionate about treating adjustment disorders, self-esteem issues, and enhancing social skills/interpersonal relationships. She takes a compassionate and individualized approach to therapy, helping clients develop the tools they need to thrive. Specializing in working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults, she provides support for a wide range of mental health concerns.

June Coaxum, LSW, believes in a holistic approach to therapy and healing. She provides tools to help guide anyone that may feel stagnant or need emotional support. June loves working with her clients from a strength-based perspective. This perspective sees people as resilient when faced with adversity. She believes in creating a safe environment for clients to recognize and express those strengths. June works with many populations struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Trauma, schizophrenia, death and dying. She also has experience with Family Therapy and working with the L. G. B. T. Q. I. A. community. When working with clients, June combines CBT, Talk Therapy, and other modalities to help create new healthy narratives, habits and coping skills.

Tracey Coleman, LICSW, provides comprehensive mental health care to individuals in Illinois, specializing in supporting children, teens, and adults through life?s challenges. She is passionate about fostering resilience and helping clients navigate complex emotions, relationships, and personal growth. Tracey serves adolescents and adults, focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can address issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. With a particular focus on treating childhood behavior issues, PTSD/trauma, and school avoidance, Tracey employs evidence-based interventions like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her approach is tailored to each individual, ensuring a compassionate and personalized path toward healing. Tracey?s experience and dedication make her an invaluable resource for clients seeking to overcome obstacles and build emotional resilience.

David is a therapist who works with individuals, families, and couples. He received his bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Iowa in 2017. He then went on to receive his master's degree in social work from Governor's State University in 2020. David has experience providing therapy and case management services. He believes in being client centered and solution focused. He also meets the client where they are at and enjoys helping clients achieve their goals. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. In his free time David likes to relax, hangout with friends, and watch sports. He loves watching football and basketball in particular. His favorite teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bulls, and Iowa Hawkeyes. David also enjoys spending time with his pets and family.

Dr. Denise Garcia is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2021. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Resurrection University and her Doctorate Degree in Nursing from Rush University College of Nursing. Dr. Garcia is certified in psychiatry across the lifespan and is trained to work with different populations. She can provide services like psychiatric evaluations, assessments, and order laboratory tests/imagining. Dr. Garcia can also prescribe medication and provide care to children, adolescents, and adults with issues such as ADHD, OCD, generalized anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. In her free time, Dr. Garcia loves to read books, listen to music, and watch movies. She also enjoys drinking coffee or tea.

Margaret McKeon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2007. Margaret's clinical approach focuses on empowering individuals to live their best lives with clinical guidance, support, and validation. Outside of work, Margaret enjoys travel and gardening.

Alexandra Baxter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Alexandra offers specialized care that blends nursing and psychiatric expertise. She provides comprehensive assessments, diagnoses mental health conditions, develops treatment plans, prescribes medications, and offers therapy to support patients? mental well-being. Alexandra?s holistic approach emphasizes not just medication management but also patient education, counseling, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes. While not at work Alexandra enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her two cats!.

Suzanne Grey, LSW, adapts to the needs of her clients through open conversations about therapy goals and collaboration on an ideal treatment plan. Her mission is to help build a sense of empowerment and resilience within her clients and give them tools to help "?ride out the wave' of intense emotional instability as it occurs. Suzanne's experience being on the opposite end of the therapeutic relationship helps her know how daunting and challenging it can be to confront trauma and pain. She inspires clients to interpret challenges as opportunities for personal growth and to make meaning from their life experiences. Suzanne earned a BSW from University of Central Florida and an MSW from University of Illinois-Chicago. She works with adolescents and adults struggling with agoraphobia, panic disorder, trauma, borderline personality disorder, grief, and more. Also, as a family therapist, Suzanne serves as a supportive and unbiased party who can help provide understanding for everyone involved. In therapy, Suzanne uses a client-centered approach and uses tools such as DBT, mindfulness, emotional regulation, trauma-focused CBT, motivational interviewing, and more to serve clients.

Lonny Levin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Lonny approaches every client with warmth, empathy, compassion, and without judgment. He firmly believes in working collaboratively with clients to help find the style of therapy that works best for their personality. Lonny strives to provide a space where a person can feel safe to be their true self and trust him to help guide them through their struggles and successes. In his spare time, Lonny enjoys reading, sports, fantasy football, and spending time with his dog, Mack and cat, Buddy.

Kari Fisher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 1989. Kari can help a client by assisting in identifying what they are struggling with and using her background in social work training in the areas of family systems, solution focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and Neuroscience techniques. She uses these to help the client feel better about themselves and function better in life. Outside of work, Kari enjoys watercolor painting, volunteering at an equestrian education center, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Do you want to feel vibrant and alive but feel off track and stuck? Do you feel that anxiety and depression control your life? Maybe you struggle to communicate with your friends or family members. Do you struggle with having low self-esteem and confidence? Perhaps you feel stuck with your current job and do not know how to move forward. What would it mean to you to finally be happy with your life and in your relationships? Jennifer M. Cross, MS, LPC believes that all people hold the keys to creating a life that they love. Ms. Cross is committed to guiding you to find clarity and permanent long-term solutions to finding success no matter what life has given you. By creating a warm, inviting, positive environment. Jennifer strives to help you to uncover the subconscious reasons why you may be sabotaging your own happiness. Together you will work to uncover the root causes of your current life struggles and each session will be focused on helping you to find practical solutions so you can start feeling better as soon as possible.