Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Megan Borowski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2014. She has an MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago and a BA in Psychology and Political Science from University of Illinois at Chicago. Megan?s passion lies in assisting clients on their journey towards mental well-being and personal growth. With expertise in areas such as stress and anxiety management, resolving family conflicts, navigating grief and loss, and enhancing motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, Megan is committed to providing comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs. In your sessions, she prioritizes creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions. Megan firmly believes that true healing and progress stem from this environment of trust and openness. Embarking on the path to a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and she commends you for taking those initial steps. As your therapist, Megan is dedicated to walking alongside you, offering guidance, support, and empowerment every step of the way. She loves reading all kinds of fiction and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Sharon Stengel is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2017. As a mental health professional, Sharon can offer clients a unique combination of empathy, expertise, and personalized treatment plans to meet each of their specific needs. Sharon?s ability to listen actively and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to openly express their thoughts and emotions makes her a valuable resource for individuals seeking mental health. In her spare time, Sharon enjoys spending time outside with her dog, cooking, and reading.

Sara Mueller, LPC, is a compassionate, relaxed therapist that educates clients while they learn, grow, and heal. She believes seeking therapy is a sign of strength and strives to bring creative approaches to the treatment process. In therapy, Sara helps clients of all ages struggling from depression, ADHD, parenting, grief, self-esteem, trauma, and more. She's also especially skilled at treating: Anxiety in Children, Adolescents, and Teens: Excessive worry can get in the way of your child's education, friendships, and activities. Sara is skilled at helping clients under age 18 recognize their feelings while providing creative coping strategies that bring results. She also educates parents on how to talk to their children and help them move forward. Suicide Bereavement: For suicide survivors, the feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after any death are often magnified by feelings of guilt, confusion, rejection, shame, anger, and the effects of stigma.

Jacquelyn ?Jackie? Jesse, LPC, supports clients across Illinois with a compassionate and evidence-based approach to therapy. She specializes in meeting clients where they are, helping them develop self-awareness and navigate emotional and psychological challenges with empathy and tailored care. Jackie works with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, offering individual, couples, and family therapy to address a variety of mental health concerns. Jackie is particularly passionate about treating ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD/trauma. She provides a safe and inclusive space for clients exploring gender identity and other personal challenges, focusing on fostering resilience and self-acceptance. With extensive experience in LGBTQ+ issues and couples therapy, Jackie empowers clients to build stronger relationships and embrace their authentic selves. In addition to her specialties, Jackie integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Couples/Marital Counseling to meet the unique needs of her clients. She is dedicated to creating a collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel supported in their journey toward growth and healing.

Sylwia Pawlik is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and National Louis University. "Walking a mile in someone else's shoes isn't as much about the walk or the shoes; it's to be able to think like they think, feel what they feel, and understand why they are who and where they are. Every step is about empathy. " "? Toni Sorenson, The Great Brain Cleanse. Let Sylwia take a walk along with you through your life and help guide you along the difficulties of life's paths. Sylwia offers a comfortable and safe space where each individual can share experiences and be listened to and validated. She utilizes a holistic approach along with motivational interviewing during each session and develops a treatment plan to assist in achieving your goals. Outside of work, Sylwia enjoys boxing, journaling, long walks with her fur pal, reading, and yoga.

Elaine Sowlat, LPC, is committed to helping adults and adolescents in Illinois navigate challenges such as PTSD, complex trauma, and co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Her therapeutic approach integrates empathy with evidence-based techniques, ensuring each client feels supported in their journey toward healing and personal growth. Whether you?re dealing with the lingering effects of trauma or seeking ways to manage emotional distress, Elaine offers a compassionate and understanding space for transformation. Elaine has a deep passion for working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stress and complex trauma. Her academic background in counseling psychology, coupled with her clinical experience and personal healing journey, equips her to provide a nuanced and individualized approach to trauma recovery. She helps clients regain control over their lives by addressing the interplay of trauma and mental health issues, fostering resilience, and promoting long-term emotional well-being. In addition to her focus on trauma, Elaine specializes in supporting clients struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Beth Cappelli is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago, and her internship training was completed at Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital Behavioral Health. Beth's approach to therapy is collaborative and focused on your unique needs, goals, and life experiences. Your personal values will guide your work together and help create meaningful ways to manage whatever life challenges you are facing. Together you and Beth can gain insight to problems, discover ways to reduce stress and worry, and develop a greater sense of wellbeing. In her free time Beth enjoys attending live music events with friends, playing with her rescue beagle mix Bella, and working on home DIY projects.

Natasha Mahmood, LSW, provides a compassionate and supportive environment for clients across Illinois. Specializing in evidence-based therapeutic techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and play therapy for younger clients, Natasha tailors her approach to each individual's unique needs. She focuses on helping clients set realistic goals and develop coping skills to manage symptoms and improve their day-to-day lives. Natasha is especially skilled in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, providing individual, family, and group therapy to address a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Passionate about working with diverse populations, Natasha has a special focus on ADHD, childhood behavior issues, and PTSD/trauma. She understands the importance of cultural sensitivity and brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her practice, which is informed by her own experiences as a biracial individual. Natasha is also adept at supporting clients with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Karyn Cihak is a Psychologist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1999. They completed their undergraduate degree in Psychology at Augustana College. Their first Master?s Degree focusing on behavioral and family systems as related to clinical psychology is from Eastern Illinois University. After working in the field in inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, Dr. Cihak went on the earn their second Master?s degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Their training focused on neuropsychology and health psychology. Training across a spectrum of orientations including client centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, health psychology, and neuropsychology provides Dr. Cihak with an eclectic base to assist clients in reaching their goals. They sought out additional training to assist clients in navigating their fertility journey. Throughout their career Dr. Cihak has been involved with clients managing acute and chronic medical conditions including oncology, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, orthopedic injury, diabetes, and dementia. Outside of work, Dr. Cihak enjoys experimenting with gourmet cooking, travel, reading, and aquatic fitness.

Specialties: Palliative care (comfort care) for individuals and families coping with terminal illnesses. Bereavement/grief issues due to expected and unexpected losses. Loss due to suicide, drug overdose, and accidental deaths. Post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, panic and anxiety disorders and anger management. Adult patients. It is essential for people to feel they are able to manage their emotions and their emotions are not controlling their lives. I'm bad, I'm weak, there is something wrong with me, are mistaken ideas people have when they are suffering emotional pain. There is often shame and fear when individuals feel they need or are told to get help. It is no different to seek counseling for emotional pain than to call the doctor when one breaks a leg or has the flu. I have experience helping people get back in their drivers seat regarding their emotions. When people are confused or suffering with emotional pain they are particularly vulnerable to fear, anger, and helplessness. This is often accompanied by a sense of purposelessness and not caring about much. As a therapist, I provide education, support, and comfort to maintain and improve functioning as well as maintain a person's sense of feeling normal.

Emily Spaargaren is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. Emily provides clients with a safe and comfortable environment, giving them an ear to listen. She has experience helping individuals with special needs, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Hoarding, and Schizoaffective Disorder. In her free time, Emily enjoys walking, biking, boxing, pottery, journaling, praying, going to concerts, and traveling.

Krista Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Florida, dedicated to helping clients navigate their journey toward healing with compassion and expertise. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in working with adolescents and adults, offering support for a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. Krista provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, address concerns, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Her approach is holistic, combining evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a deep understanding of the complexities of personal struggles. Krista is particularly passionate about assisting the LGBTQIA community and individuals struggling with work-life balance, self-esteem, and boundary-setting. She understands the stressors that can arise from juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, and she empowers clients to create a more balanced, fulfilling life. Whether addressing stress management, trauma, or ADHD, Krista aims to help clients build resilience and regain control over their lives. She is committed to walking alongside her clients, offering practical tools and unwavering support throughout their healing journey.

Krista Sherinian, LCSW, has over 27 years of experience helping clients age 5 and up. She often works collaboratively in cases of divorce and with stepfamilies. She got Spanish fluency from a language school in Guanajuato, Mexico. Adult clients have described her work with her as, practical and life-changing. She addresses mind-body wellness by including in treatment lifestyle tips, relaxation training, guided imagery, and Emotional Freedom Techniques. Her approach to couples or family therapy blends strengths with personality type to learn better communication and ways to grow in partnership. From the start, she will create a practical roadmap of how to enhance or restore trust and intimacy based on a clear explanation of how personality, defenses, and other patterns affect the issues you wish to resolve. Ms. Sherinian is an adoptive and biological parent who has received specialized training in adoption and fertility issues. She is listed as a resource in Chicago Area Families for Adoption (CAFFA). She has been a speaker in District 203's Parent University, Advances in Neuropsychiatry, and Evidence-Based Holistic Therapies.

Noel Tapia is a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Noel helps his clients by focusing on a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for the individual. In his spare time, Noel enjoys running, fishing, and weightlifting.

Laura Rae Venditti is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Iliinois who has been practicing since 2016. Laura Rae approaches therapy within a client-centered climate, using the tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), through a solution-focused lens. She helps clients identify obstacles and explore solutions, believing that if one wants something to change, one has to be willing to foster change. Laura Rae and the client will explore barriers and remove roadblocks that have denied them their joy. Laura Rae works with her clients to explore their version of a better life in a quest to make it their reality. In essence, they are on this journey together. Outside of work, Laura Rae enjoys time spent with family, and especially finds joy spending time with her grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes is attending baseball games and is especially loyal to her Chicago White Sox. She takes advantage of the benefits of exercise, as it greatly contributes to attaining balance and minimizing stress in her life. Therefore, she loves the advantages of living in the city where she can walk, run, or bike, most anywhere she needs to go.

Robyn has experience across therapeutic settings. Her experience includes inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization program treatment, community-based services and outpatient settings. Robyn specializes in treating individuals who suffer from suicidal ideations, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma (with extensive training and experience with domestic violence & sexual assault), adjustment phases, and substance abuse/dependence. Robyn utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Person-Centered Therapy. Robyn believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and meeting individuals where they are at. She provides psychoeducation and offers encouragement to empower individuals to make changes to live a more fulfilling life. In her free time, Robyn enjoys spending time with family & friends. She also likes to read, travel, and attend baseball games and concerts. Robyn is also a lover of dogs and currently attends agility classes with her own dog.

I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Media and Theatre and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My formal training in the counseling field ranges from working with children with trauma, adults with depression and anxiety, couples therapy, substance abuse counseling, and wellness groups. I have worked with clients who want to change and with mandated clients. I have helped clients set and accomplish their goals. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor. I use different therapeutic approaches depending on the need of the client. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential, Person-Centered, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I treat each client as unique and help them set and meet treatment goals. In my free time, I love to watch sports, fish, travel, work out, read books, walk my dog, hang out with my family, and enjoy a good meal.

Dr. Juliana C. Nwauwa, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois, stands at the forefront of mental health care, blending her extensive education with a compassionate approach. Armed with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, Dr. Nwauwa has honed her skills and knowledge to provide the highest level of care to her clients. With full-practice authority (FPA), Dr. Nwauwa possesses the autonomy to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication independently, empowering her to deliver comprehensive and timely interventions tailored to each individual's needs. Drawing on over six years of clinical experience since earning her certification in 2018, Dr. Nwauwa is deeply committed to offering client-centered care. She embraces diversity and inclusion in her practice, ensuring that every person receives holistic and individualized treatment that respects their unique background and circumstances. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Nwauwa finds fulfillment in her passions outside of work. Whether she's exploring new destinations through travel, experimenting with flavors in the kitchen, cherishing moments with loved ones, or pursuing ongoing education, Dr. Nwauwa approaches life with a spirit of curiosity and growth.

Cory Dolley is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. Cory just wants to be able to help give people a fighting chance to have a healthy, happy, productive life. Perhaps you are someone in your late 20's to 60's and are not used to asking for help because you were taught early never to show vulnerability. Perhaps you are dealing with unacknowledged trauma from years ago that was never seriously addressed. All you know is that you are in pain, and that pain is affecting all your other relationships, making it harder to reach out to others, hard to trust anyone. Perhaps you were coping with that pain by drinking or using other drugs. You just want to get better, and to live a healthier, happier life. You want to have a better relationship with the people you love. Cory can work with a variety of people to identify and address the issues that they are having so that they can begin to have better lives. He uses a compassion based and understanding approach and works with people's strengths so that they can begin to address the problems they are having and work to have the better lives they want to have. Cory has worked with a wide variety of clients and helped people process grief, loss, anxiety, and anger.

Nina Pieroni, LCSW, is dedicated to helping individuals across Illinois navigate life?s challenges and work toward improved mental health. With extensive experience in various care settings, including emergency rooms, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, Nina provides compassionate, individualized therapy tailored to meet each client?s unique needs. She serves adults and seniors, helping them address a wide range of mental health concerns and guiding them toward personal growth and resilience. Nina specializes in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief, utilizing evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is particularly passionate about assisting clients through significant life transitions, including midlife and later-life changes, reproductive challenges, and postpartum depression or anxiety.