Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not feeling like you’re firing on all cylinders? Maybe you're feeling burnt out from life or work. Life throws heavy stuff at us, and sometimes, we need a partner to figure it out. That’s where I come in; I’m just a real person helping other real people. The idea of talking to a therapist can be scary- maybe you’re not ready to share your whole story, and that’s okay. My job is to help you figure out what you want to work on and go from there. I believe therapy is a safe place where we can come up with solutions to some of the challenges you may be experiencing. I take a strengths-based approach and will pepper in some humor as well. I am skilled at helping clients with various challenges, but I consider my expertise to be helping people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, caregivers for others, healthcare workers, people dealing with chronic illness, and people going through life transitions. My goal is to help you feel like the best version of yourself. If you are looking for a real and authentic person who will be your partner in this shitshow we call life, and not just someone asking you "how does that make you feel" and head nodding, then I'm your girl! Setup a free consultation to see if I'm a good fit for your needs.

Therapy is a unique process, one that aims to guide you through challenges and roadblocks, helping you move towards a healthier and more meaningful life. My goal is to create a space where growth is safe and cultivated. Using an evidence-based approach, I work to help you gain awareness of your emotional experience, working to understand the way you experience and interact with the world. I help you explore parts of yourself you may not be completely comfortable with, learning to tolerate the discomfort that surfaces during this process. I challenge clients to try something different, encouraging a more intentional approach. Change can be hard and scary; it takes courage and willingness to say you need help. I see individuals with a wide range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development. I also maintain a strong commitment to cultural humility. Life can throw out some pretty tough things, and while we don't always have a choice in what comes our way, we do have a choice in how we respond. Let's work together to find out how you want to respond to the challenges in your life.

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.

Parkside Psychological Services is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. Our team of diverse, talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. Different providers are available 7-days/wk including daytime, evening, and weekends to suite your needs. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Able to connect in-person (Lake Forest, IL) or virtually (PsyPact membership connecting to 42 states nationwide!). We are in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. Out-of-network rates can be discussed as needed with option of superbills to support your request for reimbursement. Please reach out to Dr. Smiley directly to discuss your needs and preferences, and get started right away! Ideally an initial appointment will be scheduled within a week.

Life can feel overwhelming even when everything appears fine on the surface. Many of the individuals I work with are successful, hardworking people who find themselves struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress, or emotional exhaustion. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide a supportive and judgment-free environment where we can discuss your symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals openly. My focus is on helping you better understand your mental health and finding effective treatment options that support your daily functioning and overall well-being. I specialize in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescription refills, and ongoing treatment planning for a wide range of mental health conditions. Through regular follow-up appointments, we monitor your progress, evaluate medication effectiveness, manage side effects, and make adjustments when needed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care. My goal is to help you achieve symptom stability, improve your quality of life, and support long-term mental wellness through evidence-based psychiatric treatment. Seeking help is an important step toward feeling better. Whether you are beginning treatment for the first time, looking for a medication provider, or seeking continued psychiatric care, I am here to help. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and supports your path toward improved mental health and emotional well-being.

My dedication to mental health comes from an interest in patients’ stories and the need to help them, educate them, and encourage them to take an active role in their care. My goal is to collaborate with my patients with empathy to help them better understand their health so they can make important health decisions. I believe in providing individualized care through a holistic approach. I am Board Certified in General Psychiatry. My areas of expertise include Major Depressive Disorder, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and psychosis. I am an avid reader and love cooking, gardening, and painting. I have two children and enjoy spending time with my family.

I like to think of therapy as a journey of inner exploration and I am along as a guide. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a combination of intellectual understanding and emotional experience. In that regard, it feels like your feelings are our road signs that we are in the right track to self-growth. I try to not have a specific agenda going into sessions, but rather to go where it is you feel like you need to go at that time. I believe that it is my role to create a safe space for you to express and explore whatever it is that is inside you. Compassion is key, and cultivating self-compassion is one of the most important elements of therapy. I look forward to helping you explore and become more self-aware and self-compassionate!

Existing in the world right now may feel overwhelming and reaching out for support may be even more daunting. Maybe you've struggled to feel safe enough in your body to tend to your own needs. Or maybe you've felt disconnected from yourself and adrift in your relationships. However lost or stuck you may be feeling, you deserve an inclusive space to feel valued and held. Building on the inner resilience you already hold, together we can practice slowing down, invite curiosity and compassion into your life, and expand your comfort zones to make life more manageable and meaningful. My style is warm, relational, and collaborative and my approach is rooted in anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles. I view therapy as a space that we build together and offer an eclectic range of tools and perspectives to meet your unique needs. As a queer and trans therapist, I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool in our path towards collective liberation. I accept Quartz, Dean, GHC-SCW (under Mental Health Collective) insurances.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Turn On the Light Therapy Services, a telehealth private practice serving adults throughout Illinois. I have over 10 years of experience working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, ADHD, and the many demands that come with trying to balance work, relationships, family, and taking care of yourself. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and practical. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family systems approaches, tailoring treatment to each person’s individual needs and goals. I also have specialized training as an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider and am completing additional training focused on pain psychology using CBT and ACT-based approaches. One of the things I value most about therapy is creating a space where people can slow down, be honest about what they want, and reconnect with themselves. Often, people come to therapy feeling stuck or trying to figure out how to make everything work. Therapy can provide an opportunity to explore what is underneath that feeling, understand patterns, build confidence, and make intentional choices about what comes next. Through Turn on the Light Therapy Services, I provide convenient, compassionate virtual therapy for adults across Illinois. My goal is to help clients feel more understood, empowered, and equipped to create meaningful change in their lives.

I'm here to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change. Whether you're navigating a major life transition or struggling through the stresses of college life, I'll help you uncover and shift patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we'll work toward greater clarity, purpose, and connection, so you can step into the fullest version of yourself.

At Connect Clinical Group, PLLC, we provide top-quality therapeutic services to residents of Chicago, Aurora, and all of Illinois. We specialize in a range of mental health issues from depression to anxiety – meeting each client with respect and empathy as they begin their journey toward healing. With our innovative approach combining teletherapy sessions alongside traditional counseling methods, we make sure your unique needs are met every step along the way!

You may look like you're holding everything together on the outside, but inside you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck. Perhaps you're carrying the weight of past experiences, setting impossibly high standards for yourself, or navigating a life transition that has left you feeling uncertain. Whether you're adjusting to a new chapter, struggling with anxiety rooted in perfectionism, or working through the impact of trauma, you don't have to face it alone. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other trauma-informed approaches. If you're looking for a therapist who values authenticity, collaboration, and a personalized approach, I'd be honored to support you. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels right for you, focusing on your strengths while helping you navigate the challenges that brought you here.

I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I completed my undergraduate studies in Biology and Psychology at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY, and earned my medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Following that, I completed my residency in general psychiatry at the same institution. I have experience working in various clinical settings, including psychiatric emergency rooms, first-episode psychosis programs, obsessive-compulsive disorder clinics, and specialized psychiatric units in hospitals. I have also worked with diverse patient populations, such as refugees, veterans, and individuals from underserved urban and rural areas. My approach is centered around the patient and takes a holistic view. My treatment includes medication management along with a combination of supportive, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies.

I integrate mindfulness practices, DBT and CBT- informed skills, and somatic awareness (attention to the body to guide healing and growth) to help clients better understand their nervous systems and build practical tools for daily life. While insight is important, I also focus on helping you develop strategies that create meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy should honor your identity, values, and lived experience. Together, we move at a pace that feels steady while working toward greater clarity, regulation, and confidence.

I specialize in ADHD therapy for teens and adults who struggle with executive functioning, overwhelm, procrastination, and follow-through. You may be intelligent, motivated, and capable,but still find yourself feeling scattered, burnt out, or frustrated by difficulty starting or finishing tasks. Many people describe long-term patterns of underachievement, forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, or feeling like they are constantly “behind,” even when they are trying their best. As an ADHD therapist, I help clients understand how their brain works and develop practical, sustainable strategies for focus, organization, emotional regulation. I help clients with ADHD, anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, and low self-esteem linked to feeling overwhelmed or “not enough.” My approach is structured, practical, and compassionate, focusing on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and real-life skills. Virtual therapy in VA, IL, MD. In-network with BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated managing ADHD, you don’t have to figure it out alone. ADHD therapy can help you understand how your mind works and build practical tools that fit your life. When you’re ready, I invite you to reach out to explore whether working together feels like a good fit and supportive for you.

Has it been hard for you to embrace life and feel your best? Are you looking for help navigating a lifelong struggle or recent difficulty? Although your experiences are unique to you, you are not alone and deserve to have your emotional needs met. The therapeutic journey allows you to share the burden and take an active role in making the changes you want to make. Together, we can find what works for you and equip you with the tools to address anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, and loss. I have often been described as compassionate and positive, which allows my clients to build on their strengths in a safe and accepting space. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages. With an Art Therapy background, I am experienced in using art to complement the therapeutic experience and express things you can’t say with words. Change happens one step at a time, but it can be difficult to make that first step. I'm here to provide support and guidance for you to trust and believe in yourself.

Dr. Carmaletta Zandi provides compassionate, comprehensive care for people of all ages, drawing on her expertise to support a wide variety of needs. Her top practice areas include ADHD Evaluation and Therapeutic Care, Depression and Anxiety Management, Gold Years Wellness, Educators Resilience Therapy, and First Responder Support. Dr. Zandi specializes in thorough assessment and personalized treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan, integrating neuroscience with practical strategies to help clients enhance focus, manage impulsivity, and thrive. With a strong commitment to Depression and Anxiety Management, Dr. Zandi offers evidence-based therapies to help clients navigate challenging emotions, reduce symptoms, and build resilience. Her approach is empathetic and collaborative, empowering individuals to achieve greater emotional well-being and stability. Through her Gold Years Wellness program, Dr. Zandi supports older adults with a focus on cognitive health, emotional balance, and smooth life transitions, enabling seniors to enjoy vitality and fulfillment in their golden years. She also provides Educators Resilience Therapy, tailored to help teachers and school staff strengthen their mental health, manage stress, and boost emotional regulation—so they can sustain their passion for education. Recognizing the unique pressures faced by those in emergency services, Dr. Zandi delivers First Responder Support for law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line personnel. She offers practical tools and therapeutic strategies to address occupational stress, trauma, and burnout, fostering resilience and overall well-being. Dr. Zandi is dedicated to working collaboratively with clients—whether children, adults, or seniors—addressing ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and the mental health needs of caregivers, educators, and first responders. Her client-centered, evidence-based approach ensures each individual is supported, heard, and empowered to achieve lasting well-being and personal growth.

Ideally clients book with me looking to heal and move forward in life when they’re feeling “stuck in neutral”. My expertise extends to addressing a range of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, OCD, developmental and behavioral issues. I provide personalized therapeutic approaches to foster resilience and emotional growth in my clients. Through empathy, communication, and evidence-based interventions, I tend to create a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, build confidence and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I have experience working with individuals as young as 6 to 55 years of age. I am a therapist specialized in working with children, adolescents and adults. I am skilled in helping individuals navigate through the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. I help individuals gain their voices back. With my extensive experience in family therapy, I work to strengthen family dynamics and support healing within the home as well. Therapeutically; I understand that certain circumstances or life events may have impacted you, however I believe your past shouldn’t control your future. “Just like history; your story continues”, meaning don’t let anything or anyone end your story for you. “In order to see progress, you have to trust the process and believe you will overcome these hurdles”.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I have had the privilege over the past 30 years to work with incredible people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, family and relationship conflict, and other difficulties. Together, we've found their resilience and healing. Our time together is about you. You know yourself best and we will pair that with 30+ years of my professional and personal experience, to help you achieve what you want from therapy - more joy, more peace, better communication, etc. I will work with you in a compassionate, inclusive, productive way to help you get to where you want to be. Taking the first step is brave. Please call or email and schedule an initial meeting. Currently providing in person and virtual therapy in PA, and virtual therapy in IL, RI, and MI.

I work with college students and adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, academic pressures, relationships, and life transitions. I take a collaborative and supportive approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s unique needs and goals. Some clients choose to explore EMDR, and I’m trained to use it when it fits, but many find our sessions helpful through conversation, reflection, and practical coping strategies. I aim to create a space where students feel understood and empowered, whether you’re struggling with burnout, uncertainty about the future, or past experiences that continue to affect your life. I accept BCBS of Michigan and BCN and offer telehealth sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make therapy accessible and easy to fit into a busy schedule.