Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Everyone tells you that college is the best time in your life and to enjoy it because it flies by. But what people don’t tell you is all the challenges that it can bring. Maybe it’s the first time you are away from your family and friends from home. It can also bring many challenges with pressure to drink or use drugs, navigating friendships and dating in a more complicated way, and figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life. You might be in a position where in order to afford school you need to work on top of doing well in all your classes. I know personally how challenging, yet exciting, this time can be, and I am here to tell you that you don’t need to figure it all out on your own or even right now. Are you ready to enjoy your college experience, be fully present in the great moments without feeling stresses weighing you down everyday? It’s time to feel a sense of relief, confidence in who you are, and in your decisions. Together, we can make your life feel lighter and free up space for everything else you have going on! My Approach: I am a strong believer in the power of relationships. Having someone to talk to can increase our sense of happiness and positivity, and most importantly let us know that we are not alone. Life has many ups and downs, but it's what you do with them that matters. I am here to help you transform the tough moments into growth. Therapy with me looks like an open dialogue, where we both respect each other's point of view and collaborate to find solutions that help you overcome what’s been holding you back. We can talk about anything, no matter how hard it is to share. Whether it’s the good things or the bad, I am ready to hold space for even the strongest emotions that come up, because I know we can work through it together. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy that not only looks at your thoughts and feelings, but also how your environment, your cultural experiences, close relationships, and health, affect your mental wellbeing. We’ll use a variety of therapeutic techniques to best fit what you need, because therapy is not a one size fits all approach. We’ll make sure that those techniques are really working for you. It might be practicing mindfulness or trying out different coping skills to help things feel less overwhelming. Our approach will continue to grow as our therapeutic relationship develops. I know that therapy is not always easy, but I am here to support you each step of the way and I will always accept you for how you are in that moment, even the hard ones. A Little About Me: I went into undergrad undecided and had a hard time knowing what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to do something to help people and I wanted a career that I would enjoy. I always felt behind in some way because I didn’t know what I wanted to do right away. I have learned that a lot of people have a unique path to get to where they are. I worked as a school social worker for 8 years before private practice and that is when I really knew I loved counseling and wanted to continue on this path. I have lived in the Chicago area for most of my life and love the city! You can find me by the lake or exploring all the city has to offer. My hobbies are all over the place and include a mixture of baking, triathlons, knitting, going on long walks and finding the best matcha. I also love traveling (but hate flying) and have an ever growing list of places I want to visit.

Do you often feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in cycles of overthinking and self-doubt? You may be navigating academic or career pressure, family expectations, or the emotional complexity of living between cultures. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, depression, burnout, perfectionism, and feeling “never good enough,” even when they appear capable on the outside. Therapy can be a space where you slow down, feel understood, and move forward with greater clarity, emotional balance, and self-trust. As a bilingual therapist fluent in Mandarin and English, I bring both professional training and lived experience into my work. Having studied abroad since high school, I understand the challenges of living between cultures and am deeply attuned to the invisible pressures related to identity, family expectations and adapting to new environment. My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, grounded in empathy, authenticity, and empowerment. I believe that healing begins with understanding—and that every small step toward self-acceptance is a powerful act of growth. I look forward to walking with you on this journey of healing and rediscovery.

Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked for a long time. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, LGBTQIA+ and identity-related challenges, and more. I provide services in English and Mandarin.

Leslie Alton at Self-Empowerment Counseling provides Evidence Based Treatment via Telehealth for Anxiety, OCD, Eating Disorders, Depression, Trauma, and other mental health struggles. Licensed to practice in FL, IL, IN, and OK. Meeting You Wherever You Are, For Your Counseling Needs.

NK Psychological Services is a consultation-centered practice providing comprehensive psychological services across the lifespan. We offer psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families, along with neuropsychological and diagnostic assessment. Our psychodynamically-informed clinicians work collaboratively, bringing multiple perspectives to complex cases. We work with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges from life transitions to longstanding patterns that no longer serve them.

I am a clinical psychologist specializing in working with young adults and students. I spent 10 years on staff at various university counseling centers around the country and now work in private practice doing individual psychotherapy in Illinois and New York. My approach combines my education, training, and own life experience to work with individuals collaboratively, with a focus on how to meaningfully and healthfully navigate life events. While trained as a generalist to provide treatment for a variety of mental health concerns my clinical specialties include working with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship/family distress, life transitions, grief/loss, and stress management.

I offer engaged, purposeful therapy on relationships, work and school-related issues, life transitions, and stress management. I specialize in working with adults as they navigate increasing responsibilities at school and work, while also managing life transitions such as dating, marriage, parenthood, and losses. Many of my clients describe feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. I integrate current research and traditional approaches: many benefit by learning skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness; others explore bigger-picture issues related to values and sense of purpose. I completed my clinical training (Doctoral Internship and Fellowship) at Northwestern University after having graduated with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. In my previous life, I obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University.

The process of starting therapy can be awkward and scary but life-changing. It is a relief to speak with someone who doesn’t know you to form judgments. This environment is understood as a safe space that you will be provided with. A place where you can feel heard, express your emotions, and receive psycho-education. We all have the ability to change with the right tools. My goal is to meet you where you’re at and grow from there. At Hope and Prosper, I tend to utilize an integrative approach with cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy for an effective, personalized treatment. Clients often describe me as insightful, humorous, enthusiastic, and caring. These natural characteristics that I exhibit embrace my personality as a clinician. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience therapizing children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I graduated with my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in trauma. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) to further my career.

As therapists, we work to build a genuine relationship with each client, create a safe space for discovery, and aim to understand that individual. This allows clients to safely explore alongside the therapist, and begin to see themselves with greater clarity, depth, and honesty. Good, effective therapy will likely not happen overnight (though exciting and wonderful eureka moments certainly occur along the way), and trust, honesty, and humor are invaluable to a beneficial therapeutic relationship. We believe that laughter and tears are equally powerful but that therapeutic change is measured in neither. We believe the act and effort of genuinely and non-judgmentally understanding each client allows for lasting therapeutic change to take place. While each clinician at Dr. Blehart & Associates has a unique method and skillset, we believe it is the underlying interpersonal style and ability to connect and understand that rests at the heart of our work. Dr. Blehart & Associates offers the highest level of expertise, care, and access for adults and adolescents in Chicago. Services are available in English, Spanish, German, and Somali.

SHFT is Chicago’s first mental health urgent care created specifically for young people and their families. Designed to bridge a long-standing gap in the behavioral health landscape, SHFT offers a full spectrum of services, including crisis assessments, one-time “chat” sessions with licensed clinicians, routine therapy, and medication management. Our clinical team brings deep expertise in adolescent and young adult mental health, with backgrounds across higher levels of care that allow us to respond to a wide range of needs quickly, safely, and compassionately. Open seven days a week, SHFT supports both walk-ins and scheduled appointments. Guided by a “come as you are” philosophy, our space is intentionally warm, contemporary, and non-clinical - created to help young people feel safe, welcomed, and understood from the moment they arrive.

Beginning therapy can often seem daunting. It can be the first time you are admitting something isn’t working, or you aren’t feeling okay. I want to provide the space and time for you to sit with that possibility, work together to understand those thoughts and feelings, and use your experiences to guide you toward new, affirming spaces and connections. Together, we can support you in navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, neurodivergence, identity and LGBTQ+ related concerns, as well as relationship challenges, family dynamics, and major life transitions. Whether you’re beginning therapy or returning to it, I look forward to connecting and working together.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming- whether we are held back by our past, experiencing present obstacles, or anxious about things to come. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship between therapist and client, and value creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment. In my work with clients I am mindful of the ways in which social identities (gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.) impact the way we navigate mental health journeys and the world in general. Whether working with older adolescents, adults or with couples, I am passionate about supporting others in overcoming life’s difficulties and reaching their goals. My goal as a therapist is to support clients in restoring a sense of hope and positive self-worth. Everyone has the capacity for personal growth within them. My job is to help clients identify and access resources they have in order to achieve this. I work with individuals seeking support with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, interpersonal issues, and mood regulation. I also provide relationship counseling. I am happy to set up a free 10-15 minute phone consultation to get to know each other better and determine if we're a good fit!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Counselor with a passion for supporting emerging adults as they wade through the complexities of today's world. I believe in a Person-centered, Humanistic approach to therapy, building therapeutic relationships based around trust and mutual respect, fostering an environment of non-judgement, positive regard, and authenticity. I assist my clients on their journey towards their goals. Working together, we will discover ways to spur your personal growth and foster a greater sense of fulfillment in your life, utilizing, expanding, and developing skills and abilities, including ones you might not even know you already have. I have experience working with a broad range of clients. Including emerging adults struggling with life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and assisting clients of all genders with relationship concerns. I particularly enjoy working with clients involved in the creative arts as well as those living with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. Drawing on my own experience living with a disability, I strive to listen and understand without judgment, and to honor your individual perspective on life and your world. I am excited to collaborate with my clients, providing compassion and support as we work together to address life's hurdles.

Intuit Healing is for people who are ready to take initiative of their own life. We’re more than a spa, where after your 90 minute massage you’re back to your same old life. No, our goal is that you find true life-long healing. At Intuit it is all about you. We are your oasis, your getaway place. We will give you the tools you need to become your best self. How exactly do we make this promise? We provide healing modalities to take care of your body, mind, & spirit. We have everything you need for your self care journey all under one roof. So you can have talk therapy followed by a massage. Or maybe a reiki session followed by a sound healing class. From experiencing physical pain, to healing grief, to dealing with burnout, we are here to support you through all of life’s transitions. If you’re on your pregnancy journey, we’re there for you too. Our perinatal classes & our maternity massages ensure that you will be physically & mentally ready for baby. We’re a home for people who are looking to better themselves. Feeling like you have so much more to offer but you’re stuck? Make an appointment with us & we’ll help you sort things through.

Cloud Nine Counseling specializes in helping college students and young adults navigate anxiety, relationships, body image concerns, life transitions, and spirituality. Balancing school, work, friendships, and personal growth can be overwhelming, but therapy can provide clarity and support. Using evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—Cloud Nine Counseling helps clients reduce anxiety, build meaningful relationships, improve self-image, adjust to life changes, and explore faith and spirituality. For those seeking faith-based guidance, Christian counseling is available upon request. Cloud Nine Counseling offers a nonjudgmental, strengths-based approach to help clients gain confidence, heal from past experiences, and create a fulfilling future. Looking for support during college and beyond? Reach out to learn more about how therapy can help.

Main character energy is something that you deserve to give off. Why? Because this is your life and everyone deserves to live the life that they want to live (yes, including you), and I deeply believe this. Since this is something I am passionate about, I will work with you to help make sure that you are able to live life fully and happily. I do this through active listening, patience, open mindedness, kindness, and support. I ensure that you will have a space that is welcoming to be who you are, as you are, safe and judgment free. I know that college is a whole new world, with new fun experiences and stress. I will partner with you to navigate the unique challenges of adjusting to school, friends, independence, and this stage of life. Whether you are experiencing; stress, anxiety, depression, or any unpleasant emotion. You are not alone, and together we will make sure that you are living a life aligned with your goals! Together, we will identify strategies to help you achieve those goals. As the expert of your own experiences, feel free to provide feedback and actively participate in the therapeutic process. It's a team effort, and my goal is to ensure that you get the most out of our sessions, so you can live a life aligned with your goals. Remember, you are not alone, and together we will navigate and overcome any challenges you may face. As an African American woman living in Chicago, I understand the pressure to ‘have it together’ or the need to be emotionally and mentally strong at all times. Life is extreme and when you add in the pressures to conform to the way of the world, life can be unbearable. Growing up on the west side of Chicago, I was able to see the inequities faced by brown and black people. I was able to see the negative impact of the injustices placed on the brown and black people. I was able to see the clear segregation of people, resources, and support and I am able to understand the pain the world has caused. My goal is to remind people of color that they are powerful, that their voices should be loud and clear, and that their presence is necessary. My passion is to be and create a safe space for those who struggle with just being. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community, the houseless community, and with Black Lives Matter to create a movement for equity, not just equality.

Our mission is to help individuals, couples, and families live authentic, connected, and happy lives.

Wellington Counseling Group is the trusted resource for adults, children, families, and couples looking for professional emotional and psychological support. Our diverse team specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral issues, trauma recovery, family dynamics, couples, and so much more. Each of our therapists offers a unique perspective that helps their patients find relief from symptoms, transcend the boundaries of mental health conditions, and craft a life they are proud to lead.

When you're surrounded by expectations, it can be hard to know what's actually yours. Maybe you're trying to meet your family's expectations, questioning your identity, navigating anxiety, or wondering why everyday tasks feel so much harder than they seem for everyone else. Therapy can help you quiet the outside noise and reconnect with the person you want to become. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, identity development, neurodivergence, executive functioning challenges, family relationships, and major life transitions. Together, we'll explore what's getting in your way while building practical tools that help you manage overwhelm, navigate change, and feel more confident in your daily life. I'm especially passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ students, individuals exploring queer identity, and those processing religious trauma or family expectations. You don't have to choose between honoring your authentic self and honoring your experiences. Therapy offers space to explore both with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment. My approach is relational, somatic, and trauma-informed. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and evidence-based behavioral strategies to help you reconnect with your values, strengthen self-trust, and create lasting change. My hope is that therapy helps you hear your own voice more clearly, trust yourself more fully, and build a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and aligned with who you are.