Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Transform Your Life: Embrace Joy, Growth, and Connection - Are you ready for a positive change in your life? Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, or the weight of past traumas, taking the courageous step of seeking therapy can be the catalyst for transforming your life. Don't let yourself feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path ahead any longer. Let's embark on a journey together towards reclaiming your energy and rediscovering the joy, growth, and connection you deserve. I gravitate towards therapies that seek to create awareness around thoughts, behaviors and values, including ACT and EMDR, with a psychodynamic lens to explore past experiences and the ways in which they shape you. In exploring yourself and your formative experiences, you can gain clarity about your present self, fostering a radical new space for growth. Taking the first step to connect can be daunting, but I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, concerns, or are ready to begin, don't hesitate to reach out. I offer a complimentary consultation session where we can explore your needs and goals. Your journey towards a brighter future starts now. Good luck!

In the pursuit of health, it can be easy to get trapped by diet culture messages that make us think we need to restrict our favorite foods to support our health goals. Clients are empowered to make daily food choices that support their health goals without judgment and without rigid rules. Cool, right?

I am a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive therapist dedicated to supporting individuals with a history of trauma and life challenges related to mental health issues. My practice focuses on working with people navigating the effects of trauma, which often manifest as mental and behavioral conditions such as PTSD, C-PTSD, Panic Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Codependency, Dissociation, and Addiction. I'm trained in addiction and trauma recovery and am a certified EMDR therapist through the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA). Additionally, I'm also Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed. In my practice, I integrate techniques from EMDR, IFS, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Existential Therapy, and Relationship Therapy. I use EMDR and IFS to help clients access and process difficult memories, fostering psychological healing and resilience. What sets my approach apart is my unwavering commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I believe in the power of collaboration and work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans and mutual goals. As a member of a minority group, I deeply understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and strive to provide a space where clients from all backgrounds feel valued and heard. Beyond my professional practice, I am a lifelong learner, continually staying informed about the latest advancements in mental health to better serve my clients.

You weren’t meant to spend your life in survival mode. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or a major life transition, or noticing patterns in relationships, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm that feel hard to break, therapy can help you make sense of what’s going on beneath the surface. I work with adolescents and adults to understand how anxiety, trauma, and current life stressors shape your present experience, helping you move with self-compassion, reconnect with your authentic self, and build a life that feels more grounded and fully your own. Stress, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, and major life transitions can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. Therapy offers space to slow down, understand patterns, and gain clarity. Using a trauma-informed, collaborative approach, I support clients in building resilience and a more authentic way of living. Taking steps toward change takes courage, especially when you’ve been carrying things on your own. I’m here to walk alongside you in that process. If you’re looking for a therapist who will honor your strengths, respect your story, and offer a supportive space to make sense of what you’ve been carrying, I’d love to connect.

Feeling like a mess in a world that wants you to have it all figured out? Same. That’s why I work with young adults who are anxious, burnt out, and/or in the thick of transitions. Let’s be honest: Change is hard, even when it’s good or what you chose. Whether you're starting college, navigating early adulthood, managing relationships, or facing big questions about who you are and what you want. Here's the thing... You don't need to process it all alone. Therapy can be the space where you process and figure things out. And with me, therapy is without judgment, pressure, or weird florescent lighting. My clients are often reflective, engaging, and open. They’re trying their best (and tired of pretending that’s enough). Together, we create space for real conversations, reflection, accountability, which leads to insight and change. I’m a big believer that healing doesn’t have to be heavy, sometimes even light. You don’t need to have a specific “goal” to start therapy. You might just be tired of pretending you’re fine. You might want to stop spiraling at 2 AM, or to figure out why the smallest things feel so overwhelming. You are not broken. You’re doing your best. Let’s start there and get to work.

Gretchen Aich (she/her), PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Gretchen has advanced training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care and works with children, adolescents, and adults, including Spanish-speaking clients. Gretchen brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, private practice, and telehealth. Her background includes supporting individuals in crisis, working in community and court-mandated programs, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. During her clinical training, she worked extensively with children and adolescents with complex needs, provided substance use and court-ordered therapy, and assisted with advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO and TMS. In her work with clients, Gretchen creates a safe, judgment-free space grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and uses a collaborative, flexible approach to care. Through active listening and evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, she partners with clients to set meaningful goals and support healing in a way that fits their lives.

Hi! I'm Aaliyah McNair, LCSW, and I'm passionate about helping adolescents and adults navigate life's challenges with compassion, honesty, and practical support. I have experience working across hospital, emergency, and outpatient mental health settings, supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, major life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. I also enjoy working with professionals and caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout. I believe therapy should be a space where you don't have to pretend you're okay. Whether you're feeling anxious, navigating a difficult transition, processing past experiences, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood.

We live in a hectic, high-pressured world. It can be hard to stay connected to one's true self when managing the stress and expectations of our nonstop culture - especially when life doesn't go according to plan. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment to help you gain perspective, process past experiences, clarify your values, and experience healing and deeper fulfillment. Together we will use sessions to set goals, identify barriers to growth, increase coping skills, and build on your existing strengths. I enjoy working with individuals of diverse ages, sexual orientations, genders, & backgrounds. I employ an individualized, person-centered approach and utilize aspects from several research-based approaches. I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy for a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions. I'm grateful for your courage and interest in therapy. It can be a life-changing process and I would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and wholeness. If this resonates with you, please reach out today to schedule an initial session with me.

Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist. I provide sessions both in English and Spanish based on the needs of my clients. I provide a safe space for clients to share their unique stories and perspectives, allowing us the opportunity to learn more about their experiences and their behaviors. I am passionate about empowering my clients by helping them discover the tools they need to cope with difficult times and challenging feelings.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

At Skylight Ascend Wellness, we blend medical expertise with heart. Our practice provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for adolescents and adults through a holistic approach that integrates medication management, therapy, and wellness support. We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders while helping each person rediscover balance and confidence. Our care is collaborative, inclusive, and designed for real life—whether you’re a student navigating stress or an adult seeking clarity and calm. ✨ Let’s light the path to your emotional wellness—mind, body, and brain. 📍 Serving Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, and Florida | Virtual options available

Dr. Shana Mehta works with teenagers and adults who struggle with various forms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. She has expertise with individuals who experience mood difficulties, generalized anxiety or panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, addiction, trauma, divorce, parenting difficulties, and significant life transitions. Additionally, she specializes in eating disorder treatment, specifically binge eating, compulsive overeating, emotional overeating, and mindless eating. Dr. Mehta views therapy as a collaborative process. She works with her client to gain a deeper understanding of past struggles and tendencies, assist in managing current challenges, and develop achievable goals. She uses a combination of evidence based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, and Exposure Therapy. Dr. Mehta believes that there are many complex components that make ‘life change’ difficult. She finds passion in assisting clients in uncovering emotional layers, helping them to achieve realistic improvements, and finding enjoyment and happiness in life. If you're ready to schedule, visit www.allow-wellness.com to directly reserve an intake time.

I understand that seeking change or trying something different can be difficult. I enjoy working alongside my clients to help each individual achieve their therapy goals in a way that feels comfortable for them. By using an empathetic and client centered approach, I support and encourage my clients to focus on their strengths to overcome life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe and empowering space where clients can be vulnerable, explore new perspectives, and speak openly in an environment where they feel accepted rather than judged. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is essential in the helping process.

I am passionate in helping clients be open about their experiences that may be uncomfortable to talk about. I understand the difficulty in being vulnerable with others and how to move forward with that in mind. My passion is driven by the stigma in seeking mental health counseling services. I want to help you remove that stigma you may have and let you know that it is okay to experience depression, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed in life. I believe anyone can benefit from counseling and therapy, and want to help you be mindful of the reason you are here today for a better tomorrow. I am also fluent in Cantonese-Chinese. I want to meet you where you are emotionally and help you gain insight on how your experiences have shaped you. I work with an open mind and use an integrative approach to bring focus toward your goals. I believe clients know themselves best; and will help you navigate through your narrative prioritizing your personal experiences, expectations, and goals. By listening to your story and experiences, I will work with you to explore the many chapters of your life and help you in your process of getting unstuck. I will create a safe space for you to share your experiences and emotions with no criticism or judgement involved. It would be an honor to accompany you in your healing process and finding balance.

If you find yourself not feeling good enough, struggling to cope with worries, traumas, and pain from the past, or wanting to learn more about yourself and why you think and behave in the ways that you do, my therapeutic approach may be right for you. Depending on your goals/needs, we will work together to increase your insight, explore alternative coping strategies, and help you feel empowered to make different decisions in life to get your closer to who and where you want to be. My intention in our work together is to see you, understand you, and challenge you to grow. When necessary/needed, we will use humor along the way! I specialize in working with adults struggling with feelings of Unworthiness/Low Self-Esteem, Trauma/PTSD, Family/Relationship Conflict, Anxiety, and Depression. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, Mental Health Professionals, Artists, Immigrants, First-Generation Americans, Bi-cultural Individuals, and the Kink community. I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Through our work together, you can learn to practice more self-compassion, feel more grounded, and better manage all the thoughts and feelings you're experiencing. If you connected to what I've shared and feel like we would be a good fit, feel free to message me to arrange a free phone consult.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I received my Masters Degree in Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. I am an experienced clinician who provides individual therapy for clients ages 18 and up. My areas of special interest are anxiety, depression, college adjustment, infertility, life changes and trauma. My counseling approach is person-centered utilizing techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. I also enjoy working with first responders. I encourage clients to engage in self-reflection and help promote personal growth. I am passionate about my work and enjoy being a support for others. I feel honored to be able to help clients improve their mental health and wellness.

Hi, my name is Dr. Celia and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who opened my practice to help those who want to make a change in their lives. I specialize in working with trauma across the lifespan, which is how I know how significantly our brains and bodies can shift after a difficult event and/or a series of difficult life circumstances. Therapy is a space for us to explore how our past informs who we are. Being able to form meaningful relationships is a key part of our mental wellness, and therapy can help you build and maintain healthy relationships.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in various medical, inpatient and non-profit settings. In my role as your therapist, I aspire to create an environment where you feel heard, seen, and free to show up just as you are. My approach to therapy is holistic. There is no rigid script or timeline. I draw upon various modalities dependent upon on your needs and goals, including a psychodynamic approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

We are here to support you. Life Aligned Counseling offers individual, couples, and family counseling services. Our team of therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-concept, emerging adult issues, family conflict, stress management, spirituality, significant life transitions, men's issues, etc. We are committed to providing empathetic, affirming, and culturally sound care that creates a safe space for healing and transformation. Visit our WEBSITE at lifealignedcounseling.com to get scheduled.