Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals. I have experience assisting people in working on mood and anxiety disorders, grief and identity exploration.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I see psychotherapy as a collaborative process to help individuals gain a fresh perspective on their lives, recognize repeating patterns in their behaviors and relationships, and find new solutions for old problems. My approach is psychodynamic and eclectic, balancing both depth and real-world focus to address the unique needs of each patient at the intersection of their physical, mental, internal, external, interpersonal, and sociopolitical spheres of experience. I have a particular passion working with individuals who find themselves outside of the narrow band of supposedly “normal” identity and desire, including people who are “kinky”/involved in BDSM, nonmonogamous, polyamorous, in open relationships, queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and/or trans* (transitioning or not transitioning). I endeavor to use my concentrated graduate study, post-graduate training, and clinical experience in these areas to provide a warm, open, and supportive space to facilitate self-understanding and growth.

Before coming to the US, I graduated from the top medical school in China and have a background in internal medicine. After 10 years of practicing in the field of medicine, I had the opportunity to train as a psychiatrist at University of Tennessee and became a board certified general psychiatrist. My training in the field of internal medicine has helped my psychiatry practice, especially in the care of the geriatric patients, who often have chronic medical conditions. I am very conscious of the side effects of the medications commonly used in the treatment of mental illness, some which may affect a patient's physical health. I have been practicing psychiatry for about 12 years in the Chicagoland area, treating a diverse population of patients. My approach includes listening to a patient's story and concerns, evaluating patients’ cultural, social, mental and physical status, their support system, and treating the patient as a whole person. I then generate a treatment plan that can include psychotherapy and other supportive therapy, not only the prescription of medication. I speak Mandarin fluently and can support patients with that language need. Schedule your session easily through our online booking link. Click "Website" to find a time that works for you.

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.

School can be some of the most rewarding years of your life but they can also be overwhelming. Between classes, internships, work, relationships, family expectations, finances, and figuring out who you are and where you're headed, sometimes it's good to have some extra support. Therapy gives you a place to talk openly about what's going on, without judgment. Whether you're feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, stuck, lonely, or simply trying to make sense of a major life transition, you don't have to navigate it alone. I work with college and graduate students on concerns such as anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, identity exploration, gender identity, academic stress, life transitions, binge eating, and body image. Many of my clients are also learning how to manage life on their own for the first time and are discovering that no one ever really taught them how to handle the emotional side of money. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I can help you develop a healthier relationship with money, spending, debt, budgeting, and financial decision-making. Together, we can explore both the practical and emotional aspects of financial wellness so you feel more confident and in control. My style is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I'll meet you where you are, help you build on your strengths, and offer practical tools along the way. If you're curious about working together, I'd be happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

Hi! I'm Hannah. Have you ever heard the phrase, “The body keeps the score”? It’s true! Our bodies are incredibly smart and know how to keep us safe. They remember our past and are doing their best to keep us safe in our present and future. But sometimes this means that it’s working overtime to protect us from anything else that could hurt us, and this can end up causing problems in relationships, jobs, schooling, and in our mental and physical health. Traditional talk therapy is often ineffective at helping the body heal from these old wounds. Instead, I use a body-based approach that provides long-lasting healing from trauma and loss. I believe that the therapeutic relationship truly heals, and I aim to be one of your biggest supporters as you overcome challenges in your life. I’ll be right there with you through some of your hardest moments, and I’ll hold onto hope even when it seems hopeless. I believe in you and your ability to do hard things. I also believe you deserve all the healing that you can possibly have in this life, and it’s my honor to guide you on your healing journey. I’m sex-positive, kink-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and strongly believe in racial justice.

Hello! As a mental health therapist, I'm here to offer a supportive and confidential space for you to navigate the unique challenges of college life. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, social changes, and the process of figuring out your future. My goal is to work with you to develop effective coping strategies and build confidence so you can thrive during this important chapter. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or just need someone to talk to, please know that reaching out is a sign of strength. I look forward to connecting with you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Welcome, amazing human. I’m glad you're here. Whether you are feeling stuck or trying to make sense of life, let’s chat and find ways to help you find a new path forward and feel better. Research shows that the key element in counseling is the relationship between the counselor and client. If we click, counseling will likely be effective. So let me give you a sense of my approach to counseling. I think of counseling as physical therapy for the mind and soul. Connection with self and others is key. My job is to create a space for you that feels safe, validating, and supportive, where I can introduce “exercises” that help you sort things out, gain new skills, and start feeling better. And so, whether you are at a crossroads in a relationship or your career, or simply feeling adrift in life, it would be an honor to be a part of your journey. I’d love to walk with you as you move through whatever might be overwhelming you right now: the pain of indecision, anxiety, relationship struggles, or the pressures of daily life. Let’s schedule a time to talk so you can decide if we’re a good fit to work together. Your satisfaction and relief matter most to me. Wishing you well!

To the outside world, it may appear that you have it all together yet no matter how hard you try you suffer from anxiety, self doubt, people pleasing, burn out, and guilt when putting your own needs first and something needs to change. My role as a therapist is to bring light to those parts of yourself which have been blocking you from making changes and step into a life of wholeness and authenticity. As a trauma focused therapist, I integrate therapeutic techniques that encourage insight-building and guidance on taking actionable steps toward healing. Areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, systemic abuse, life transitions, attachment wounds, imposter syndrome, identity exploration, women's issues, and college student mental health. My services are telehealth only to provide services in the comfort of your own home.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you're already balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, work, and everything else that comes with college life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply looking for extra support, I'm glad you're here. I'm Mary Mesiha, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience helping young adults navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with college students facing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, trauma, and the pressures that often come with this stage of life. I believe the relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, gain practical tools, and build confidence as you work toward the life you want. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know each other, discuss what you're looking for, and determine whether we're a good fit. I would be honored to support you through this chapter of your life.

Are you having difficulty with relationships and connecting with others? Are you impacted by trauma, stressful relationships such as caregiving, family members with substance use, your own substance use, or conflict in relationships? Is you history influencing your present day life? Are you looking for a therapeutic relationship that will be comfortable for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so you can begin to find peace, increased self-worth, better boundaries, and improved ability to feel joy and be present? If you relate to these concerns send me an email and lets talk.

Online sessions are available. Details can be found at https://ginnyestupinian.com/appointments/ In-person office sessions are now also available for those who would rather come into my office. Board-certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I specialize in treating college students who are dealing with severe anxiety, depression, stress, and complex trauma. Over the years, I have worked with many college students who have found themselves feeling anxious and depressed to the point that they can't continue with school. Many students report going down the same rabbit hole; as the demands of college increase, they become strapped for time and start to neglect their usual self-care routines—eating healthy, exercising, and relaxing. Not surprisingly, their mood becomes poor. Sadly, ignoring these early changes will cause things to get worse. Students then reported no longer enjoying activities that were usually the highlight of their day, feeling exhausted continuously but unable to get a good night’s sleep. Next, their class performance suffers; they sometimes miss classes because they can’t get out of bed. In some cases, students find themselves in a dark place, barely eating, and unable to concentrate enough to read even a short paragraph in their books. It is not uncommon that thoughts begin to circle the same unpleasant memories and nagging fears, resulting in a sense of hopelessness and guilt. The good news is that, In many cases, I have been able to help those individuals feel better and develop the resilience strategies they needed so they could continue with school and graduate successfully. When we work together, you can be assured that you will never be judged; everything we discuss will be confidential. You will be provided with the most advanced techniques appropriate to your needs, and they will help you feel better about obtaining the goals you want to reach. No situation is too small or too large that I can't help you with. Call today for more information. 844-802-6512

I work with those who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and not taking care of oneself first. Trauma comes in many forms and may not always look like what you'd expect. I also work well with caregivers and other helpers who experience compassion fatigue, along with those who find themselves giving more than they receive in their relationships. No matter the circumstances that bring you into therapy, we will spend time on how to set boundaries, tune in to your needs, and heal your trauma. Sessions are tailored to your needs and focused on attainable goals. I use a combination of methods from CBT, Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and EMDR to create a plan tailored to your specific needs. I practice non-judgmentally and offer a safe space for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. I offer free phone consultations so we can decide together if I would be the right fit for you. Making that first contact is the hardest step, but please know that once you do, you are no longer alone. It is an honor to walk with you on your journey to wellness and I am grateful for your consideration in letting me join you. ** I do not accept insurance. My fee is $150 per session **

Throughout my practice, I have worked with clients facing a wide range of mental health concerns. From stress and anxiety to family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, I am well-versed in addressing the complex emotional and psychological issues that individuals face in their lives. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, identify patterns, and develop effective coping strategies. In my therapeutic approach, I draw from evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. I tailor my treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, utilizing a collaborative and client-centered approach that promotes growth and positive change.

I enjoy working with clients of all ages towards their therapeutic goals. After years of experience, I am still in awe of the way clients overcome trauma and hardship. I feel fortunate to be a part of the process of healing as clients use and build their strengths through challenging times. I have experience helping children and families in a plethora of family set ups such as biological, adoption, foster care, kinship, etc. I am a Registered Play Therapist and I really enjoy meeting with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults using talk and/or play therapy!

I've spent years helping kids and families navigate life's challenges, and I love supporting college and graduate students because I know growing up doesn't stop after high school. School brings new pressures, relationships, and responsibilities. It's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. I strive to create a space where you can be yourself, talk openly about what's on your mind, and build the confidence and skills to handle whatever comes next. No one has it all figured out. We can work through it together.

Peace in Counseling is a virtual therapy practice based in Naperville, Illinois, committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for children, teens, adults, and families throughout the state. We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, life transitions, and more. Our mission is to empower clients on their journey to inner peace by fostering a sense of stability and confidence in every aspect of their lives. Our mission at Peace in Counseling is to provide trauma-informed, culturally aware, and evidence-based therapy that helps individuals, couples, and families build lasting inner peace and resilience. We are committed to creating a collaborative space where you feel truly seen, respected, and supported in your growth. By integrating emotional, psychological, and spiritual care, we focus on the whole person and foster meaningful, lasting change.