Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
Hello, I am Dr. Calvin Young. I am a Veteran of the United States’ Army where I was trained as a special forces medic. As a mental health clinician my training includes credentials a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology; with a minor in Psychology. I hold a Master of Sciences degree in Human Services Administration; along with a Master of Science degree in Counseling. That credential was earned with an emphasis in Addiction Treatment and Psychometrics [clinical psychology core]. My academic training and credential includes as well, a Master of Arts degree in Human and Organizational Development. I completed most of the dissertation process to be awarded a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Human and Organizational Development and I am the holder of an earned doctorate (PhD) in psychology. I have been nationally(USA) -qualified as a Forensic Assessment and Substance Abuse counseling professional. With over two decades of experience in the field of applied social and behavioral sciences under my (expanding) belt. I have treated patients in inpatient, residential, hospital, and out-patient settings on an Individual basis; or as a part of a therapeutic Treatment Team. My experiences include treating couples, addressing family issues, dealing with organization’s psychological needs-and working as a mental health provider to stakeholders in the Legal Justice system as an Expert Witness in matters related to mental health, addiction and the Law. My forensic work has taken place in the United States, Canada and in the Caribbean (Jamaica). My clinical experiences include work with juvenile and adult substance abusers and sex offenders. And I have treated victims and perpetrators of violence. I have well over a decade of experiences as a contracted provider of clinical mental health and substance abuse treatment. I have been employed at several universities as a professor of Counseling, Psychology, and Sociology, among other related discipline areas. I am an experienced educator, who has taught at the secondary (High School), tertiary and graduate levels. I have trained and conducted seminars and workshops with professional and lay audiences for multiple topics in mental health and addictions. My treatment philosophy is shaped by an acceptance that the successful psychotherapeutic alliance, clients are best assisted with accomplishing the goals identified in therapy through and in a manner that –as much as possible- integrates and involves spiritual systems (church, temple, mosque, etc.), local communities, other social services organization, along with businesses, school districts, and even legislators as the most effective and beneficial manner of moving clients forward in order to achieve and maintain changed behaviors. My overall philosophy of care is eclectic as I do not think it is appropriate to place human beings in a box. I incorporate a wellness model in my psychotherapeutic work utilizing an integrative approach that incorporates the best of conventional and alternative medicine (CAM) into my treatment plan with my clients as as I understand that if the physiological is not considered and addressed, then the psychological and psychiatric will be poorly or at best only partially healed.
I specialize in working with adolescents, teenagers, college students, and young adults struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, and stress, specifically related to their relationships and school functioning. I help clients reflect, access their strengths, and challenge negative mindsets, guiding them to make choices aligned with their values. I look forward to connecting with you to help you grow into the best version of yourself!
You are the most important person you will ever meet. Why not be on good terms with yourself? I view therapy as a relationship between two people devoted to facing the deepest truths of our lives so we can be healed. I believe that coming to know ourselves and understanding why we suffer leads to genuine change, a return to health, and gives birth to a more authentic life. In therapy, we discover that we heal through relating, because the wounds that occurred in relationships must be healed in a relationship. What was unbearable alone, becomes bearable when shared. Sometimes we find out that the old solutions don't work as well as they used to and we feel stuck. People who come to work with me seek to be understood as unique individuals, to improve their personal relationships, get relief from painful emotional symptoms, gain greater control of their lives, change lifelong ways of coping, and stop self-destructive behaviors. I specialize in treating adults with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and family conflict. I have particular experience and interest in working with college students, artists, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with self-esteem, self-development, and identity concerns, including gender and sexual identity.
I believe change occurs in the context of our relationships, with our own self and with others. Oftentimes, when people seek out therapy, they are feeling lost, discarded, and may be filled with self-doubt and negative thoughts and feelings about themselves in the world. I work with clients to forge new ways of relating to ourselves and others to engage more fully in the world. We do this by learning a range of new skills and processing past experiences, but at its core, it is about connection with another human being and being seen, heard, understood, respected, and known. Therapeutically, I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR. With these two treatments you learn effective skills to manage painful thoughts, feelings, and sensations, develop direction and purpose, as well as process painful past experiences towards resolution and prepare for how to handle the future. My style as a therapist is energetic, accepting, compassionate, and challenging. I truly love my work and experience a deep sense of gratitude for being able to participate in it. People are endlessly complex and I am constantly in awe of our resilience and depth as human beings. If what I’ve written here speaks to you, I encourage you to reach out.
You are holding a lot right now... Balancing coursework, expectations, relationships, and the quiet pressure to figure out who you are (and who you are becoming) can feel overwhelming. From the outside, it might look like you are managing, but internally, there may be anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, or a sense of disconnection that is harder to name. I work with college and graduate students who are navigating exactly these kinds of experiences. Many of the people I support are thoughtful, driven, and deeply self-aware, yet find themselves feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward in a way that actually feels aligned. Therapy becomes a space to slow down. A place where you do not have to perform, keep up, or have everything figured out. Together, we begin to make sense of what is underneath the stress, whether that is long-standing patterns, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, or the impact of academic and societal pressures. My approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in a sociological lens, meaning we do not just look inward, but also consider the larger systems and expectations shaping your experience. I integrate attachment-based, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care, while also offering practical tools when helpful. I am especially attuned to: • Academic pressure and burnout • Anxiety and emotional overwhelm • Identity exploration (including cultural, relational, and personal identity) • Life transitions and uncertainty about the future • The pressure to “hold it all together” while feeling unseen or unsupported Our work unfolds in a space that is steady, thoughtful, and deeply human. We move at a pace that honors your capacity, gently creating room for clarity, compassion, self-trust, and more sustainable ways of showing up in your life. You do not have to navigate this chapter alone. I offer tele-health sessions for students located in Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada, and would be honored to support you in this season of your life!
College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between classes, relationships, family, and figuring out your future, it’s easy to feel stressed or stuck. Therapy can be a space to sort through all of that. My approach is collaborative and flexible—I want you to feel comfortable showing up just as you are. I use evidence-based tools, but more than anything, I listen and help you find what feels supportive and meaningful for you. You don’t have to go through things alone. Reaching out for therapy is a powerful act of self-care, and together we can work toward balance, growth, and emotional freedom.
As a therapist, I strive to co-create a space of curiosity and self-compassion with my clients. I believe that healing and growth are best supported when individuals feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore their inner experiences. This collaborative environment allows for a deeper connection with oneself and the development of meaningful insight. My approach is grounded in two years of post-master’s training in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented modality that helps regulate the nervous system and process trauma. I also draw from polyvagal theory, psychodynamic principles, and attachment theory to inform my work.
Therapy at The Powers Mindset is practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real life. We focus on understanding what’s actually driving stress and anxiety, then building tools that help you feel more steady, clear, and in control. Sessions are supportive and direct. We work on emotional regulation, boundaries, and coping strategies you can use outside the therapy room. The goal isn’t perfection or constant positivity, it’s feeling better and functioning with more ease.
Delve is a depth-oriented practice where we aim to think flexibly and adaptively to our client's concerns. We focus on emotion, relationship, identity, culture, systems, and thoughts in an effort to understand each client better. While there are many quick-fix therapies in the world of mental health treatment, we believe that depth-based work is essential to creating change that truly sticks. One of the gifts that therapy offers is an opportunity to be truly heard and supported. That foundation of support can be an exceptionally powerful addition to one's life when it is effectively developed between a client and their therapist. Read more about our mission and philosophy on our website! We really look forward to hearing from you and potentially working with you. We have a number of therapists and have a wide variety of payment and treatment options. We are confident that we can provide affordable services to most clients in most insurance or non-insurance situations even when finances are a concern. Most clinicians offer a free 15-minute consultation as well.
I am a firm believer that making the decision to address your issues takes a great deal of courage and bravery. Many of us come from circumstances or environments that encourage us to push through pain by burying it, outworking it, or avoiding it. While these coping skills help us to survive, they don't necessarily encourage us to thrive. As a therapist with psychodynamic training and extensive life coaching experience, it is important to me that our sessions focus on identifying where core issues are coming from, encourage collaborative problem solving, as well as create space for intentional goal setting. I have a great deal of experience helping young adults and professionals with life transitions. Building an authentic sense of self is the first step to cultivating a sense of purpose, empathetic relationships, and healthy boundaries. I approach therapy from a multi-modal lense and take great care to address and honor differences in lived experiences. If anything above resonates please contact me! Being a first-generation Arab American myself, I know how difficult it can be to move past the stigma of pursuing mental health services. That being said, I also know that the most difficult things in life also tend to be the most rewarding. You should be proud of yourself for taking this first step!
Ashley Knight is a therapist who recognizes that no problem or issue is too big or small to be addressed, and understands that therapy should feel like a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. Ashley works with late adolescents to middle adult clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment, relationship, and life transition issues. Ashley strives to meet clients where they are so they can aim to reach their full potential and goals.
Who I am as a psychologist is deeply tied to who I am as a person. I am a cis Black man. I am heterosexual. I am from rural Arkansas. I was raised in low-income family. I’m first generation. My background taught me the value of community and resourcefulness. These are the things that shape how I see the world and how I serve in this role. I help my clients create sustainable change by working with them to combine knowledge and skills into purposeful action. A cornerstone of my approach involves "me-search". I believe self-knowledge is essential to insight (our ability to identify, understand, and take steps toward our goals). My goal is offering a brave and empowering space to facilitate that transformation. I look forward to helping you explore how your concerns relate to you, your body, social world, and worldview. My ideal clients are folks who are curious, open to ask themselves really hard questions, and have a willingness to approach change in an honest way. I ideally like to work with clients navigating a life transition (academic, work, identity or relationship based), anxiety, and/or healing from traumatic experience. Overall, I enjoy work that’s depth-based and clients who are interested in therapy that focuses the source and solutions. I draw on my clinical-research expertise exploring meaning in life and liberation to approach healing as an integrative process. I believe there is great value in establishing a brave and affirming therapeutic relationship and space to identify, make sense of, and take action to work toward my client’s goals. Overall, I consider myself a “fellow traveler” and practice from a strength-based approach where I invite collaboration, courage, and trust in the process from those with whom I work.
Great to meet you! Hi, I’m Melissa. I work with curious, thoughtful people who are ready to show up for themselves — even when growth feels uncomfortable. Many of the clients I connect with are navigating big life transitions, like adjusting to college or next steps after college, navigating adulthood, or realizing the old path no longer fits. If you’re someone who’s willing to stay with the process and understands that meaningful change takes work, we’ll likely be a good fit. A bit about my approach to therapy I believe the relationship we build together matters more than any single approach or technique. Feeling safe, understood, and respected is where real change begins. Clients describe me as steady, thoughtful, and encouraging — someone who can sit with you when things feel messy and help you think outside the box when the usual answers don’t work. I focus on everyday, “garden-variety” struggles that still have a big impact on quality of life, especially during periods of transition. What you can expect from our first session Our first session is a chance to slow down, get to know each other, and talk about what brought you in and where you hope to go. We’ll explore what’s working, what feels stuck, and what kind of support actually feels helpful to you. Over time, many clients walk away with more clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense that they can create a path forward — even if it looks different than they originally imagined. Growth isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Devi Natarajan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Counseling Psychology degree from Northwestern University. Trained in both Child and Adult Psychology, Devi has over 12 years of experience working in the Behavioral Health Hospital, Community Mental Health and Private Practice settings. Currently, Devi is the founder and clinical director of her private practice, MindTude, working primarily with the young adult population at Northwestern University, University of Chicago and other local universities in the Chicagoland area.
Therapy with me is collaborative and client-centered. You lead the conversation, and we focus on what feels most important in your life. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, helping you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected while building practical tools you can use in everyday situations, including class, work and your relationships.
Many of the clients I work best with are navigating periods of change, uncertainty, or emotional overwhelm. Whether you're managing depression, anxiety, or mood swings, exploring your identity, or feeling stuck despite trying therapy or other strategies, you're not alone — and you're not expected to have all the answers. My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on what works best for you. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I primarily support clients through medication management, but I also offer brief supportive therapy and education about mental health. I believe that medication is just one tool — and not always the first or only one — and I work closely with you to make thoughtful, informed decisions together. I often support clients in the LGBTQ+ community, those exploring non-traditional relationships, and individuals who appreciate a nonjudgmental, sex-positive space. If you're someone who values open communication, shared decision-making, and a personalized approach to care, we may be a good fit. Whether you're starting treatment for the first time or returning after a break, I'm here to listen, guide, and help you feel more in control of your mental health journey.
At The Kedzie Center, we aim to provide a safe space, by providing confidential and empathic care. Within this frame, therapy is guided by the initial concern that prompted the individual or family to seek treatment. Areas of concern may include emotional distress, relationship issues, work or employment stress, grief and loss, major life transitions, adjustment issues, behavior problems, acculturative stress, and exposure to trauma, abuse or violence. Therapy can be brief in nature, allowing for an exploration and resolution of the presenting concern. Treatment can also be long-term, with a greater focus on seeking to understand the internal and interpersonal dynamics at play in one’s life. How therapy is structured and scheduled is part of the ongoing collaboration between therapist and client. Based on an initial assessment, recommendations are made for individual, family and group therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Services are available in both English and Spanish at this time.
In our sessions, I create a safe, judgment-free space where we explore the reasons behind your feelings, work on breaking unhelpful habits, and try out new ways of thinking, like seeing situations from a different perspective and making choices based on your values. I use different types of therapy along with holistic approaches, to fit what works best for you. I also believe in using creative activities to help heal your inner child and express emotions in a healthy way. You are the expert on your own life—my role is to support you and ask important questions that help you grow. The goal is for you to live in a way that feels true to who you are, bringing together all parts of yourself so you can feel whole.
I am a passionate clinician working within the field of eating disorders and mental health. I provide nutritional therapy to guide individuals in redefining their relationships with food, nutrition, body image, and overall wellness. As a dietitian, I use nutrition therapy to unravel the nutrition and diet beliefs held by individuals and society. I believe that there is no “secret” or “magic pill” to having a healthy relationship with food. By including principles of Intuitive Eating (IE) and Health at Every Size (HAES), I practice a non-diet approach. I follow the philosophy of all foods fit, incorporating balance, moderation, and variety in one’s intake. Once one can recognize that all foods fit, a positive relationship with food can be developed. I am currently accepting new clients and would love to be a part of your journey!