Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Thrive for Life Counseling – Helping College Students Navigate Life’s Challenges College is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—times of your life. Between classes, jobs, relationships, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or unsure. That’s where Thrive for Life Counseling comes in. Our team of compassionate, experienced therapists understands the unique challenges that come with being a college student. We know that success in college isn’t just about grades—it’s about managing stress, building confidence, coping with change, and finding balance in every area of life. At Thrive for Life, we meet you right where you are. Whether you’re feeling anxious about academics, struggling with motivation, facing relationship challenges, or just needing a safe space to talk, we’re here to help. We offer a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can sort through your thoughts, learn practical coping tools, and gain clarity about your next steps. What sets us apart? Specialized support for college students – We “get” the unique stressors of campus life. Therapists you can connect with – Our team is down-to-earth, approachable, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Convenient virtual sessions – You can meet with us from your dorm, apartment, or wherever you feel comfortable. Multi-state access – We can work with college students located in Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, and New Jersey. We help students: Manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm Build self-confidence and motivation Navigate changes in friendships, dating, and family life Cope with homesickness or transitions Find balance between academics, work, and personal well-being You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough” to reach out. Whether you need short-term guidance or ongoing support, Thrive for Life Counseling is here to walk alongside you. Therapy is a powerful step toward building the life you want—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Your mental health matters. Your story matters. And we’re here to help you thrive—right now, in college, and in life beyond. If you’ve been thinking about talking to someone, this is your sign. Let’s get started.

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.

My first question to any new client is, "How will you know when therapy is over?" Our discussion of the questions will help us both to define the goals of individual psychotherapy. Together we'll focus on solutions to problems, and build on the strength already there.

At Relational Wellness Therapy, we love working with students who are trying to make sense of life’s in-between seasons. Maybe you’re juggling classes, relationships, and figuring out who you’re becoming, and it’s starting to feel like a lot. You don’t have to have it all together to show up here. Our student clients often share a common goal: they want to feel grounded, more confident in their choices, and at peace with who they are. We help you slow down, understand what’s really going on underneath the stress, and find tools that actually fit your life. Therapy with us isn’t about perfection. It’s about helping you feel seen, supported, and more like yourself.

As a therapist, my goal is to walk alongside my clients in their path towards growth and healing. I specialize in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image and sexuality related issues. I am also a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and I'm passionate about supporting clients in combatting the influence of diet culture on their relationship to food. I am sex-positive and HAES-aligned. I believe that therapy is an incredible opportunity to learn about yourself and your life story in a safe, accepting and non-judgemental environment. Together, we will work towards meeting your goals and developing the life and relationships you strive for.

Adulthood comes along with a lot of invisible changes that you won't find a college course about. From changes in those lifelong relationships and family dynamics as you find your own place in the world, which require new effort & boundary setting. To all the what if's about your future that make it feel like you're so behind if you don't have an answer NOW. Alternatively, if your career plans ARE clear, it can create a lot of pressure to succeed. On top of managing a schedule that's much more flexible & a course load that actually matters, this time can be filled with stress and uncertainty. We are here to walk through these unknowns with you & help you find your footing.

I am a Chicago area Licensed Professional Counselor at Obsidian Counseling Wellness. I specialize in life transitions, including the transitions into and out of college. My approach is eclectic and centers around your specific needs. My therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental and accepting of your whole self. Approaches that I draw from include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With these theories I will help you acquire tools for dealing with the stressors of daily life, while exploring your identity and values. Being a student is hard enough, figuring our how to navigate life alongside school can be a difficult balance. The individuals that I see are often facing major life transitions. These transitions include moving to a new place, the end of a relationship, the shifting of friendships, transitioning into and out of college, the loss of a loved one, and other major transitions.In addition to major life transitions, the individuals that I work with are often experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and working on figuring out who they are and where they fit in.

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a wellness hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, EMDR, Art therapy, VR exposure therapy, Movement, Breath, Trauma Release and Somatic work. We also offer support for overcoming substance abuse issues.

Hi, I’m Charles King Hi, I’m Charles King, I’m a geeky therapist who loves to help fellow geeks build deeper connections and feel understood. Too many geeks struggle with anxiety in relationships and in social situations. This often leaves them feeling disconnected from friends, family, and life, and feeling like nobody can understand them. I believe you shouldn’t have to hide your passion for Dungeons and Dragons, tabletop games, Star Trek (even though Star Wars is better, imo), or whatever you geek out about, in order to feel comfortable in social settings and in relationships. I understand what you are going through. I’m a Game/Dungeon Master who has been the one who saw himself as a social outcast or socially on the fringe. It took me a fair bit of time to figure out my path. Now, I have helped over 50 geeks just like you in becoming more connected with others, and more confident in being themselves, no matter the social setting. How does it work? There are three key ingredients to how I do therapy. 1. I’m Geeky but Also Personable And Laidback I can keep a conversation going, and I know the right questions to ask, so it’s never going to be awkward coming into a session. I’m also comfortable being my geeky self in our sessions because I want you to feel comfortable doing the same. 2. I’m Eclectic in My Background I can geek out with you on a lot of topics. It’s not just D&D & Star Wars for me… 3. I’m Highly Motivated to Help You I’ve personally experienced how challenging it is to feel productive and/or successful in my life’s quest while integrating my geekiness. I am intensely passionate about helping other geeks in their own quests. To get started, fill out this get started form. You don’t have to keep feeling like you have to decide between hiding your true self to fit in, or feeling isolated and alone. I can help guide you in your quest to overcome this feeling of being misunderstood, and instead become more passionate, confident about your life, and more successful and connected in your relationships. Come adventure with me here.

In the complex journey of life, we all encounter obstacles that challenge us. When these obstacles involve mental health, it’s essential to have a guide by your side. Alicia Covington, LCSW, is passionate about accompanying children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their families, on this journey. She helps them skillfully navigate and overcome their unique challenges. Imagine yourself or your loved one as the central character in a tale of transformation and growth, with Alicia as a supportive, understanding, and skilled ally. She specializes in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and behavioral challenges. Through a relational, strengths-based approach, Alicia helps her clients harness their unique abilities, enhance their skills, and foster healthier interpersonal relationships. Embracing diversity and individuality, Alicia provides affirmative therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth. She is experienced in aiding young people as they bravely tackle issues of homophobia, discrimination, coming out, and building supportive peer networks. Alicia’s educational background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Her professional journey, spanning several years, has allowed her to serve clients aged 3-22 in many settings. Her internship at Hearts and Homes for Youth and Adventist Behavioral Health Hospital has further equipped her with the tools to help young individuals grappling with chronic mental illness and behavioral challenges. In her downtime, Alicia enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like spending quality time with family, cooking, and running. Her diverse taste in music, including artists like Billie Eilish, Carrie Underwood, Adele, John Legend, Beyoncé, and a fondness for film soundtracks, makes her relatable to clients of varying age groups. An avid fan of TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, House, This is Us, and The Office, Alicia appreciates the power of storytelling, its capacity for teaching empathy, and its ability to shed light on the intricacies of the human condition. With Alicia, you’re gaining more than a therapist; you’re gaining a patient and compassionate guide who believes in you and your capacity for growth, healing, and triumph. Remember, you’re the hero of your story, and Alicia is there to help you write the chapters of your journey to better mental health.

Welcome to Essentially You Counseling and Wellness Services. We first would like to acknowledge the step you are taking to create positive change in your life, and thank you for considering us to be a part of that process! At Essentially You Counseling and Wellness Services, we provide an array of behavioral health services to individuals, couples, families and groups. Life can prove to be very difficult at times. With two convenient locations in Bloomingdale and Bolingbrook, our mission at Essentially You Counseling and Wellness Services is to guide you through the challenges you are facing so that you are able to live a happy life. We are proud to offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. Everybody can benefit from counseling at different points in their lives. Unfortunately, no one is immune to the stress and strain that life can bring each day. Our goal is to provide you with excellent care in a warm, safe and empathetic environment. While we can’t change difficult situations that you may have been through in the past, we can work together to help you enjoy the present and look forward to your future. Our therapists use eclectic therapeutic styles to help you experience a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Our team works with you to guide you through the challenges of life, develop new outlooks and skills to manage stressors, and gain a better understanding of living an authentic life that is “Essentially You”.

I help with anxiety and turbulence in the middle of big transitions and times of uncertainty in your life.

Hi, I’m Sydney. Any type of schooling can be exciting, stressful, confusing, and everything in between — and my job is to help you sort through all of it. I work with students dealing with anxiety, burnout, identity questions, friendships, and relationship stress. In therapy, you can expect honesty, warmth, and practical tools that fit your real life, not a textbook version of it. I also have a passion for working with a multitude of populations. I have extensive experience not only in outpatient, but also with inpatient care that I find can be helpful in times of stress or crisis.

Hello! We are a group private practice who aims to minimize mental health stigmas among all cultures and populations. We find that being REAL, genuine, and authentic quickly reduces great barriers to care. We look forward to partnering with you to navigate life's unique challenges.

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.

Hello, I'm Kashara Allen, a licensed social worker therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and expertise. With a focus on anxiety, depression, sports performance, stress, PTSD, and trauma. I provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, I'm here to collaborate with you on a journey towards healing and resilience. Together, we can work towards achieving your goals and fostering a greater sense of well-being.

We are a private practice that specializes in immigrant mental health. Our practice is made up of mostly 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, of which most speak another language (Spanish). We believe that the first generation experience is unique and should be handled in a delicate and trauma-informed way.

I provide attentive, non-judgmental, individualized counseling services for students wanting a different relationship with their anxiety, OCD, and trauma. I find a lot of joy in working with LGBTQ+ and immigrant clients and feel that even with shared identities, no two experience is the same. I accept both MO and IL clients.

Has your stress and anxiety hit a breaking point, leaving you nowhere to turn? Are you looking for a solution, but not sure where to start? Well, you’re at the right place, and I want to congratulate you for taking your first step towards relief. I understand that sometimes we feel like we should only rely on ourselves to solve problems, so as to not burden others. Or perhaps it’s challenging to ask for help. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I pride myself on providing a welcoming, safe environment for clients to explore and grow into the best version of themselves. My treatment approach focuses on utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as well as exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. I am passionate about supporting my clients through challenging experiences and working together towards their individual goals. Please feel free to reach out via phone or email to schedule an appointment or consultation.