Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

At Tailwinds, we believe mental healthcare should be accessible, transparent, and deeply human. Too often, people seeking support encounter long waitlists, confusing costs, or clinicians stretched thin by systems that don’t support them. Our vision is to remove those barriers, creating a practice where clients and clinicians alike feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive. We see mental healthcare not just as a service, but as a partnership that helps individuals, families, and communities move forward with strength, sureness, and compassion.

Hi, I’m Payton Smith, and I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, pressure, or expectations. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe enough to explore your experiences, process what’s been weighing on you, and begin to make sense of your story. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths while building the tools needed to navigate life with more confidence. I use a flexible, collaborative approach that allows me to meet you where you are and adapt to what you need in each moment. I value going beyond surface-level conversations and creating space for meaningful, honest work.

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.

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”.

Warm greetings! I help overworked and overwhelmed students manage their stress and anxiety surrounding school and big life changes. I know balancing school and work is very challenging, as well as continue to have a social life and engage in the other opportunities your campus has to offer. I help you to express those stresses and learn helpful skills to manage the challenges life at this time can be.

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College can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming seasons of your life. You may be adjusting to being away from home, navigating new relationships, questioning your major, managing academic pressure, or quietly carrying anxiety, depression, or past trauma that hasn’t had space to heal. On the outside, it can look like everyone else is handling it just fine — but inside, you might feel stuck, exhausted, unmotivated, or unsure of who you’re becoming. If you’re in that space, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to work through it by yourself. I work with college students who are in the middle of real life transitions — identity shifts, relationship changes, academic stress, family expectations, grief, trauma, and the quiet weight of self-doubt. Depression during college often doesn’t look like “sad all the time.” It can show up as procrastination, isolation, low motivation, difficulty focusing, or feeling disconnected from the person you used to be. Trauma can show up in relationships, in trust, in sleep, or in how hard you are on yourself. Together, we slow things down. We make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns that are keeping you stuck and build practical tools that help you feel more steady, confident, and grounded. My approach is collaborative and straightforward. I don’t believe in sitting back silently while you struggle to find words. We talk. We process. We challenge unhelpful thoughts. We work through emotional blocks. I integrate approaches such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based strategies to help you build resilience while honoring your story. My goal is not just symptom relief — it’s helping you understand yourself better so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. College is a time of growth — but growth can feel uncomfortable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, stuck, or unsure about your direction, therapy can be a space to reset and regain momentum. You deserve support as you figure out who you are and who you want to become. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to Request an Initial Appointment and begin therapy. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Let’s work together to help you regain balance, rebuild confidence, and move through this season with strength.

LivingRite is a private mental health practice that offers a wide range of high-quality, effective treatments for a variety of presenting problems. Our Service Mission is to provide the finest quality services with a continued commitment to incorporating empirically-validated treatment solutions for our clients. At LivingRite, we believe that at times, life happens in a way that requires the help of a professional through the use of medication services. We recognize that your step towards overcoming these obstacles may involve several avenues of treatment. Our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners provide medication management and ADHD evaluations that help guide you and facilitate progress through these challenging times.

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.

Trauma-informed counseling for women and mothers. Specialize in using mindfulness based techniques to reduce stress and embrace imperfections. EMDR Certified

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Congratulations on taking this big step in your mental health journey - seeking therapy. Whether you are struggling with sadness, worry, work/school-related stress, substance use issues, relationship difficulties, or emotions resulting from traumatic experience(s), I offer a supportive ear and a nonjudgmental environment in which we can work together to identify and implement strategies to move you toward your goals. I strive to assist clients in fully exploring their emotions in an environment characterized by compassion, acceptance, and safety. I take a holistic view of each person and consider the physical, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual components of well-being. I feel strongly that connection with values facilitates growth and satisfaction. I am particularly interested in partnering with my clients as they seek to better understand and apply their values.

Anjuli Maharaj Shah is welcoming new patients for video appointments. As a holistic provider, she integrates non-pharmacologic approaches in addition to medication in her psychiatric treatment. She has a particular interest in nutritional psychiatry. In addition, Dr. Shah has had focused training in various therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. She utilizes such therapeutic approaches in medication management appointments as well as dedicated therapy sessions. Dr. Shah celebrates diversity; many of her patients are adults with non-traditional backgrounds. Her approach is culturally sensitive, taking full account of the impact of environmental and social factors on mental heath. She is committed to destigmatizing mental health and enjoys educating the public about psychiatric treatment.

College can be an exciting yet challenging time, filled with transitions, academic pressures, and personal growth. Whether you're navigating stress, adjusting to campus life, managing anxiety, depression, or ADHD, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a supportive space where you can develop effective coping strategies, process your experiences, and build the skills needed to feel more balanced and in control. My goal is to help you feel empowered and equipped to manage life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

Wherever you are in your therapy journey, I’m happy you came across my bio! Taking the step to pursue therapy is a big one! Life can be difficult and at times people need an outside source of support. I enjoy working with young adults who may be facing various struggles including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues. My goal is to meet you where you are at and to help you obtain the changes you are looking for. Furthermore, identify barriers or obstacles you are having and explore ways to manage them to improve your overall emotional well being.

Looking for someone to help you carry your baggage? Someone to listen to it, to help unpack it, to help put the pieces back together & help you figure out what life looks like moving forward? I'm here to help. Therapy doesn't have to be scary. Thriving Daisies is located in downtown Frankfort and offers a cozy spot to dig into your scaries and most vulnerable parts. I have experience at multiple levels of care - but prefer individual outpatient work and have been practicing in this setting for 4 + years. I am the opposite of cold & clinical - you can expect a friendly, warm and chill experience working with me. I happily offer a free 15-minute consultation - let's chat and see if we are a good match :)

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.

I'm a licensed therapist who works with children (4+), adolescents, adults, and couples. I provide support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, etc.) in a strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming way. I specialize in working with teens, college students, and emerging adults, as well as neurodiverse individuals of all ages. I see you as the author of your own life and myself as an editor. I’ll help you revise and reshape your thought patterns, self-talk, and communication strategies to move your story forward in a way that aligns with your goals and values. My approach is affirming, playful, and practical, creating a space for you (or you and your partner) to gain insight and build resilience. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet your unique needs, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), the Gottman Method, play therapy, narrative therapy, and brain-based approaches. I earned my BA from Washington University in St. Louis and my MSW from Loyola University Chicago. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in K–12 education as a tutor and executive functioning coach. I'm committed to lifelong learning and am always expanding my therapeutic toolkit through continuing education.

Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life. Megan approaches her work with empathy, thoughtfulness, and dedication. She has extensive experience working with people who have experienced trauma, neglect, and abuse, including domestic violence and sexual assault. Megan has experience and training in supporting clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and substance use, ADHD, identity exploration, college stress, burnout, and life transitions. Megan approaches therapy through a psychodynamic and relational lens and incorporates narrative therapy, ACT, and EMDR in her work.

I am passionate about walking alongside clients in therapy. We each have our own challenges and hardships, but we also have unique and amazing strengths! My goal in therapy is to help you understand what is and what is not working for you and find ways to connect, grow, and thrive. I have a particular interest in clients working through life transitions, spiritual struggles, and burnout.