Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

It's been some time since you felt like you. Have you noticed that you been withdrawn? Overwhelmed? Maybe you are noticing that your feelings of being down, sad, worried, or anxious just aren't going away. Maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, that your life is turned upside down, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. You've thought about reaching out for therapy, but you weren't sure. It's ok. We are here. Reach out today. We help you feel like you again. Through engaging in counseling we will assist you in accomplishing your goals. We believe that each of us encounters our own challenges in the course of creating a full life and that through partnering with a helping professional the path of improving your own wellness may be a bit brighter. We strongly believe in each individual’s capacity for growth and insight. Engaging in therapy with one of our therapists and starting (or continuing) your healing process, we believe you can develop and strengthen your own inner light and we hope to share in this process with you. As your collaborative partner, our clinicians will use their attuned listening skills, reflections, and specialized training to provide quality, individualized, and counseling and psychotherapy. Taking the first step towards change is never easy, but is often rewarding. When you are ready to take a step on a new path, let us be there to help you strengthen your own Bright Light. Our clinicians work with young adults, college students, and adults who are diverse in their identities, life experiences, and backgrounds. Areas of expertise include treating anxiety, depression, life transitions/adjustments, emotion regulation, traumas and stressful experiences, cultural and racial stress, and relationship issues. Additionally, each of our clinicians have their own areas of expertise. You can learn more about our clinicians on our website.

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.

You thought by now you'd feel more certain. Maybe you're doing all the things you're supposed to be doing, going to class, working toward a degree, and making plans for the future, but still find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of where you're headed. You might be questioning relationships, struggling with confidence, feeling disconnected from yourself, or wondering why this stage of life feels harder than everyone else makes it look. I work with college students, graduate students, and emerging adults who are navigating life's in-between seasons. Many of my clients are figuring out who they are outside of other people's expectations while managing academic stress, relationship challenges, family dynamics, anxiety, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what's working, what's not, and what's been difficult to put into words. Together, we'll slow things down, make sense of the patterns and experiences shaping your life, and help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. You don't have to have everything figured out to start therapy. You just have to show up as you are.

I offer engaged, purposeful therapy on relationships, work and school-related issues, life transitions, and stress management. I specialize in working with adults as they navigate increasing responsibilities at school and work, while also managing life transitions such as dating, marriage, parenthood, and losses. Many of my clients describe feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. I integrate current research and traditional approaches: many benefit by learning skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness; others explore bigger-picture issues related to values and sense of purpose. I completed my clinical training (Doctoral Internship and Fellowship) at Northwestern University after having graduated with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. In my previous life, I obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University.

At Snow Lake Counseling PLLC, our mission is to help you live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We empower individuals to make healthy, informed decisions through direct, solution-focused care. With flexible scheduling and virtual accessibility, we ensure that prioritizing your well-being fits seamlessly into your life. Rooted in allyship, our practice is a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. At Snow Lake, you are supported to heal, explore, and grow—free from judgment. Mental health support available for: Anxiety | ADHD | Addiction | ASD | Bipolar Disorder | Coping Skills | Communication Skills | Depression | Desire Discrepancy | Divorce | Ethical Non-monogamy | Grief | Intellectual Disabilities | Intimacy Issues | Kink | Life Transitions | LGBTQIA+ | Men’s Issues | OCD | Relationship Issues | Religious Trauma | Stress | Sexual Dysfunction | Substance abuse | Women's Issues We offer convenient online booking though our secure booking portal: https://snowlake.clientsecure.me/

You don’t have to face this alone. Living with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming—like you're carrying a weight no one else can see. When it feels like nothing is working, it’s easy to lose hope. But healing is possible, and you're not alone. I’m here to help you find your way forward. I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling with mood disorders, and I understand how complex and deeply personal these challenges can be. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based care. Whether you’re navigating intense anxiety, persistent low moods, or the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, I’ll meet you where you are—with compassion, not judgment. Together, we’ll explore what works for you. Whether that means therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, my goal is to support you in regaining a sense of stability, clarity, and control over your life. You deserve to feel better. You deserve support that truly understands you. If you're ready to take the next step—or even if you're just curious about what support could look like—I invite you to schedule a time to talk. Let’s take that first step, together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I especially enjoy working with student creatives—actors, musicians, dancers, writers, designers, and more—who are navigating rejection, comparison, self-doubt, and uncertainty. With a background in the entertainment industry, I personally understand the unique emotional challenges that come with being a performer. We can work together to build resilience, strengthen your sense of self, and help you stay grounded in an industry that often feels anything but. My approach is warm, collaborative, and encouraging. Therapy is a space where we slow down, ask the right questions, and help you move forward in a way that feels aligned with the life you want to live. If this resonates, I'd be glad to connect. I look forward to taking this journey together.

I joined Relational Insight in 2023 to provide affordable therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I apply collaboration within therapy to help clients tell their story to practice new perspectives or behaviors. I aim to help clients find validation, healing, and growth within life struggles and transitions. I have a passion for reaching underserved clients, especially men of color and other members of marginalized groups. Also, I connect easily with adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral concerns. I strive to provide a warm welcome with tangible support for individuals and families who may be new to focusing on their mental health. Looking to assist those struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal conflict, and professional challenges. After transitioning from the professional world as a sales director and consultant, having a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology allows me provided insight for clients facing professional challenges and questions.

AVID Intimacy is a practice that specializes in Relationship and Sex therapy. We work with individuals and people in relationships to navigate relationship issues, anxiety, depression, as well as issued related to sexuality including intimacy issues, exploration of sexual and romantic orientation and recovering from sexual abuse or assault.

Hello! My name is Kalea Abernathy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling from Colorado State University and my Master of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I believe that the key aspects of counseling are empathy, collaboration, and unconditional positive regard. With these foundational pieces, I work with my clients to create a trusting therapeutic relationship where individuals feel safe to process their past and present and feel empowered to achieve their goals.I have experience helping individuals address complex trauma, post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and ODD. I integrate multiple lenses such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, person-centered, and psychodynamic to better help and understand my clients. Before working at Hartman Counseling and Consulting, I worked with adults at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, helping individuals work through grief and loss and mood disorders, and at The Bridge Youth and Family Services where I worked with children, adolescents, and their families who were experiencing anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and behavioral difficulties

Augustyn Family Services is a group psychotherapy practice located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago. Our therapists utilize a warm, supportive, and collaborative approach in order to partner with our clients to create a path towards positive change. All of us at Augustyn Family Services understand that the trust our clients put in us is a great privilege and we work to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel very seen, heard, understood, and supported. Using a client-centered and relational approach, we integrate different strategies to work towards increased insight and self-awareness, identifying challenges in accepting and coping with difficult or painful experiences, and working towards positive change.

Life can be challenging. I believe psychotherapy with a therapist who is a good match can help one more successfully navigate those challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients. I aim to create a nonjudgmental and supportive environment to explore difficult issues together -- to better understand what one is currently facing, to help manage those difficulties, and to ultimately make life more rewarding and meaningful. I have over 30 years of clinical experience and have worked in a variety of settings including university counseling centers (Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Michigan, Northwestern Univ., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago), and LGBTQ and feminist services (Howard Brown Health Center, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Women's Health Center). I maintain a general practice where I see a wide diversity of men and women for issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and identity.

Hello, my name is Dr. Zulexis Alcaide, and I’m a Postdoctoral Resident at Balanced Awakening. I’m so glad you’re here. I am passionate about helping women who are done living on autopilot and ready to take intentional control of their purpose, identity, and emotional well-being. As a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), I specialize in Emotional Intelligence (EQ) development and Positive Psychology. I use an integrative approach that blends evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the SPIRE model of well-being — a holistic framework that helps you understand how the spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional areas of your life are interconnected. I work best with individuals who are ambitious, reflective, and growth-oriented — often managing career demands, emotional overwhelm, and high expectations, sometimes without the support they truly need. They’re not just looking to manage symptoms; they want to deepen their self-awareness, create meaningful change, and build a life aligned with what matters most to them. In our work together, we’ll identify your personal strengths, clarify which areas of your life need more attention, recognize where things feel disconnected, and explore how those areas may be impacting your well-being We’ll reflect, reprioritize, and design habits, goals, and practical strategies that support your growth across every area: 🧠 Emotional & Mental Skills – EQ, self-awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, resilience 🧩 Cognitive Skills – problem-solving, decision-making, goal-setting, time management 💬 Interpersonal Skills – communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, active listening 💫 Self-Identity – confidence, self-compassion, values clarification, purpose alignment 💼 Life & Professional Skills – adaptability, leadership, financial awareness Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, burnout, relationship challenges, or a life transition — or simply feel something is missing — you don’t have to face it alone. I’m passionate about offering culturally sensitive therapy to Latina and Spanish-speaking women who are looking for a supportive space to grow emotionally and individually. Let’s explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact — and create a therapy experience that supports a mindful lifestyle and helps you fully engage with the present. Think of therapy as a meaningful investment in your long-term fulfillment and in becoming your ideal self. Ready to start? Book a consultation today.

At Resilient Creatures Counseling, we encourage people from all walks of life to honor their resilience. We specialize in treating Trauma and PTSD and serving marginalized communities including queer and gender diverse clients as well as BIPOC and immigrants.

Many of the students I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and often hard on themselves. On the outside, they might look like they have things together—but internally, they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of who they are and where they’re going. You might be navigating big transitions—starting college, figuring out relationships, questioning your identity, or feeling pressure to meet expectations (your own or others’). You may notice patterns in relationships that leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or not fully understood. In our work together, I focus on creating a space where you can slow down, feel genuinely understood, and make sense of what’s coming up for you. I take a relational approach, which means I pay attention to how you experience connection—with others and with me—so we can better understand patterns and create more fulfilling ways of relating. If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, engaged, and collaborative—and who will help you explore both your emotions and your relationships—you might find this to be a good fit.

At Birch Tree Psychotherapy (Chicago, Northwest Suburbs), we provide general mental health care, with a focus on outpatient eating disorder treatment. Our team provides outpatient size and gender inclusive treatment to adults, youth, & families. With a commitment to weight neutrality, body liberation, and radical self acceptance, our therapists and dietitians work within an intersectional feminist, Health at Every Size (HAES) framework. Birch Tree Psychotherapy, founded by Dr. Catharine Devlin, is a private , woman-owned, psychotherapy practice located in the Chicago Loop and South Barrington. The South Barrington location is convenient to Palatine, Inverness, Schaumburg, and Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

I am a trauma-informed therapist specializing in sexual abuse, sexual assault, trauma recovery, PTSD, and chronic pelvic pain. I like to use tactile materials in session— clay, collage, knitting, sand trays, watercolor…etc. Sometimes it’s hard to sit in a room with someone and just start talking. Art is a tool we can use to ease anxiety and greet the subconscious. I don’t take too many clients, so I care deeply about each person I work with. I will remember the names of your loved ones. I will want to see pictures of your dog. I will consult with your doctors, advocate for you, and send you resources outside of session. Most of all, I will be genuinely curious to hear what you have to say. Reach out if you want a free phone consult. We can decide together if we're a good fit. You don't owe me anything and you don't have to worry about my feelings. Therapy is your sacred space— I am here to protect it.

Hi, my name is River! I work with adults (18+) and my main areas of focus are anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I also have a particular passion for working with people from the queer and neurodivergent communities. I enjoy working with clients who are trying to live fuller, more authentic, values-driven lives, and I am passionate about helping each client carve out a path forward that honors their unique identities. My approach to therapy is all about creating a space where you can bring your full authentic self and drawing on your inherent strengths to overcome whatever challenges you’re facing. I believe the therapeutic process looks different for everyone. Whether you are looking for something more structured and direct or you just need a space to talk things out, I will always strive to meet you where you’re at. I also take a systemic lens to therapy, bringing issues of power and privilege into the conversation. Understanding how systems of power and oppression impact the problems you are facing deepens our understanding of the issue and informs how to best move forward. I understand that starting therapy is not easy, and opening up to a stranger doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It is important for me to meet you where you’re at, whether you have experience in therapy or this is your first time. If you think I might be a fit, I would love to talk about how I can help support you. I look forward to meeting you!

College and young adulthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between academic pressure, changing relationships, and the constant push to “have it all figured out,” it’s easy to feel anxious, lost, or unsure of who you’re becoming. In therapy, I offer a space where you can slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and reconnect with yourself—so you can move through this chapter of life with more balance, clarity, and confidence. I specialize in working with students and emerging adults navigating anxiety, perfectionism, relationship stress, and life transitions. You might be adjusting to college life, struggling to manage expectations, or balancing independence with family or cultural pressures. Maybe you’re exploring your identity, healing from past experiences, or learning how to set boundaries in relationships. Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to face it alone. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in authenticity. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation—open, supportive, and down-to-earth. I draw from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and attachment-based work to help you manage anxiety, build emotional resilience, and strengthen your connection to yourself and others. My goal is to help you feel grounded and confident as you navigate change and uncertainty. Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you, develop practical tools for managing stress, and create space for self-compassion and growth. Whether you’re adjusting to college life, preparing for graduation, or figuring out who you want to be, therapy can help you reconnect with your values and feel more like yourself again. I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, and I’d be honored to support you as you move through this stage of your journey.