Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I am a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive therapist dedicated to supporting individuals with a history of trauma and life challenges related to mental health issues. My practice focuses on working with people navigating the effects of trauma, which often manifest as mental and behavioral conditions such as PTSD, C-PTSD, Panic Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Codependency, Dissociation, and Addiction. I'm trained in addiction and trauma recovery and am a certified EMDR therapist through the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA). Additionally, I'm also Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed. In my practice, I integrate techniques from EMDR, IFS, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Existential Therapy, and Relationship Therapy. I use EMDR and IFS to help clients access and process difficult memories, fostering psychological healing and resilience. What sets my approach apart is my unwavering commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I believe in the power of collaboration and work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans and mutual goals. As a member of a minority group, I deeply understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and strive to provide a space where clients from all backgrounds feel valued and heard. Beyond my professional practice, I am a lifelong learner, continually staying informed about the latest advancements in mental health to better serve my clients.

My practice provides trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care for college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I specialize in working with students who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is grounded in somatic and relational therapies, which means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to how experiences live in the body. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and paced to support safety, choice, and self-trust. I strive to create an affirming space for students of diverse identities and backgrounds, including first-generation students and those balancing multiple cultural expectations. Whether a student is seeking support for trauma, burnout, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, or personal growth, my goal is to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and feel more grounded and empowered in their daily lives.

I am a Counselor with a passion for supporting emerging adults as they wade through the complexities of today's world. I believe in a Person-centered, Humanistic approach to therapy, building therapeutic relationships based around trust and mutual respect, fostering an environment of non-judgement, positive regard, and authenticity. I assist my clients on their journey towards their goals. Working together, we will discover ways to spur your personal growth and foster a greater sense of fulfillment in your life, utilizing, expanding, and developing skills and abilities, including ones you might not even know you already have. I have experience working with a broad range of clients. Including emerging adults struggling with life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and assisting clients of all genders with relationship concerns. I particularly enjoy working with clients involved in the creative arts as well as those living with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. Drawing on my own experience living with a disability, I strive to listen and understand without judgment, and to honor your individual perspective on life and your world. I am excited to collaborate with my clients, providing compassion and support as we work together to address life's hurdles.

Maribeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with adolescents and adults to help find flexibility and ease in their lives. She specializes in addressing trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, and family of origin challenges. Additionally, Maribeth works with couples to enhance emotional connection and strengthen relationship satisfaction. As an immigrant herself, she is passionate about supporting fellow immigrants and members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. Maribeth is bilingual and provides counseling in both English and Tagalog. Maribeth is known for her gentle yet directive approach that creates a space for clients to foster curiosity about their fears, build insight and understanding with themselves, and feel empowered to make changes. She believes that when we approach all parts of ourselves with compassion and curiosity, we can live a more authentic, fulfilling, and joyful life. Using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems, Shame-Informed Therapy, and ACT, she helps clients process their emotions and develop skills for their personal growth journey. When she’s not sitting in the therapist chair, Maribeth enjoys traveling, collecting pens and stationery supplies, and spending time with her family and their dog.

I have been working as a licensed clinical psychologist for over 20 years, serving adults in both individual and couples’ therapy. My style is supportive and non-judgmental in order to create a safe and trusting atmosphere. As a Humanist, I believe that people are always striving to succeed, but at times are blocked by fears, doubts and loss of clear identity. I see my clients as collaborators in the therapeutic process, and together we create a personal path for growth and change.

As a bilingual (Spanish & English) trauma-sensitive therapist, I offer integrative, individualized care. My approach is shaped by your unique needs. Everyone has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to treatment. I believe in a holistic and caring approach, actively listening and engaging with you to build a strong therapeutic alliance- a vital step in healing. In our work together, my focus will be on understanding you as a whole person, shaping our therapeutic path around your unique experiences and needs. I believe that building a strong, trusting relationship is the foundation of all healing. In the safe space we create, you'll have the opportunity to process your emotions, build resilience, and discover new ways of coping. With a deep respect for your background and identity, I am committed to empowering you to improve your quality of life and mental health.

Colette, "Coco" is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two years clinical experience providing therapy in private practice. She earned her Master's of Social Work from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before working in private practice, Coco worked in the Madison, WI school district as an inclusion specialist and assistant director, working to integrate children with Individualized Education Plans into all aspects of the school experience. Her experience in the school system solidified her desire to become an effective and compassionate child and adolescent therapist. Coco is a therapist driven to work with children and adolescents so that they can thrive in their environment. She is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice and takes an individualized approach to each session with her clients. Coco recognizes the value of understanding each person's unique experience, and is passionate about creating a safe and trusting relationship with her clients. She understands that every child’s environment is complex and unique, which is reflected in her flexible approach to therapy. She is committed to taking a strengths-based approach to her therapy practice, and aims to empower each and every child and family that she works with. Coco focuses on navigating a variety of diagnoses such as OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, DMDD, Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and certain genetic disorders. She focuses on supporting her clients with the skills to live as comfortably in their lives as possible, such as emotional expression and regulation, executive function, self-esteem, and social skills.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Leslie Alton at Self-Empowerment Counseling provides Evidence Based Treatment via Telehealth for Anxiety, OCD, Eating Disorders, Depression, Trauma, and other mental health struggles. Licensed to practice in FL, IL, IN, and OK. Meeting You Wherever You Are, For Your Counseling Needs.

Evolve Wellness is a modern therapy practice designed for college students navigating life’s challenges. We offer a warm, inclusive space to explore stress, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationships, and the impact of today’s social and political climate. Affirming & inclusive: We provide compassionate support for LGBTQ+ and nonbinary students, honoring every part of who you are. Trauma-informed care: Our therapists help you process and heal from past experiences safely and at your own pace. Flexible & accessible: Choose in-person or virtual sessions, with evening and weekend options that fit your schedule. Holistic growth: We integrate evidence-based methods (CBT, ACT, Mindfulness) with a focus on self-understanding, values, and connection. At Evolve Wellness, you’re not alone. You belong. You matter. Let’s heal and grow together.

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.

Welcome. We are glad you are here. We can help. You may be seeking relief from painful thoughts, emotions, or memories. Perhaps you wish to heal from and better understand the here-and-now impact of past traumas, losses or painful life experiences. You may want help in changing some aspect of your life or relationships that you feel is keeping you stuck. In the midst of a life transition or identity shift, you may need support in navigating this change. Perhaps you aren’t sure exactly what’s wrong, but you know that things aren’t right, either. No matter what brings you therapy, our goal is to help you to experience relief from pain, build your strengths and capacities, and more deeply understand and accept all parts of yourself.

My name is Mary Clare, and I am a dedicated mental health clinician with experience providing therapy to children, adults, and families. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. I provide a supportive space to address issues like anxiety, stress, transitions, and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based modalities to help clients build resilience, increase self-awareness, and achieve their goals. I am confident we can cultivate an environment for you to heal and reach your goals, and I would love the opportunity to see if we are a good fit. I am currently accepting new clients in-person and virtually.

You're juggling a lot right now. Classes, relationships, figuring out what you actually want to do with your life, maybe dealing with family stuff that followed you to college. Some days you feel fine. Other days, getting out of bed feels like a win. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety that won't shut off, the racing thoughts at 2am, the knot in your stomach before class, the way you replay conversations wondering if you said the wrong thing. Or maybe it's more like a fog, low motivation, feeling disconnected, going through the motions without really being present. We work with college students and young adults who are navigating: - Anxiety that gets in the way of school, friendships, or just feeling okay - Depression, low mood, or losing interest in things you used to care about - Relationship issues with partners, friends, roommates, or family - Identity questions: who you are, who you're becoming, who you want to be - Stress from academic pressure, career uncertainty, or feeling behind - Trauma or difficult past experiences that keep showing up - Coming out, gender identity, or finding your place in the LGBTQ+ community - Feeling like you have to have it all figured out (you don't) We're not going to tell you what to do or give you a bunch of homework. Therapy here is a conversation. We create a space where you can say the things you don't say out loud and figure out what's actually going on. We'll meet you where you are. We offer in-person sessions in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood and telehealth throughout Illinois. We accept BCBS PPO and Aetna PPO insurance and are happy to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if we are the right fit for you.

Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy is a collaborative group of independent therapists in private practice. We share a philosophy and therapy approach. Our Philosophy We are inclusive, innovative, thoughtful, and compassionate psychotherapists. We believe everyone is capable of changing their relationships to self and others. We believe in addressing both difficult symptoms and the issues that lie underneath them. Each client has unique unconscious emotional patterns that we can discover and shift through flexible, attuned therapy. Our Work We work with clients of all backgrounds, identities, and levels of functioning. Our flexible approach combines the strengths of different types of therapy. We can match you with a therapist who has the right approach for you. Our Group Our collaborative group structure allows each therapist to grow and flourish, while also promoting long-standing commitment to our shared mission. We both support and challenge each other to expand our perspectives and deepen our work. Our Services We provide psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mind-Body focused therapies, and EMDR for adults, couples, children and adolescents, families, and groups. Our Space Our 15 Lakeview offices are in a bright, welcoming building devoted entirely to psychotherapy. Our location is convenient to bus and El lines. Street parking is available. We want to hear from you!

Intentions Psychotherapy provides therapy and life counseling in Chicago, IL via tele-health. Our goal is to help clients in their healing, struggles and suffering from current and past life experiences. Therapy allows us to see patterns that are not serving us well and gain insight on new behaviors and changes we can make to improve our circumstances. Therapeutic interactions and coping skills can help clients work through painful life events and create a new narrative in how they experience the world. With time and patience you can discover a path to living a better quality of life. We are here to help clients find meaning and understanding, as they become positive agents in their lives. Change is waiting for you!

Throughout all stages of life, there are many obstacles we face. If you are facing any challenges, I am here to help you navigate through them and come out on the other side more resilient and better equipped for the next. The populations I have worked with throughout my time practicing include teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity, and addictions. Having a background in cognitive behavioral therapy, I will provide you with tools to identify and chip away at destructive habits and thoughts. As you chip away, you will begin developing new, supportive habits and thoughts, allowing you to experience lasting, positive effects. Throughout our time together, we will work towards developing a strong, therapeutic alliance to create a supportive environment to invite your vulnerabilities and encourage growth.

Being in college right now is tough. Personal struggles, family issues, and the pressure to keep it all together, plus the chaos of everything going on in the world, it makes sense that you're feeling overwhelmed. If you’re dealing with difficult past experiences, family stress, or just the daily pressure of trying to stay afloat, you don’t have to go through it alone. I specialize in helping people process tough emotions, navigate life transitions, and manage stress in healthy ways. I’ve worked with folks navigating trauma, family dynamics, and anxiety—and I use tools like EMDR and IFS to help you work through what’s weighing you down. Therapy is about giving you the space to deal with what’s hard and find practical ways forward, so you can feel more in control and less stuck. I’m passionate about working with women, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ folks. No judgment. Just real, down-to-earth support to help you move forward.

Urban Wellness believes in making wellness a down-to-earth practice. We value making mental health accessible to all, and focusing on mental wellness as one section of health in the body. We are focused on being an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppression practice and hold that in our beliefs and our treatments. We have almost 40 clinicians in 4 locations (and virtually) who work with anything from immigration to stress management to trauma. You will find us wearing slippers in the office, sharing snacks in the kitchen, and providing mental health care in a relaxed and comfortable setting. We will meet you where you're at and build a relationship that is person-centered and best fits your needs.

Leslie is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and her Bachelors in Social Work at Luther College in Iowa. Leslie has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with various issues including depression, anxiety, coping skills, difficult life transitions, and building self-compassion. She has worked with individuals in many different settings ranging from individual and group therapy to crisis intervention in the Emergency Room. Leslie practices from a strength-based approach and combines several modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness. Throughout treatment, she works with clients to utilize coping skills, identify their core values, and develop a strong sense of self. Leslie believes that regardless of age, clients are their own expert and therefore aims to build a strong therapeutic relationship that provides a warm and accepting environment that can lead to positive change.