Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Therapy can be a space to explore feelings that have been hard to express, step out of patterns that no longer serve you, and build stronger connections with yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress related to identity, self-worth, or major life changes. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based care, focusing on your lived experience and growth. My work is trauma-responsive and rooted in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we collaborate to understand patterns, build insight, and develop skills that support meaningful change. I draw from modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and relational methods, tailoring strategies to each person’s needs and goals. I understand that feeling supported in therapy begins with patience, respect, and genuine presence. The therapeutic relationship matters, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward clarity, balance, and forward movement. If you are seeking a therapist who values collaboration, curiosity, and human connection, I welcome you to reach out.

Background Holly (She/Hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. She is a Certified Trauma Professional and received sexual assault and crisis intervention training through the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA). She brings clinical experience from the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Skokie, IL as well as a variety of evidenced-based therapeutic trainings to the practice. She is also a Certified Tele Mental Health Associate. In addition, she is an active member of state and national professional counseling associations. Prior to the counseling field, Holly worked in corporate, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine, as a refugee resettlement worker, and received a Master of Science in International Public Service from DePaul University. Holly has had the privilege of dedicating much of her career to helping people. Therapeutic Approach Holly’s priority is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with each whole person. In this relationship, she can attune to each person and naturally hold a gentle and safe space for individuals to deal with and heal from unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, life stressors, adverse childhood experiences, and trauma. Holly believes healing is a collaborative and egalitarian process where clients should feel safe and validated. She is warm, dedicated, intentional, direct, and passionate about her work as a therapist. Holly is a culturally sensitive, relational therapist who is drawn to working from attachment, feminist, and systems lenses. She received training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Trauma-Focused-CBT. She uses a strengths-based, client-centered, and compassionate approach in working with her clients. Holly integrates a range of therapeutic techniques and methods to meet her clients where they are at in the present moment. Other areas of therapeutic focus include Somatic modalities, Breath work, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Specializations and Clinical Interests: anxiety, attachment issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness, coping skills, cultural and societal oppression, depression, dissociation, divorce, emotional abuse, emotional regulation, first responder work, food allergy adjustment counseling, gender and sexual identity development, life transitions, men’s issues, parenting, parent-child relationships, relationships, school performance, self-esteem, self-harming, sexual assault/abuse survivors, stress/stress-management, trauma/PTSD, women’s issues. Currently working with: All genders and sexual orientations, older adolescents, and adults. She works with trauma survivors of all ages (3 and up). Individuals and families. “It is an honor to sit with you and witness your healing journey”-Holly

Dr. Schmitt is a dual board certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist. She treats psychiatric conditions in adults. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder She values compassionate all-encompassing care.

I provide individual therapy for college students and previously worked at a college counseling center. I work with individuals around a variety of topics, which include body image, eating disorders, grief and loss, identity exploration and development, athletic performance, sex and sexuality, chronic pain, anxiety, depression and trauma. I am both a talk therapist and art therapist, so students have the option when working with me to incorporate art making if they'd like too (but there's no pressure). I also was a collegiate athlete myself and tend to work well with student athletes. Please reach out if you feel like we could be a good fit- I'd be happy to help!

Feeling burnt out, anxious, or stuck in patterns that just won’t let up? Maybe you’re constantly putting pressure on yourself to do it all and do it perfectly. Or maybe past experiences, stress, or anxiety are making it hard to enjoy college the way you hoped. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I work with college students navigating trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, identity shifts, and the pressure to succeed—especially athletes, pre-health students, and anyone juggling high expectations. I also support individuals who are trying to make sense of their relationships with partners, friends, roommates, or family and want to set healthier boundaries or reconnect with themselves. Therapy with me is laid back, collaborative, and totally tailored to you. We’ll look at the patterns holding you back, unpack what’s been weighing on you, and build tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected. Whether you’re struggling with self-esteem, body image, intense emotions, or just trying to figure out who you are and what you want, I’m here to help.

I am a weight-inclusive, trauma-informed licensed Clinical Psychologist offering a therapeutic space where clients can reconnect with themselves and others by gaining insight into their relationships. My aim is to work with you to create positive and lasting change. I specialize in the treatment of disordered eating (including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, obesity and body image concerns) as well as co-occurring mood disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating a wide range of concerns including significant life transitions, anxiety, stress and relationship difficulty (room mates, partners, etc.). I also have experience in working with individuals in academic and medical profession. I treat adolescents and adults. I work with my client's treatment team that may include your psychiatrist, dietician, and PCP as well as family and other supports. The foundation of my therapeutic work is the relationship between me and my client. When appropriate I incorporate techniques from other modalities.

Hi there...Are you seeking a space where you can show up exactly as you are, with no pressure and no judgment?! I believe real change starts with feeling heard and supported during the good and challenging times in our lives. College life can get overwhelming — balancing classes, relationships, mental health, chronic or invisible illnesses, or trying to heal from things that still stick with you. My style is down‑to‑earth and easy to talk to. Therapy with me is collaborative and conversational, with a mix of curiosity, humor, and steady guidance.I’m here to support you as you make sense of the patterns shaping your life and build practical tools you can use day‑to‑day. Whether you’re looking for clarity, healing, or stronger relationships, therapy can be a powerful step toward creating a life that feels more like you. I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you grow and find your footing...Let's get to work !! I serve clients in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

We are a group practice with many practitioners who have extensive experience working with college students. Services are available in person and virtually. Services are available in English and Spanish.

There are so many reasons to engage in art therapy and counseling services. You may feel highly rewarded yet emotionally exhausted from your work. You may find that living with your emotions while protecting those around you leaves you feeling disconnected and isolated. You may be a student and completely overwhelmed by the demands of the virtual classroom, social distancing, work and finances. You may have a traumatic history that continues to dictate how you engage with others. You know you want to make a shift, that you desire a deep and lasting change but don’t know where to start.

Hello and Welcome! My name is Daniel Reed and I am a first-generation college graduate and clinical psychologist. I take an integrative, holistic approach to therapy, blending cognitive-behavioral, relational, and psychodynamic methods to fit your unique background and goals. Together, we’ll explore how your daily life is shaped by your cognitive, emotional, and relational patterns, while honoring your intersectional identity and lived experiences. I specialize in supporting university students and young adults navigating identity formation, LGBTQ+ experiences, trauma, neurodiversity, interpersonal concerns, anxiety, and depression. Progress starts with a great fit. As an active and collaborative therapist, I don’t just passively listen—I engage with you in real time, offering feedback, observations, and insights to help you build self-awareness and create meaningful change. Licensed Psychologist in CA & IL. *Please note: I am unable to see actively enrolled Santa Clara University students for therapy services due to a conflict of interest, as I also work at Santa Clara University's Counseling and Psychological Services. I am however, able to provide therapy services for former SCU students and alumni.

I’m Zitong ZHENG (Denice). I’m a bilingual (English and Chinese) fully licensed therapist (LCPC) currently providing services in the Chicago area. For now, I'm only accepting refugee patient at Mount Sinai Hospital. Therapy may be new for you, may be not. But no matter anytime you choose come to a session, give your own credit for that braveness! Feeling of sad, nervous, stressful, lonely, confuse, anxious, fear, mad, helpless, hopeless, pain, shame, guilty, and fatigue etc.....these feelings are definitely difficult to cope with and get through in life. Hope therapy can be a safe space for you to talk and provide you insight to understand then express your feeling. In the past practice, I worked in different settings such as hospital and private practice, I’ve been working with client who are from young adulthood to late adulthood with various diagnoses/race/sexuality/gender identity/SES status. I'm open to listen your story and thoughts, to do some exploration with you, then find consistent strategies together that can be useful for you and be kept for the rest of your life. My main approaches are person-centered therapy, psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy. I believe the interpersonal process in therapy sessions is really important for therapeutic effectiveness which can bring you new experiences and insights. I would like to openly discuss about what kinds of methods are exactly working for you. Therapy is not only a treatment which is provided by therapist, also a cooperation between both of us. I would also emphasize the equality and genuineness among therapy. I believe every people is expert for their own life, sometimes we will neglect our own potential. I would also appreciate and respect all people's belief, attitude, and identity. I hold non-judgement attitude for client. There's no right and wrong in life. As a past international student, I’m able to validate the feelings of: challenge, hardness, loneliness, stress, and helplessness that every client is going through. I hope I can provide a safe space for you to talk, and offer you support as best as I can. I know life has too many unspoken moments, which does not only happen during language translation. I hope to create a place for you when you are in need. Every feeling is important, you are important.

When looking for a therapist, it can often be a challenge to figure out who will be a good fit based on a bio and a picture. Sometimes there is something very specific that we know we need from therapy, sometimes we are just going in with a vague sense, and it can often feel vulnerable. There is a quote that I often return to in my work: “healing happens at the speed of trust”. When we start our work together, we will be figuring out how to build that trust and communication so that you can do the work and exploration that you need to do to get the most out of therapy. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating addiction and substance use. I also enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, and effects of trauma. My work is grounded in a harm reduction philosophy that aims to meet people exactly where they are and recognizes that we are all experts in our own lives. I won’t have all of the answers, but hope to work alongside you. I approach therapy with deep curiosity and a relational lens, believing that meaningful change grows from genuine connection and collaboration. I like getting to know people and find one of the most profound things to come from therapy is a feeling of being understood.

I believe that trust and rapport are crucial in therapy, as they create a foundation for healing and growth. I have extensive experience in providing evidence-based therapies to help clients effectively manage PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. I am well-versed in addressing the unique challenges that individuals with complex trauma face, such as dissociation and relationship difficulties. By fostering a trusting and supportive environment, I strive to empower clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences at their own pace. Together, we work towards building resilience, ultimately promoting improved well-being. My approach is rooted in a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered techniques, allowing us to examine the connections between past experiences and present challenges. Through our collaborative efforts, we will create a safe space where you can gain insight, heal from past wounds, and ultimately achieve personal growth and fulfillment. I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. By embracing diversity, I aim to provide personalized services that cater to the unique needs and backgrounds of each individual client. During our free consultation, we can discuss your specific needs and goals. Remember, you don't have to face this alone.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life can bring challenges that leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your next step. In these moments, having a space where you are truly heard, met with a nonjudgmental attitude, and accepted can make a difference. I believe that acceptance helps us process our experiences and find more meaning in life, and I view therapy as a highly relational process wherein the therapeutic alliance contributes to lasting change. I approach therapy with warmth, empathy, and a deep respect for your lived experiences. Grounded in a person-centered therapeutic perspective, I prioritize creating an environment where you feel safe to explore, analyze, and reflect on your experiences with compassion. Together, we can make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and challenges at your own pace in a way that honors your individuality and personal values. I also understand that everyone has unique experiences and ways of moving through the world, so I approach therapy with flexibility, understanding, and a determination to tailor treatment to your needs. I have four years of clinical experience working in a variety of mental health settings, which has afforded me the privilege of working with people from many walks of life. Specifically, I have experience in helping individuals and couples navigate difficulties such as life transitions, relationship issues, mood-related challenges, betrayal trauma, identity exploration, and adjustment challenges. Additionally, my clinical training has emphasized values of social justice, diversity, and equity, and I strive to provide identity-affirming, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care in all aspects of my work. If you are considering starting or continuing your therapeutic journey, I invite you to reach out and connect with me. I welcome the opportunity to chat to see if working together feels like a good fit for you.

I aim to create a space of warmth, respect and curiosity where, together, we can explore the nuance and depth of your story. While everyone's individual challenges differ, I believe that fundamentally, the process of feeling, experiencing and examining our struggles promotes growth—increased awareness, new ways of being, more empathy, different ways of relating to ourselves and others, and more meaning and connection. Please be in touch if you'd like to explore working together.

School can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of change. For many students, being in a campus environment can also bring increased body image pressures, stress, and challenges with eating, making this a time when eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns often show up or become more intense. I've spent years specializing in eating disorders and OCD across higher levels of care and outpatient private practice, giving me the experience to support you wherever you are in your recovery. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you can build practical tools, feel more like yourself, and spend less time stuck in symptoms and more time living the life you want.

Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked for a long time. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, LGBTQIA+ and identity-related challenges, and more. I provide services in English and Mandarin.

Young adulthood can be both exciting and overwhelming—full of choices, change, and uncertainty. Whether you're graduating from school or navigating college, starting your career, facing relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, anxious, or down, therapy can be a grounding space to sort through it all. I understand the complex stressors that come with early adult life, and I am deeply passionate about supporting adults navigating a range of emotional and psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, academic concerns, relationship troubles, and grief. My therapeutic style is compassionate and empathetic—I work to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel seen and heard. I also believe in the importance of being direct and gently challenging when needed, to help you grow and move toward meaningful change. I tailor my work to meet your unique goals and with respect to your lived experience.