Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Therapy is a space for us to show up as we are, and be met with warmth, consideration, and trust. I strive to create a comforting and collaborative therapeutic space where we can discover what is uniquely meaningful, useful, and healing for you. In addition to my strengths-based approach, I implement a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My areas of focus include (but are not limited to) self-esteem, identity exploration, life transitions, values work, relational concerns, anxiety, and mood disorders. I work with all ages, but most commonly with adults. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, seeking to provide a safe space to heal and grow, for all people. I welcome those who are well-seasoned to therapy, brand new to it, or somewhere in between. If you feel ready to begin or continue your mental health journey, I am eager to hear from you and support your process!

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck? When anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma take hold, life can feel heavy—like you're carrying a burden no one else sees. Maybe you’re doing your best just to get through the day, but inside, it feels like something’s missing or too much to manage. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there is a way forward. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down and uncover the strengths you already carry within you. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and truly supported. Healing isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My approach is holistic and person-centered, integrating your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Together, we’ll develop practical tools to manage life’s challenges, build resilience, and help you reconnect with yourself and what matters most. If you're ready to take that first step toward a more grounded, fulfilling life, I’m here to walk alongside you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation—I’d be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I have a profound belief in the strength and resilience of the human condition. Each person carries a vast amount of internal resources that may, at times, feel distant or even inaccessible. My role as a therapist is to help clients utilize their strengths in a way that leads to tangible, impactful progress. Together, we will collaborate on how our sessions can be personalized in a way that meets your specific goals. I lead with an insight-oriented approach because understanding our thought processes and emotional responses enable us to live with both agency and intention. To capture the complexity of the human experience, we can draw from various methods (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Internal Family Systems), each of which serves a unique purpose. At the center of my work is a warm, accepting, and intuitive presence. I encourage my clients to speak freely, as I greatly value their experience of themselves and the world around them.

Sage Stone Counseling is a Queer centered practice, prioritizing BIPOC, neurodivergent, and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks as they navigate stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and more. My specialities lay at the intersections of race, gender, and trauma. I specialize in working with folks who struggle with mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem issues, communication, life transitions, identity development and those who have been impacted by trauma. We will work together to name how your experiences have impacted you, as well as aspects of your life you may want to change or balance. I honor all genders, sexualities, and partnership formations.

Today’s world presents many challenges: navigating family, careers, relationships, stress, and personal concerns, as well as wider issues like racism, political changes, and the demands of a post-pandemic world. You may feel somewhat lost or distressed in what can feel like an ever-changing landscape. This can be felt as depression, anxiety, addiction, alienation or difficulties in understanding identity. Although these challenges can be intimidating, there is hope. Through psychotherapy, I can support you in examining and exploring the intersection of identity and mental health. This can help you live a fuller, more authentic life, with meaning and direction. I will work collaboratively with you to build a relationship that is trusting, non-judgmental and compassionate. Beyond this, psychotherapy can help you to understand mental health concerns, and can reduce symptoms and their impact on your daily life. I teach my clients coping skills, such as mindfulness practices and cutting-edge exercises drawn from the latest research, as well as ways of troubleshooting specific problems, such as communication and stress-management. In this way, there is space for you to tackle issues as they arise throughout the process of therapy. This creates opportunities for you to learn and practice skills independently, with a newfound sense of self-reliance and confidence. I venture to help you nurture a strong and consistent sense of self, so you can bring out the very best versions of yourself. I specialize in working with trauma, depression, anxiety and exploring identity across culture, society and values. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with youth and young people. I have experience supporting my clients in many ways, including through processes of fostering an authentic sense of self, working through challenges with emotional regulation and expression, exploring unique family dynamics, and navigating the complexities of societal and social pressures. Understanding one’s place in the world can be difficult, especially when facing added difficulties brought by concerns related to one’s mental health. If you feel you could benefit from psychotherapy, please reach out. I value and embrace diversity in both my personal and professional life, and have had the privilege of living, working and learning from peoples of various backgrounds throughout my career. This shapes my cross-cultural existential therapy perspective, where I help my clients nurture their best selves within the balance of society, culture, values and spirituality. Together my clients and I find solutions to challenges with their mental health, as well as to connect them with their roots and place within the world beyond. In addition to adults, I have worked with youth, supporting them in developing emotional regulation skills, understanding family dynamics and managing social pressures. Men’s issues are also important to me, especially destigmatizing male mental health challenges, and exploring both positive and negative aspects of traditional masculinity across cultures. With all my clients I value navigating challenges collaboratively, and look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey. ​ Some of my favorite activities include cooking, global history, playing my guitar, drawing, and staying active, both in nature and the gym.

As a dually licensed therapist in Indiana and Illinois, I offer a unique advantage to clients who attend school out of state and return home during the summer. This dual licensure ensures continuity of care, eliminating the need to switch therapists or interrupt treatment. My therapeutic style is warm, direct, and focused on building a strong connection with my clients. Through this approach, I strive to create a safe space where individuals can explore their challenges and work towards growth and healing. I firmly believe in using evidence-based practices to address a wide range of conditions effectively. What sets me apart from other therapists is my ability to infuse humor into the healing process when appropriate. I have found that incorporating humor and creativity empowers individuals to embrace imperfections and build resilience. If you are interested in starting therapy, feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation where we can explore if my approach aligns with your needs.

At NeuroBloom Mental Health Collective, we specialize in helping clients reclaim safety, identity, and joy through trauma-informed and culturally attuned care. Our clinicians understand the unique stressors faced by students navigating family expectations, cultural identity, and systemic pressure. We work with immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent students and integrate somatic healing, mindfulness, and evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, ACT, and IFS. Our team includes Spanish- and Arabic-speaking providers and offers therapy that feels warm, collaborative, and affirming — because healing should feel human, not clinical.

Evolve Wellness is a private group practice in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area of Chicago but with the expansion of telehealth services (HIPAA-compliant video calls) Evolve has been able to expand services to the whole state of Illinois. Therapists at Evolve Wellness work with individuals, those in relationships (couples), and families. Accepted insurance varies by provider, and includes BCBS PPO, BCBS HMO (Amita), BCBS Blue Choice PPO. Please feel free to contact us if you would like help verifying insurance benefit coverage, more information about clinician availability or to set up a free phone consultation prior to scheduling an initial session with one of our clinicians.

Are you struggling with the transition to college while navigating new responsibilities? You’re bright, creative, and motivated and yet finishing anything feels impossible. You call yourself “lazy” when tasks pile up and feel ashamed that simple things seem hard. You want clarity about your brain, tools that actually work, and a therapist who gets it. I am passionate about working with college students untangle executive-function struggles, perfectionism, trauma, and low self-esteem. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks. Together we’ll kick shame out of the driver’s seat and build self‑compassion, understanding, and systems that fit you. Sessions are flexible and center your needs: if we need to laugh, move, play, or cry—we will. We explore the “what” with curiosity, not the “why can’t you just…”. I use strengths-based reframes, coping tools, and psychoeducation so you understand how your brain works and can actually use the skills between sessions. Fit matters. If you’re craving relief from shame, clearer systems that fit your life, and a space where all parts of you are welcome, let’s talk. I offer virtual and in-person sessions, a free 15‑minute consult, and accept insurance/sliding scale options when available.

We are a virtual private practice. Each of our therapists has their own expertise, and training specializing in, but not limited to, perinatal mental health, couples counseling, family therapy, support for adolescents and emerging adults, sports and mental performance consultation, and addiction and recovery support. ​All of the therapists at Chase Wellness are dedicated to continuing education, growth, and professional development. We care about our clients and work hard to create a compassionate, strengths-based environment that is conducive to healing. We have a range of specialized trainings and cater therapeutic approaches and interventions to each individual client based on their needs. ​

Magdalena is a psychotherapist who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. She is passionate about supporting adolescents and adults navigating eating and body image concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, relational challenges, life transitions, and identity exploration. Magdalena finds great fulfillment in supporting clients on their path to healing and feels honored to be part of their journey toward growth and well-being. Known for her warm and down-to-earth presence, Magdalena creates a safe, transparent, and non-judgmental space while helping clients work toward their goals. Magdalena's therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), among other evidence-based modalities. She brings compassion, validation, and the understanding that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Magdalena is committed to helping clients become their most authentic selves and empowering them to pursue meaningful goals. She recognizes that taking the first step toward change can be difficult and meets clients where they are, approaching each person with curiosity and empathy. You can directly schedule online at www.allow-wellness.com

Life is full of change, some expected and some unexpected. Emerge Counseling Chicago is a counseling practice on the Northside of Chicago that specializes in helping people through these times of change. Whether you’re a family or student needing assistance in navigating the college admission process, a student working your way through obtaining your collegiate goals, or navigating one of life’s many other obstacles, we’re here to help. We look forward to learning about you and your story and helping with your next steps.

Innovative and experienced therapy group with offices in both Illinois and Michigan. Also taking appointments virtually. Specializing in young adult mental health treatment. Specializing in crisis counseling, first responders, women's mental health, substance treatment and overspending. Provide counseling for animal/pet loss and ESA assessments.

Our focus is on helping our clients create a life of presence, passion and purpose. We are a practice of 42 diverse, authentic and skilled therapists. Having a large team of therapists allows us to cover many specialties and treat most mental health disorders. We serve over 1000 clients each week, many of whom are students struggling with adjusting to college life, "adulting", anxiety, stress, OCD, trauma, depression, eating disorders, body image and identity development. Our therapists are LGBTQ+ affirming and consistently work on anti-racism. As therapists we are both creative and collaborative in helping you become the best and most authentic version of yourself.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience in the mental health field. I received my Master’s In Social Work Degree from Loyola University Chicago after spending a few years in Corporate America. I use a strength-based approach combined with empathy, lightness, and humor (when appropriate) to help you gain insight and skills to change. I draw from principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and am client centered. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma and PTSD and have completed advanced training in perinatal mental health.

At The Kedzie Center, we aim to provide a safe space, by providing confidential and empathic care. Within this frame, therapy is guided by the initial concern that prompted the individual or family to seek treatment. Areas of concern may include emotional distress, relationship issues, work or employment stress, grief and loss, major life transitions, adjustment issues, behavior problems, acculturative stress, and exposure to trauma, abuse or violence. Therapy can be brief in nature, allowing for an exploration and resolution of the presenting concern. Treatment can also be long-term, with a greater focus on seeking to understand the internal and interpersonal dynamics at play in one’s life. How therapy is structured and scheduled is part of the ongoing collaboration between therapist and client. Based on an initial assessment, recommendations are made for individual, family and group therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Services are available in both English and Spanish at this time.

Ali King, LCPC, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She went on to work as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism at the Minnesota Autism Center before moving to Chicago and earning her master’s degree in Community Counseling from DePaul University. After graduate school, Ali worked as a therapist at Insight Behavioral Health Center’s residential facility for people struggling with eating disorders, as well as mood disorders. She led groups and supported people with everyday living tasks, as well as general skills coaching and meal management. Ali recently stepped down as the Director of the Young Adult PHP and IOP programs at Compass Health Center where she worked for 8 years in many different roles helping to build the Young Adult program and support the growth of the organization. While at Compass, Ali provided supervision and mentorship to newer clinicians and helped establish the group curriculum they currently use, as well as instituting effective policies and protocols. While at Compass, she received the award for Continuous Improvement, which highlights her drive and dedication to learning and growth. For over a decade, she has been providing person-centered, solution-focused, skills-based care. Her direct though nurturing, fun, and empathetic approach, is well received and has shown tangible results for her clients. With consistent encouragement and support, clients feel safe to explore their values and to learn successful coping strategies to improve their lives. While Ali has a passion for working with young adults through the tough transitions they face, she also appreciates working with adolescents and adults. She is well-versed in helping people manage struggles with self-esteem, relationships, low motivation, and simply feeling “stuck”. Ali is adept at working with clients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and substance use struggles. She has extensive experience working with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and often incorporates these modalities into her eclectic therapeutic approach. Ali is currently accepting new clients virtually and at the downtown Chicago location.

Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago focuses on helping clients bridge the gap between insight gained in the therapy room and meaningful action in daily life. Our goal is to create a collaborative space where you can develop practical, evidence-based skills — emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness — and actively practice them outside of sessions. Whether you’re navigating stress at work, deepening relationships, managing ADHD, building resilience after loss, or striving for personal growth, therapy becomes a rehearsal space for real-world living. We work together to translate concepts into concrete strategies you can use in everyday moments — from morning routines to high-stakes meetings, from quiet reflection to important conversations. At Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago, change isn’t limited to our sessions — it’s woven into the way you think, feel, and respond in your daily life.

We meet you wherever you are on your journey and assist in helping you navigating anything and everything so you can feel empowered to create the life you want to live. We offer you a space to to feel held and heard so you know you are not alone. We see mental health care as everyday wellness where we radiate warmth and foster connection.

Fred Waltzer, LCSW provides psychotherapy to clients with mood and emotional difficulties. His approach is focused on improving behavioral and emotional abilities to cope with daily life. His focus is helping clients reach personal goals related to social and emotional well-being. The techniques utilized are practical and focused on real world results. If you are coping with depression or anxiety, approaches will include identifying thoughts, behaviors and feelings which increase both well-being and relationships. Mr. Waltzer has worked in healthcare and educational settings. Most often interventions are short term result in productive changes in how his clients interact with their environment. . . .