Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I understand how challenging it can be to find a therapist that feels like a good fit. I earned my doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Roosevelt University and spent 8 years working and training in college counseling centers (e.g., School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Purdue, DePaul). The last 5 years I've been continuing to build upon my experience working with unique people. I am a neurodivergent and creative person as well. My areas of expertise are in working with young adults experiencing difficulties related to mood, anxiety, and trauma (recent or past). I enjoy working with adults with ADHD and other neurodivergencies to deepen their understanding of how their brain works and to develop practical strategies to reduce the burden of living in a neurotypical world. My therapy style is warm, casual, and humorous. My approach is client-centered; I work to tailor therapy to the unique needs of each individual while building a trusting relationship over time. I incorporate CBT, ACT, DBT, humanistic, and existential theories and interventions in my work. I am LGBTQIA+ competent, trans/gender affirming, sex and body positive. I welcome individuals with non-traditional/non-monogamous relationship styles or family systems, artists, musicians, performers, individuals who do not conform to the typical 9-5 lifestyle, and folks navigating difficult family dynamics or complicated romantic relationships. Finding a therapist can be daunting. If talking briefly would help you feel comfortable moving forward, please reach out! I’m happy to make accommodations/be flexible in scheduling. It's intimidating to take steps towards meaningful change, but you deserve to be content in life. I'd be honored to be a part of that process. Resilience lies within all of us.

College life can be a time of major transitions, and balancing academics, relationships, and self-care isn’t always easy—especially if you're a first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) student, far from home, or struggling with self-esteem and perfectionism. I’m here to support you as you navigate these challenges and grow more confident in managing them. I specialize in helping students who may feel the pressure to succeed in a new environment, who worry about "getting it right," or who are simply adjusting to life away from family and familiar support networks. Together, we’ll explore strategies that feel true to you, build on your strengths, and work toward a healthier balance. If you’re new to therapy, I provide a welcoming space where you can be yourself and learn how to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Let’s take this journey at your pace, and find ways to make college life a little less overwhelming and a lot more fulfilling.

Therapy can seem overwhelming when seeking guidance for very personal problems. Sometimes just seeking the “right fit” can be the hardest part. My hope is that therapy becomes one of the best investments in yourSELF. I work to make sure that therapy is a safe and healing environment in which you can explore your past traumas, fears, deepest desires, and biggest needs. Therapy can be a place to bring awareness to internal beliefs, thought processes, and behaviors. Here is where can change occurs. We will work from a holistic-integrative model that includes the healing the whole SELF, mind-body-soul. Whether you have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, experienced trauma, bi-polar, mood disorders, or having relationship issues, YOU are worthy of the time and attention it takes for healing and change.

Growing up, I felt very isolated because I was a half-Japanese child growing up in a predominantly white community. When I was young, I didn’t understand why I was treated differently or why people would constantly ask my Caucasian mom where I was adopted from. Living a life full of questions like “What are you?” “Where are you from…originally?” and being told that I wasn’t able to play with other kids in the community because I was “different” and being bullied because I looked different, really encouraged me to seek more understanding of the world. Throughout my development I found solace in learning more about human relationships, and exploring what I thought about myself, my values, and my hope for what my life could be, rather than allowing the judgements of others to drive my behavior and thoughts of myself. Learning about intersectionality, racism, microaggressions, implicit bias, and social justice changed my life. I know that psychoeducation, compassion, curiosity, and challenging shame can change lives. Kimi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Utah. Kimi has a Master’s of Social Work from The Ohio State University and provides evidence-based treatments through EMDR, IFS, ACT, MI, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, shame-informed therapy, and a self-compassion focus. Kimi has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Before becoming an outpatient therapist Kimi has worked in community mental health, hospital settings, and has intensive training in acute care, suicidal ideation and self-harming assessment and treatment, and crisis intervention.

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.

My practice focuses on individuals who feel they fall outside of traditional narratives of what our lives "should" look like. This may show up in your relationships, sexuality, gender, or general approach to life. Through our work together, I can help you identify what works for you and what is better left behind. I think of therapy as a journey we are taking together. I want to walk beside you (not in front, or behind) to help you identify the options that exist and what it would mean for you to take a particular path. While I may highlight options or explore possibilities, you choose the direction we go. This is because you are the expert on you! Ultimately, I believe by combining our areas of knowledge (your knowledge of yourself, my knowledge of psychology) we can help you to live a deeply meaningful and fulfilling life. My background is primarily working with the LGBTQ community and in college counseling centers. While I have worked with clients of all ages, I have especially focused on individuals moving through significant life changes, including identity exploration, starting or ending relationships, experiencing loss, or taking their life in a new direction. As a queer person, I feel deeply passionate about serving the LGBTQ community and all of its beautiful intersections. As a white person, I am actively engaged in my own anti-racism work and am committed to being a co-conspirator with Black and Brown communities. Outside of therapy work, I also enjoy training and supervision, and find particular joy in working with early career clinicians. Personally, I have an undying love for geek culture. I'm an avid reader and love getting immersed in faraway worlds, whether through books, TV, or movies. Some of my favorite fandoms include Doctor Who, Firefly, and Marvel. If you're looking for a therapist who will help you while also pulling metaphors from your favorite fandom, please give me a call!

Jenna is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and the owner of Daylily Counseling. She graduated from Boston University's School of Social Work and has been privileged to work with clients as a therapist since 2015. Prior to starting Daylily Counseling, Jenna worked in community mental health settings in Boston and Chicago, working across the life span with children, adolescents, and adults. She has significant experience working with college and graduate students and is passionate about supporting them through the unique transitions of being a student such as navigating first jobs, moving away from home, new relationships and friendships, and adjusting to a new country for international students Jenna is also passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma and is a nationally certified provider of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She also has specialized experience providing services to immigrant and refugee youth and young adults who have experienced trauma in their home countries or along their migration journeys. Her experiences with clients from around the world have informed her approach to cultural humility in the therapy space as well as her unwavering belief in every individual's capacity to heal and to grow. Jenna’s approach combines strengths-based, client-centered, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. She believes every individual is the expert in their own life and in meeting individuals where they are. She works together with her clients to collaboratively develop a treatment plan and she hopes to create a therapeutic space where there is warmth and safety so that she can best support clients to build insight, problem solve, and take steps to heal and create change in their lives.

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I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the crux of change. Through this lens, I offer a safe and empathic space for clients to explore their inner world. Counseling is not just for those experiencing a life crisis or a current difficulty— it is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new insights, and position oneself for increased health and wellness. Every client is unique and needs something different from the therapeutic process. Pulling from a variety of modalities, I tailor techniques in a creative way to fit those needs. Through working together, I believe that I can help you find your way to the path for growth. I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, work-life balance concerns, familial troubles, grief and loss, life transitions and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about working with college students and emerging adults. This time of life can be fraught with anxiety related to academic performance and career choices, making this life stage feel quite unpredictable and isolating, which is why I believe therapy is so important during this time. My goal is to help you gain useful tools to not only help you navigate this life stage, but also to carry with you in the future. I earned my M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University and my B.A. in Psychology and Communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have previously worked in various community mental health and private practice settings.

Transform Your Life: Embrace Joy, Growth, and Connection - Are you ready for a positive change in your life? Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, or the weight of past traumas, taking the courageous step of seeking therapy can be the catalyst for transforming your life. Don't let yourself feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path ahead any longer. Let's embark on a journey together towards reclaiming your energy and rediscovering the joy, growth, and connection you deserve. I gravitate towards therapies that seek to create awareness around thoughts, behaviors and values, including ACT and EMDR, with a psychodynamic lens to explore past experiences and the ways in which they shape you. In exploring yourself and your formative experiences, you can gain clarity about your present self, fostering a radical new space for growth. Taking the first step to connect can be daunting, but I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, concerns, or are ready to begin, don't hesitate to reach out. I offer a complimentary consultation session where we can explore your needs and goals. Your journey towards a brighter future starts now. Good luck!

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I seek to build a strong therapeutic relationship through active listening and collaboration. My role as your therapist is to appreciate the complexity and nuances of your concerns. I believe you have the innate ability to heal from pain and dysfunction, and my role is to meet you where you are at and provide perceptive to your situation. At the early stages of our work together, I emphasize establishing trust through clear communication and active listening. As we get to know each other, my style adapts to your needs. Regarding my training and experience, I have worked as a master’s-level licensed counselor for eight years. I have extensive experience working with a variety of people and presenting problems. To illustrate, I have worked with creative students as well as adults entering the workforce, individuals struggling with mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), and life transitions issues. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and am particularly attuned to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, creatives, and emerging adults. my therapeutic approach is rooted in fostering an environment of open dialogue and trust, where clients feel validated and supported. I tend to use the following therapeutic modalities in my practice: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Solutions focused.

In a world that tells us to be independent and mask our pain, reaching out for help can feel like a weakness or failure. I am here to tell you that there is strength in vulnerability and that you are not alone. We are built for connection and cannot heal in isolation. You deserve to reconnect with your values, to develop nurturing relationships, and to live as your most authentic self. I believe you are the expert of your own experience, and that the client-therapist relationship is collaborative. We will work together to develop a transparent, curious, and caring environment where you can safely and creatively explore your goals. As an art therapist and counselor, I practice from a trauma-informed, intersectional-feminist, relational, and person-centered approach and have experience working with adults, couples, and groups in a variety of levels of care. I specialize in EMDR, trauma, relationship issues, self-worth issues, mood disorders, grief, eating disorders, and substance use.

What’s keeping you stuck? Are you struggling to understand why relationships keep failing or why your job or school is depleting you? Are you overwhelmed, trapped in a pattern of people pleasing, or struggling with anxious thoughts you can’t seem to stop? Are you high-achieving or perfectionistic and struggling to find peace in your life? Maybe you’re just grappling with the existential questions and wondering what the meaning of all of this is. I specialize in helping people get unstuck, gain confidence, and create the lives they want. I teach you how to cultivate calm in your body and understand how thoughts and internal narratives influence feelings and behaviors. You will learn how to position yourself as the observer of your emotions (like anxiety, irritability), so you can respond intentionally—rather than on autopilot. I provide insightful online therapy that allows you to feel seen, heard, and understood - all in the comfort of your home. I love doing the deep work that helps you better understand yourself and empowers you to build the life you want.

Ashley Knight is a therapist who recognizes that no problem or issue is too big or small to be addressed, and understands that therapy should feel like a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. Ashley works with late adolescents to middle adult clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment, relationship, and life transition issues. Ashley strives to meet clients where they are so they can aim to reach their full potential and goals.

A lot of the students I work with look like they’re holding it together, but inside they feel overwhelmed. You might be lying in bed with your mind racing, replaying conversations, worrying about grades, or second guessing where you stand with friends, a roommate, or a partner. College transitions can make everything feel louder, with new expectations, new relationships, and sometimes pressure from back home. In therapy, we’ll slow things down, figure out what’s fueling the stress, and build tools you can use right away so you feel more grounded, more confident in your choices, and more like yourself.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I received my Masters Degree in Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. I am an experienced clinician who provides individual therapy for clients ages 18 and up. My areas of special interest are anxiety, depression, college adjustment, infertility, life changes and trauma. My counseling approach is person-centered utilizing techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. I also enjoy working with first responders. I encourage clients to engage in self-reflection and help promote personal growth. I am passionate about my work and enjoy being a support for others. I feel honored to be able to help clients improve their mental health and wellness.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’ve been carrying things on your own for a long time. Our work together will move at a pace that feels supportive, collaborative, and safe while honoring both your lived experience and your body’s natural wisdom for healing.

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I’m a psychotherapist and trauma-focused yoga teacher with an approach grounded in psychoanalytic theory and practice. While I work with a wide variety of folks, I have a soft spot for artists and young adults. Although rooted in psychoanalysis, I practice eclectically, meaning I tailor our sessions to your individualized needs while offering a warm, attentive environment in which your experiences, feelings, and questions are explored. I place a strong emphasis on building a trusting therapeutic relationship with you so that we explore patterns shaped by past relationships and experiences to make room for greater authenticity and self-understanding. I don’t see psychotherapy as a way to fix or judge, but as a way to learn to approach ourselves with curiosity, and maybe even a little humor, whether this is through talk therapy, trauma-focused yoga, or a combination of the two.