Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
I am a licensed clinical social worker committed to supporting you through your unique experiences, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care. My integrative approach combines evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you navigate life's challenges and foster resilience. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, empowering you to discover your own path toward healing and growth. Whether you're dealing with trauma, mood disorders, or grief, I’m here to walk alongside you as you work toward your personal goals.
Has it been hard for you to embrace life and feel your best? Are you looking for help navigating a lifelong struggle or recent difficulty? Although your experiences are unique to you, you are not alone and deserve to have your emotional needs met. The therapeutic journey allows you to share the burden and take an active role in making the changes you want to make. Together, we can find what works for you and equip you with the tools to address anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, and loss. I have often been described as compassionate and positive, which allows my clients to build on their strengths in a safe and accepting space. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages. With an Art Therapy background, I am experienced in using art to complement the therapeutic experience and express things you can’t say with words. Change happens one step at a time, but it can be difficult to make that first step. I'm here to provide support and guidance for you to trust and believe in yourself.
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No matter what you do, you feel like you are never good enough. You are consumed with thoughts of food and shame about your body. You’ve tried everything to control your eating, but in the end feel like it is food that controls you. If this is you, know that you are not alone and you can find healing. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body image, I can help you find acceptance and finally feel at home within your body. We will work together to explore your beliefs about food, your body, and yourself to uncover what’s not working and keeping you from what matters most to you. I provide a warm, compassionate space, (with some humor sprinkled in) in which you can breathe and connect with who you truly are. Through a social justice-informed Health at Every Size framework combined with acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches, we will explore and practice new ways for you to cope with difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many of the clients I work with struggle with intense self-criticism, perfectionism, and feeling like they are both “too much” and “not enough.” During our initial sessions, we will explore the challenges impacting you most deeply and work together to identify initial goals to help you soften that self-critical voice and build more self-compassion. I also collaborate with clients to identify specific skills to work on between sessions to integrate what you are learning into daily life.
I practice from an insight oriented, relational, and multicultural approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with. My priority as a therapist is to create a warm, collaborative, non-judgmental space where you can work through your concerns and make the changes in your life you desire. People seek therapy for a number of reasons, perhaps to alleviate symptoms or distress, improve self-esteem, or address relationship issues. In my experience, symptoms often “mark the spot” of a deeper themes you may be grappling with and I aim to assist you uncover what the root of your concerns may be. Often therapy helps increase self-awareness, develop deeper understanding of how past experiences may be influencing the present, and provides an opportunity to learn tools to address problematic behavior(s). Having spent the majority of my training and professional life working in university counseling centers, I am passionate about working with college and graduate students. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Pace University in New York City and my postdoctoral fellowship at University of Chicago Student Counseling Service where I gained experience working with life-transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders, and sexual trauma. Other areas of interest include identity development and intersectionality, family dynamics, anxiety, and stress management.
Whenever you may feel overwhelmed by life, making a decision to participate in emotional therapy sessions can be beneficial. Collaborating with a trained professional to manage the complexity of what you may be facing has been proven to be effective in learning life-long skills. These skills and experiences can help in building your own wisdom in life to better live in ways that fit what you value and what is important to you
As a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am committed to supporting students' mental health and emotional well-being. With years of experience working in diverse academic settings, I help students navigate the challenges of college life, including stress, anxiety, academic pressures, and relationship dynamics. I offer a supportive, confidential space where students can explore their thoughts, emotions, and struggles without judgment. Through evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and person-centered approaches, I empower students to build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and achieve personal growth. My goal is to create an open, inclusive environment where students can feel heard and validated while gaining the tools necessary to succeed both academically and personally. I believe in the power of self-awareness, self-compassion, and community support to foster lasting change.
Are you struggling with anxious racing thoughts, depressed moods, or overwhelming stress? We can help you manage. You possess your own wisdom and natural tendency towards growth; we will help uncover that. While we are laid back, relatable and warm, we take our work very seriously and consider it an honor to work with you. You’re welcome to seek treatment in the comfort of your own space through our convenient, secure telehealth platform. It’s essential for us that our clients get quality, comprehensive care. We go the extra mile to make sure you are receiving an excellent service, whether that’s by sending helpful resources, suggesting “assignments” between sessions, or introducing you to another trusted provider to join your treatment team. With your permission, we collaborate with your other providers as needed to make sure you receive the best treatment possible. We realize that seeking therapy can be a brave first step to getting help, or you may be already familiar with the concept and this is a trusted tool to maintain mental wellbeing. Wherever you are in your process, we meet you where you are at.
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Could you use a safe space to process a major life transition? Are you looking for guidance on improving your relationships? I see therapy as a valuable tool to reflect on life, unpack how you're feeling, and discover what changes you can make to be more satisfied. My therapeutic style tends to be a good fit for clients who identify as perfectionists, struggle with anxiety and uncertainty, or who are experiencing stress from significant phase of life changes like starting school, getting married, or having kids. As a violinist myself, I love working with creatives, musicians, and performing artists. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and currently working towards my Perinatal Mental Health Certification. I strive to cultivate a supportive and compassionate relationship with my clients while also encouraging growth and accountability. I utilize evidence-based techniques, including ACT and CBT, to help clients improve their mental health. I also draw from my experience as a couples counselor to assist clients in developing more satisfying relationships. I received my EdS degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and hold a degree in Violin Performance from Northwestern University. I started my private practice, Vivant Counseling & Psychotherapy, in 2022. Outside of the therapy room, I love taking walks with my pitbull Rosie, cooking pasta, and British crime dramas.
can look like everyone else has it together while you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, money stress, and figuring out who you even are right now—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone. I work with college students who are navigating stress, burnout, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the weight of life transitions. Many of the students I support are high-achieving, first-generation, or carrying responsibilities that others don’t see. Some are trying to heal from past experiences while still showing up every day and getting things done. My approach is supportive, honest, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn’t about being “fixed” or told what to do—it’s about having a space where you can be real, ask hard questions, and build tools that actually work for your life. We’ll move at your pace, focus on what matters to you, and work toward feeling more grounded, confident, and in control. You don’t have to do college—or life—on your own. If you’re ready for support that feels human, not clinical, I’d love to work with you.
The students and young adults I work best with are often navigating major life shifts - whether adjusting to college life, entering demanding graduate programs, or preparing to transition into the workforce. Many of my clients are high-achievers who find themselves struggling with constant anxiety, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed by high-pressure academic or social environments. Others are navigating relational dynamics - dealing with communication roadblocks, trust issues, or changes in how they relate to partners, family, or friends. My clients typically look for therapy that goes beyond surface-level advice - a place where they can feel heard, gain practical tools, and better understand themselves as they figure out the next steps.
My focus has been on individuals of all ages struggling with trauma, attachment, mood issues, and family issues. I work with individuals and families struggling with the effects of trauma, change, anxiety, and their relationships. I am here to help build a sense of safety, joy, and connection. As most people in this society, I have been affected by trauma, and I believe that my personal insight as well as my training and experience. I work with all ages, though I am unable to work with small children right now as sessions must be virtual. I love helping people feel more empowered and grow in their understanding.
Parkside Psychological Services is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. Our team of diverse, talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. Different providers are available 7-days/wk including daytime, evening, and weekends to suite your needs. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Able to connect in-person (Lake Forest, IL) or virtually (PsyPact membership connecting to 42 states nationwide!). We are in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. Out-of-network rates can be discussed as needed with option of superbills to support your request for reimbursement. Please reach out to Dr. Smiley directly to discuss your needs and preferences, and get started right away! Ideally an initial appointment will be scheduled within a week.
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My practice is dedicated to supporting adolescents, women, and families who are navigating emotional challenges, behavioral concerns, and relationship stress. I provide a supportive and collaborative space where clients can explore what they are experiencing while developing practical tools to manage difficult emotions, improve communication, and create healthier patterns in their lives and relationships. My goal is to help clients feel understood, empowered, and better equipped to handle the challenges they face both individually and as a family.
Welcome to my practice! If psychiatric symptoms are causing you pain and limiting your life, I want to help. I offer telepsychiatric medication management services to adult patients (ages 18 years+) who reside in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington state. Specialties include treating members of Sexual and Gender Minorities / 2SLGBTQIA+, emerging/young adult populations, creative professionals, and educators. I bring to clinic an abiding commitment to offering my patients kind, affirming, personalized psychiatric care. I do not prescribe controlled substances. The practice is in-network with select insurance companies in CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA. I also accept self-pay patients from CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA who may be able to collect reimbursement from their insurance companies, if they have out-of-network benefits.
Therapists Kellie Masters and Kelly Arensen have openings! Both are equipped to walk with you through the stresses and uncertainty of life. Their compassion creates a safe place for you to heal and grow. Contact either one of them for a brief, free consultation. https://relationshipworks.life/team-member/kellie-masters https://relationshipworks.life/team-members/kelly-arensen The cost depends on whether or not you have insurance. If you have BCBS PPO or Blue Choice and have met your deductible, you should only have a small copay. If you don't have BCBS insurance, we're happy to talk with you about what you can afford to pay for therapy.
I am a compassionate and driven Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based mental health care that honors each patient’s dignity and lived experience. As a psychiatric nurse for 23 years, I bring strong clinical expertise in psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, while building trusting therapeutic relationships that promote healing and resilience. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, patient-centered care and collaborative teamwork to support meaningful recovery and stability, long-term. I am committed to advocating for and de-stigmatizing mental illness through professionalism, empathy, and clinical excellence.
At Tailwinds, we believe mental healthcare should be accessible, transparent, and deeply human. Too often, people seeking support encounter long waitlists, confusing costs, or clinicians stretched thin by systems that don’t support them. Our vision is to remove those barriers, creating a practice where clients and clinicians alike feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive. We see mental healthcare not just as a service, but as a partnership that helps individuals, families, and communities move forward with strength, sureness, and compassion.