Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Feeling anxious, burnt out, stuck, or just not quite like yourself? College is a lot — the pressure to have everything figured out, relationships shifting, identity questions, and regular life stress all happening at once. I'm a Chicago therapist who works with young adults navigating exactly that. I'm relaxed, open-minded, and genuinely nonjudgmental — you don't have to come in with the "right" words or a clear problem. We'll figure it out together. There's no single right way to do therapy, so I adapt to what you need: sometimes that's working through a specific issue with structure and tools, sometimes it's just having space to think out loud. I draw from CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and talk therapy depending on what clicks for you. I accept insurance through Headway, which typically brings session costs down significantly. Reach out, and I can help you check your coverage before we meet.

You’re driven, capable, and used to pushing through. On the outside, it looks like you’ve got it together—but inside, the pressure can feel relentless. Maybe your thoughts are often focused on food, weight, appearance, or productivity. You might feel anxious, guilty, or exhausted trying to meet impossible standards. Even your accomplishments don’t bring the relief you hoped for. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing this by yourself. Therapy can be a space to pause, reflect, and begin shifting the patterns that keep you stuck. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you reconnect with what matters to you—not just what you feel you should be doing. We’ll explore new ways of responding to self-criticism, perfectionism, and burnout. I offer a compassionate, inclusive space where you can show up as you are—no need to perform, prove, or push. My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized to you. I focus on your strengths and always make space for humor. I offer virtual and in-person (Ravenswood and Wicker Park) sessions with flexible scheduling.

Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit can matter as much as the therapy itself. I work with students who are thoughtful, capable, and often carrying more than they let on — anxiety, stress, self-doubt, trauma, or the pressure to keep it together while figuring out who they are and where they’re headed. I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with a background in both clinical mental health and higher education. Before returning to full-time clinical work, I spent many years working on college campuses as well as teaching in undergraduate and graduate courses. I understand the unique stressors students face — academic pressure, financial stressors, identity development, relationships, family expectations, and the emotional toll of trying to succeed in an uncertain world. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I integrate evidence-based practices with a strong focus on nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and practical skills you can use in everyday life. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and learn how to respond to stress and anxiety with more clarity and self-compassion. Many of the students I work with struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Together, we work on building a sense of safety, learning how to set boundaries, and developing coping strategies that support both mental health and personal growth. I believe therapy should feel human, respectful, and supportive — a place where you don’t have to perform or have everything figured out. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, more present, and more able to navigate life with confidence and care.

I am passionate about working with young adults and first generation immigrants that are struggling with anxiety, burnout and stress. I understand the unique challenges college students face because I myself have been a student on/off for over 10 years. I come from a first generation household and have worked with immigrants my entire professional life. I know how hard it can be to grow up in a culture that has different values than those at home and how this can lead to questioning your own identity and where you feel you belong. I welcome the opportunity to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself to live in alignment with your natural strengths and ambitions.

Belle Counseling and Wellness provides individual therapy for adults 18+. We offer a safe and confidential space to explore yourself, your values, process your past and heal. As a trauma informed practice, we realize the widespread impact of trauma and seek to help our clients and the community find their path to recovery and holistic wellness. We recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in our clients, their families, our staff and our community. Our response to trauma seeks to fully integrate the trauma informed values into our policies, procedures and practices in order to actively resist re-traumatization. Our values include safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, and acknowledging the historical barriers to wellness for women, communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. All services are currently being offered online for the health and safety of our staff and clients. We utilize a secure HIPAA compliant video platform – just click the link in your appointment confirmation text message or email to connect with us from any device.

I specialize in supporting individuals facing challenges such as mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, or those simply seeking a safe space for self-reflection, personal growth, and emotional exploration. At the core of my practice is a genuine therapeutic relationship—one built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. With a foundation in evidence-based treatment methods, I combine clinical expertise with a compassionate, empowering approach. Humor is often woven into sessions where appropriate, helping to create a comfortable and engaging environment. By taking the time to truly understand each client’s unique personality, experiences, and goals, I tailor my approach to meet individual needs and foster lasting, meaningful change. I deeply believe that everyone has the potential to create positive transformation, and therapy can be that powerful catalyst for growth. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients on their journey, helping them build momentum toward the changes they seek.

Tired of feeling stuck? Anxious? Sad? Do intrusive thoughts get in the way of studying or feeling settled when spending time with friends or family? Are you ready to make a change but having a hard time starting the process? We get it. We know how hard it is. And we can help you. We are a clinically diverse group of clinicians available to meet with clients Monday-Saturday with evening availability (we are solely doing teletherapy at this time). We work with college age students and adults who may be struggling with a life adjustment or transition, unresolved past hurt or trauma, difficulty concentrating and nervousness, negative thoughts or hard to control worry and fears. In our therapy session, we don't just sit back and listen. We teach our clients how to have more control over difficult thoughts and intense emotions, feel more emotionally settled and balanced in daily activities and develop healthier coping skills to combat unhealthy behaviors. And to keep the therapy process moving forward, clients are given homework assignments in -between therapy sessions. We know that you have the ability to make the changes you are looking for. And we are confident we can help you make these changes.

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.

With three years of experience in the mental health field, my passion is helping individuals overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. I specialize in trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, crisis intervention, and using a multi-therapeutic approach to ensure that each client receives the personalized care they need. Whether it's dealing with stress, anxiety, family dynamics, or a traumatic event, I strive to provide compassionate, understanding support that respects each person’s unique journey. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple therapeutic theories to best meet your needs. I believe that healing is a process that takes time, effort, and a safe space to grow. That’s why I work closely with my clients to build trust and a strong rapport, creating a collaborative partnership where your voice is always heard, your concerns are validated, and your growth is the focus. I am deeply motivated by the desire to help people understand that they are not alone in their struggles. I want every client I work with to know that change is possible and that with the right support, they can take the steps needed to build resilience, heal from past experiences, and lead a life of greater fulfillment. Working with me means engaging in a process that is open-minded, flexible, and rooted in respect for your individual experiences and goals. I take the time to understand your needs and adjust my approach to best support your healing and growth. Together, we will focus on developing coping strategies, building self-awareness, and setting achievable goals that empower you to make meaningful changes. If you are ready to begin your journey toward emotional well-being, I am here to support you with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to your growth. You don’t have to go through this alone—I would be honored to be part of your path to healing.

I want to support you in finding mental and physical health through counseling and body-centered approaches to healing. Whatever challenges you may be facing at this time, I look forward to helping you meet your goals and find a satisfying life filled with ease, happiness, and connection!

I am a young adult therapist who helps clients control their behavioral response to challenging emotions, effectively adjust to change, and live a life that makes them proud. I have experience with young adults with anxiety, depression, self-injurious behavior, ADHD, and life transitions. I create a safe space and act as a guide, assisting the client as they explore past and current issues, unhealthy patterns, and identify overall goals. I utilize evidence-based strategies and techniques from an integrated cognitive-behavioral, individual psychology approach. Additionally, I incorporate aspects of mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I am accepting new clients and would love to be apart of your journey to overall wellness and success.

Melissa Mello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. Melissa received her BS in psychology from the University of Washington and her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Melissa completed her training at UC San Diego in an outpatient setting and went on to contribute to clinical research and provide services for eating disorders on multidisciplinary teams. She was also a program therapist for the UCSD Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program- a week-long intensive program for teens with eating disorders and their families. She has been trained in and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy( ACT). Her primary interests include working with children, teens, and young adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation and a certified Family Based Treatment provider.

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Let’s be real: adulting is hard. Figuring out how to build a life—navigating new jobs, getting enough sleep and exercise, living alone for the first time, dating (ugh), or trying to make real friendships—it can all feel like a lot. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I’m here to support you in making sense of it, finding your voice, and creating a life that actually feels like yours. I’m passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. As a relational therapist, I believe changes happen in connection. I pull from a range of approaches depending on what you need—whether that’s insight, tools, or simply someone who gets it. I’m warm, collaborative, and affirming—but also very direct. If something needs to be named, I’ll say it—with compassion and honesty of course. Growth requires truth. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but reaching out shows real courage and a deep commitment to yourself. Whether you’re working through identity questions, navigating complicated relationships, or just trying to feel more like yourself again, I’m here to walk with you through it. Message me and we can have a chat about it!

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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.

Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and self-doubt? You're not alone. Life can sometimes feel unmanageable, making us feel overwhelmed, anxious, down, or even lost. It can often feel easier to continue in the same maladaptive behavioral patterns instead of shifting to healthier ways, which is why change can be so hard! I'm here to help and support you while you navigate some of life’s turbulent waters. On this journey, I would work with you to take steps toward discovering a path of inner peace and fulfillment while creating the changes you want. Your unique journey matters, and I'm committed to understanding it, supporting you through it, and helping you feel more equipped on this journey. Whether it's the weight of indecision, the shadow of anxiety, or the cloud of depression, I offer a safe, friendly, and nonjudgemental space where we can explore your emotions, thoughts, and concerns together. If you're experiencing relationship issues or facing significant changes, I'm here to lend a compassionate ear and offer insights or practical strategies. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Let's embark on this transformative experience together. I can't wait to hear from you and begin this process together.

At Skylight Ascend Wellness, we blend medical expertise with heart. Our practice provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for adolescents and adults through a holistic approach that integrates medication management, therapy, and wellness support. We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders while helping each person rediscover balance and confidence. Our care is collaborative, inclusive, and designed for real life—whether you’re a student navigating stress or an adult seeking clarity and calm. ✨ Let’s light the path to your emotional wellness—mind, body, and brain. 📍 Serving Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, and Florida | Virtual options available

Welcome to The Healing Palace ✨ College life can feel like a whirlwind — balancing classes, relationships, work, and figuring out your future. At The Healing Palace, we understand that behind the hustle, students often carry stress, anxiety, trauma, and unspoken challenges. We’re here to be your safe space. A place where you can breathe, unpack the weight you’ve been carrying, and discover healthy ways to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially. Our team of therapists specializes in supporting young adults as they navigate identity, relationships, and the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking one-on-one therapy, group support, or just a space where you can feel heard without judgment, The Healing Palace is here to walk with you. Because your mental health matters. Your voice matters. You matter.

Remington "Remi" Mitchell is a licensed clinical professional counselor and graduate of Roosevelt University’s Clinical Psychology (Counseling Practice) program. They specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who struggle with LGBTQIA+ issues, gender identity concerns, anxiety, depression, concerns with self-worth, life transitions, and trauma. They utilize a collaborative and integrative approach, to working with clients and their families. Remi works to help clients make meaning of their history, create and sustain meaningful connections, and live more authentically in the present. They aim to understand people and listen thoughtfully and attentively while providing individuals with depth, and meaning to their lives.