Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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.

Professional Statement As a clinician, my philosophy is to meet clients where they are and help them establish their own goals. I believe in empowering individuals to take ownership of their healing process, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. My areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mood dysregulation, and domestic violence. I work with a diverse range of clients from various backgrounds and belief systems, and I am fluent in Polish, which allows me to connect with a broader population. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing clients express that they feel better after our sessions, knowing that I have helped them take another step toward healing and growth. I am deeply committed to understanding others' perspectives and feelings, and I genuinely care about helping clients achieve the goals they set for themselves. Listening actively and without judgment is a core part of my approach, and I find great fulfillment in supporting clients as they work toward positive change in their lives. What should a new client know about working with you? I believe in creating a supportive and respectful space where clients can move at their own pace. I will never push them beyond their comfort zone unless they specifically request it. With nearly 20 years of experience in providing mental health services, I understand the importance of fostering trust and allowing clients to guide their own healing process. My approach is grounded in patience and understanding, empowering individuals to take the steps they’re ready for while offering the encouragement and support they need to move forward when they feel ready. What is your typical process for working with clients? I begin by providing a brief overview of the services offered, as well as a clear explanation of HIPAA policies to ensure clients understand their rights and confidentiality. During the initial session, I conduct a thorough mental health assessment, working collaboratively with the client to develop a personalized treatment plan. This process includes helping the client identify their own goals for therapy, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey. I also prioritize scheduling a follow-up appointment, ensuring continuity of care and the opportunity to revisit and adjust goals as needed. This approach creates a foundation of trust and allows for ongoing progress in therapy.

I understand that seeking change or trying something different can be difficult. I enjoy working alongside my clients to help each individual achieve their therapy goals in a way that feels comfortable for them. By using an empathetic and client centered approach, I support and encourage my clients to focus on their strengths to overcome life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe and empowering space where clients can be vulnerable, explore new perspectives, and speak openly in an environment where they feel accepted rather than judged. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is essential in the helping process.

I believe that healing begins with a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space—one where you can freely explore your experiences and take meaningful steps toward improved mental health. If you are ready to embark on a journey toward greater well-being, I am here to support you. Together, we can work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Head First Health provides 1:1 counseling for gen-z and millennials struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions and substance abuse.

Anda Health is a culturally responsive therapy practice supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults as they navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, identity concerns, relationships, school and career stress, and major life transitions. We work especially well with students who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to manage the pressures of college and early adulthood. Our therapists provide a supportive, collaborative space where clients can better understand themselves, build practical coping skills, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful personal and academic goals. We welcome clients from diverse racial, cultural, immigrant, and family backgrounds and strive to provide care that feels respectful, relevant, and individualized. Anda Health offers telehealth throughout Illinois and accepts multiple commercial insurance plans. Our intake team helps clients navigate insurance, scheduling, and therapist matching so getting connected to care is as simple as possible.

I am a strengths-based, relational therapist who works primarily with trans, queer, and neurodivergent adults. Our sessions will focus on interpersonal growth, rather than finding a cure for symptoms. I want to understand your challenges and celebrate your successes. Together, we will explore the ways in which you are affected by societal systems and help you develop skills to advocate for your wants and needs. I strive to lead by example in showing that it is okay to make mistakes, to always be learning about oneself, and to continue growing and developing your identity as you move through different life experiences. When we are through with our work together, I hope you will have the tools you need to live a sustainable, satisfying, and ever-evolving life.

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.

Why does it always feel like the to-do list is never-ending and what’s done is never quite enough? You are diligent about keeping on top of things and it’s gotten you pretty far. Yet, you find yourself asking “I’m running myself ragged for this?” Work-life balance? Who has time for that! Well, you are not alone. Like you, the individuals I work with tend to be busy, successful, professionals who feel stressed, anxious, and unsatisfied and struggle with burnout and imposter syndrome. They seem like they have it all together but live in fear of dropping the ball while trying to juggle all the other ones in the air. Sound familiar? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. I help you sort out what needs to change and how to create a life where you feel excited and fulfilled. None of that is easy, but it is doable. My approach is genuine, kind, and challenging with a bit of cheerleader because we all need a friendly push sometimes with someone encouraging us along the way. You’re busy and don’t have time or energy to spend on things that don’t work. I use evidence-based strategies customized to meet your unique needs. Together we’ll create a plan that works for you. I offer individual therapy exclusively online as well as other services such as workshops and mindfulness. Contact me for a free consultation.

Our experienced therapists provide personalized guidance, creating a safe space for self-exploration and growth. From managing stress and anxiety to overcoming personal challenges, individual therapy empowers you to navigate life's complexities with resilience.

I am a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive therapist dedicated to supporting individuals with a history of trauma and life challenges related to mental health issues. My practice focuses on working with people navigating the effects of trauma, which often manifest as mental and behavioral conditions such as PTSD, C-PTSD, Panic Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Codependency, Dissociation, and Addiction. I'm trained in addiction and trauma recovery and am a certified EMDR therapist through the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA). Additionally, I'm also Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed. In my practice, I integrate techniques from EMDR, IFS, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Existential Therapy, and Relationship Therapy. I use EMDR and IFS to help clients access and process difficult memories, fostering psychological healing and resilience. What sets my approach apart is my unwavering commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I believe in the power of collaboration and work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans and mutual goals. As a member of a minority group, I deeply understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and strive to provide a space where clients from all backgrounds feel valued and heard. Beyond my professional practice, I am a lifelong learner, continually staying informed about the latest advancements in mental health to better serve my clients.

As a queer and socially informed therapist, my practice is shaped by lived experience, intuitive connection, and a commitment to integrative healing. At Lucid Flame Body & Mind, I offer somatic, sex, and spiritual therapy that honors the complexity of identity, the wisdom of the body, and the power of relational depth. Clients working with me can expect a space that is attuned, inclusive, and rooted in trauma-informed care—where nervous system safety, emotional nuance, and spiritual connection are prioritized. My areas of focus include sexual wellness, disordered eating, identity exploration, and trauma recovery, alongside holistic modalities such as energy work and intuitive practices such as tarot. These are important to me because they reflect the layered ways we heal—through evidence-based support, embodied presence, and culturally respectful integration of spirit and self. Whether you're seeking clarity, connection, or liberation, I welcome you into a practice that centers authenticity, compassion, and empowerment.

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.

Hello. If you are motivated for help, I would like to work with you. I have lots of experience. I am eclectic, but often use Psychodynamic Therapy abd Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help the clients I see. I have a general practice, but I’m particularly interested in helping with anxiety, depression,,eating disorders, body image relationships and grief and loss. I am currently only doing Telehealth/ virtual So it is very convenient and I can see anyone who lives in Illinois at the time of our sessions. Free 15 minute phone consultation. I am listed on Psychology Today.

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.

My name is Dr. Alejandra Gonzalez, and I’m a Licensed Psychologist. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Therapy can be a space to make sense of life’s challenges, reconnect with what matters to you, and feel more empowered in your life. I bring a warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive approach grounded in evidence-based practices. I specialize in working with adults navigating stress, trauma, life transitions, and identity-related concerns.

Guided Pathway Counseling, PLLC helps support individuals struggling with an array of mental health issues, some of which include depression, anxiety, trauma, stress management, life transitions, and issues relevant to the LGBTQ community.

Battling mental health struggles can be isolating and lonely. People can believe that no one knows what they are experiencing. You are not alone. Struggling with obsessive behaviors or destructive thought patterns? Perhaps severe anxiety and panic attacks feel debilitating. Does a past or recent traumatic event feel unbearable? Do you often feel worthless and "never good enough?" You are not alone and there is help! My intention in working with clients is to promote self-understanding and concrete skill-building, so that each individual owns their agency, and trusts their resilience. I bring a wide range of experience in mental health and wellness and have experience in multiple therapeutic approaches. This allows me to effectively use evidence-based approaches for a specific issue. I tailor a plan specially designed for you - your unique goals, characteristics, and drives. Therapy is a process, and I would love to be on that journey with you. I offer free 10 min phone consultations. This allows for us to get to know each other and offers an opportunity to ask questions. You can call or email to set up your free session. If you desire, we will set up our first session during the call and support you toward your health goals.

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.

Hi, I’m Spencer (they/them)! I’m a queer, non-binary, neurodiverse therapist who believes that everybody deserves a space in therapy. Working in mental and behavioral health spaces I have found that it can be difficult to find professionals who are competent and specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and I aim to help change that! So much about therapy revolves around identity. Having a therapist who is part of your communities can make all of the difference. I work from a systems, anti-opressive, and liberation focused lens, meaning that there are many factors both internal and external that affect our well-being, one of which is community! Community is important for everybody, but especially for LGBTQ+ identities. This was one of the main reasons I chose to name my practice Neighborhood Psychotherapy, along with being based in Chicago and coming to love and appreciate the city’s strong sense of community and neighborhood identities, and being inspired by the work of Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. My therapeutic approach weaves together DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Thearpy), CBT (Cognative Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused interventions to deliver the best care possible to my clients. I specialize in offering therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD/Austim, Neurodiversity, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Having experienced the world as a queer and neurodiverse individual, I understand the profound impact of being truly seen. I see my work as collaborative, let’s work together to set goals and effect change in your life.