Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
Patty Zacharias
Hello! As a mental health therapist, I'm here to offer a supportive and confidential space for you to navigate the unique challenges of college life. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, social changes, and the process of figuring out your future. My goal is to work with you to develop effective coping strategies and build confidence so you can thrive during this important chapter. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or just need someone to talk to, please know that reaching out is a sign of strength. I look forward to connecting with you.
DMI Counseling PLLC
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.
Ronda Jordan
My mission is to provide quality individual and group therapy that is accessible and meaningful. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of folks and have found that meeting people “where they are at “ and actively listening to their goals is the basic foundation that can be overlooked at times. Clients in my practice are motivated for therapy and committed to the time we set aside for their growth. I am also committed to that time in order to assist clients with meeting their goals and experiencing further well-being. Depending on their own personal preference for more or less structure, I can generally adapt my practice skills to meet that personal preference.
Through the Woods Therapy & Wellness
Through the Woods Therapy & Wellness offers a fresh approach to mental health treatment, combining clinical and spiritual work within the context of a supportive community to promote a space for deep healing. Our clinical approach to therapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, and attachment-based, borrowing approaches from various evidence-based theories to meet our clients’ specific needs. Sense of community, self-care, and spiritual connection are important to us. Beyond our clinical work, we offer additional wellness services and host regular community events.
Aanya Health Services, PLLC
Are you seeking clarity about your experiences with attention, mood, or social differences? I specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological testing for autism, ADHD, and related emotional or personality patterns. My goal is to help you understand yourself more full -- whether you’re exploring a possible diagnosis or looking for answers to long-standing challenges -- so that you can move forward with insight, direction, and confidence. I provide detailed, individualized evaluations that identify strengths, clarify diagnoses, and guide next steps for support and growth. Each assessment leads to a practical, personalized plan -- helping you better understand how your brain works and how to use that knowledge to improve daily functioning and emotional well-being. I value warmth, collaboration, and genuine understanding throughout the testing process. My goal is to make you feel supported, informed, and empowered by what you learn. If you’re ready to gain deeper insight and take meaningful steps toward clarity and change, I invite you to connect for a 15-minute consultation.
Brandi Kelly
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.
Mend Counseling Services PLLC
Life can be brutal, can’t it?! Can you remember that time in life when you were happy, like top of the world scream it from the rooftops happy? In that moment, everything was right in your world and then well, life happened. Now you look back and have so many questions…What happened? Let me tell you, you are not alone! We’ve all been there in some season of life. But who says this can’t make us better! Every person comes to therapy with their own individual needs. Therefore, we adapt our interventions based on a comprehensive assessment of who you are and what you need. We are all trained in a number of different interventions and like to use a combination of our training and expertise to utilize an eclectic approach to best meet the needs of each individual person. We know that every individual is uniquely different and therefore each person should have a unique therapy journey based on their own needs.
Emma Flores
Meet Emma Flores – Your Support for Life’s Transitions and Challenges College is full of new experiences—some exciting, some stressful, and some that catch you completely off guard. Whether you’re starting your first semester, adjusting to campus life, or preparing for what comes after graduation, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Emma Flores is here to help you navigate it all. Emma is a warm, approachable therapist who truly understands the unique challenges college students face. She knows that life during these years isn’t just about getting good grades—it’s about finding your identity, managing relationships, coping with change, and balancing independence with responsibility. She creates a safe, welcoming space where you can talk openly about what’s on your mind without fear of judgment. Emma works with students who are feeling anxious, stressed, stuck, or uncertain about the future. She also supports those dealing with depression, relationship issues, self-doubt, and big life transitions. Her style is collaborative—you bring your experiences and goals, and together you’ll explore what’s getting in the way and how to move forward. One of Emma’s strengths is making therapy feel comfortable and relatable. She understands that reaching out for help can be intimidating, so she meets you exactly where you are. Her sessions feel like a genuine conversation with someone who’s fully in your corner—someone who will listen, guide, and challenge you in ways that feel safe and encouraging. Emma is especially passionate about helping students: Manage anxiety, stress, and burnout Navigate family, friendship, and romantic relationship changes Build confidence and self-worth Adjust to new environments or cultural transitions Develop healthy coping skills for academic and personal challenges She believes that therapy is not just for times of crisis—it’s also a tool for growth, clarity, and self-discovery. Working with Emma means gaining insight into your patterns, building resilience, and creating the life you want, one step at a time. If you’ve been feeling like you have to “hold it all together” on your own, Emma wants you to know that you don’t. She’s here to remind you that it’s okay to ask for help—and that doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re looking for short-term support to get through a rough patch or ongoing therapy to help you grow and thrive, Emma is ready to walk alongside you. Your college years are a time of change, growth, and possibility. With the right support, you can face challenges with confidence—and Emma Flores is here to help you do just that.
Mary Mesiha, LICSW
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you're already balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, work, and everything else that comes with college life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply looking for extra support, I'm glad you're here. I'm Mary Mesiha, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience helping young adults navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with college students facing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, trauma, and the pressures that often come with this stage of life. I believe the relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, gain practical tools, and build confidence as you work toward the life you want. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know each other, discuss what you're looking for, and determine whether we're a good fit. I would be honored to support you through this chapter of your life.
Breanne Pfrank Wicker
Breanne believes each of us is unique having different life experiences that influence how you see yourself, others, and the world around you. She knows there can be times you might find that you need to adjust or adapt, and that can be hard. Change begins when you take the first steps to know yourself better and Breanne wants to offer you the support and encouragement necessary to do that. Breanne draws from a rich background dedicated to creating a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment, one where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions while navigating challenges. You will be encouraged to nurture your strengths by focusing on positive aspects while working towards meaningful and effective solutions for change. Breanne is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Breanne brings a holistic approach to counseling by focusing on the interconnected wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Breanne works predominantly with Adult and Adolescent clients offering counseling for Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Divorce/Relationship Recovery, Betrayal Trauma, Complex Relationship Dynamics and Life Transitions.
Casey Paladin
You find yourself stuck in cycles of overhwelm and numbness. Your anxiety is increasing. You've experienced loss or trauma. Maybe you spend hours scrolling, avoiding painful emotions. You crave a life of connection - whether that is with yourself, others, or the world around you. Who I am: I am an experienced mental health therapist with a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. I have a passion for helping people overcome anxiety, navigate life transitions, heal from trauma, and build more fulfilling relationships. Who you are: I love working with all types of clients, but I most often find myself working with people who struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing, boundaries, and healing from complex relational trauma. My therapeutic style: I strive to be real and relatable - the type of person who can see the complexity and nuance of life. What therapy with me looks like: My approach helps people identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, most commonly associated with feelings of depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict, and provides people with tangible skills that enable you to think and behave in ways that promote inner confidence, strength, and achievement of goals.
Here and Now Mental Wellness
At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a wellness hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, EMDR, Art therapy, VR exposure therapy, Movement, Breath, Trauma Release and Somatic work. We also offer support for overcoming substance abuse issues.
Alexa Shank
Are you tired of struggling with constant thoughts about food, your body, and exercise? I'm passionate about helping you to achieve a balanced relationship with food, find peace and acceptance in your body, and take steps towards a more fulfilling life. I will provide you with support, guidance and compassion as we navigate the growth and changes that come with eating disorder recovery. My approach to treatment is personalized for the unique needs of each of my clients and incorporates a number of evidence-based modalities. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, I know that eating disorders are NEVER just about the food. I will also work with you to identify the underlying issues; including depression, anxiety and life stressors that have contributed to your distressing thoughts and behaviors. I believe that no matter what stage of life you're in, therapy can be beneficial. If you’re ready to work through the challenges that have kept you stuck, I'd love to be that safe space and provide the accountability, support, and empathy you need. If you'd like to talk more before scheduling a session, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you have and see if we might be a good fit to work together.
Colby Brooks, M.Ed
I’m a therapist passionate about helping people heal and feel more like themselves again—without judgment, pressure, or pretense. I work with emerging adults and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, burnout, boundaries, and major life transitions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or trying to untangle patterns that no longer serve you, we can sort through the mess together and find a way forward. I earned my Master’s in Counseling from DePaul University, with a concentration in College Counseling and Student Affairs. My background in community mental health and higher education has shaped how I show up in the therapy room: down-to-earth, affirming, and collaborative. I primarily draw from Person-Centered Therapy and CBT, while tailoring our work to your individual needs, experiences, and goals. I care deeply about creating an inclusive space where people from all backgrounds can feel seen, heard, and understood—especially women and those carrying the weight of trauma or intergenerational pain. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, strengthen your voice, and move from survival mode toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom.
Michael Vargas
You’ve spent years pushing through, holding it together, and trying to figure things out on your own. You may understand why you struggle, yet anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship difficulties, burnout, or self-doubt continue to affect your life. Therapy can help you move beyond insight and begin creating meaningful, lasting change. As a bilingual Latinx & BIPOC therapist serving adults throughout Illinois, I provide culturally responsive therapy for people who are ready to better understand themselves, heal old patterns, and actively work toward change. My approach integrates IFS (Internal Family Systems), parts work, inner child healing, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy. Together, we can uncover the patterns behind anxiety, emotional distress, relationship struggles, and feeling disconnected from yourself. I also specialize in men’s mental health, including self-worth, anger, boundaries, vulnerability, cultural expectations, relationships, and developing more authentic connections with yourself and others. Therapy with me is compassionate, collaborative, and active. We’ll explore the parts of you carrying pain, challenge patterns that no longer serve you, and develop greater confidence, emotional awareness, and self-trust. If you’re looking for a therapist who will support you while also encouraging deeper reflection and growth, we may be a good fit. También ofrezco terapia en español. I provide online therapy and telehealth for adults throughout Illinois. Schedule a free 10-minute consultation to see if working together feels right.
Zoe Skowronski
Hi, I’m Zoe—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and DBT-certified therapist, offering virtual therapy across Florida, Illinois, and Texas. I work with college students, especially young women, who feel anxious, misunderstood, or stuck in cycles of self-doubt, perfectionism, or unhealthy patterns. Classes, relationships, family stress, and the constant pressure to “have it all figured out” can leave you feeling overwhelmed. In therapy, you don’t have to perform or pretend you’re fine—you get a space to be real, vent, and start untangling what’s been weighing you down. ✨ You might relate if… You’re overthinking every text, email, or decision. You feel “different” or “too much” compared to your friends. You’re caught in cycles with food, body image, or relationships. You’re exhausted from trying to keep it all together. In our first session, we’ll slow things down. I’ll get to know your story, the challenges you’re facing, and what you’d like to change. You don’t need to have a plan—I’ll ask questions to help us explore your coping patterns, relationships, and what’s been hardest lately. This is a supportive space where you can share at your own pace—no pressure to open up before you’re ready. By the end, we’ll have a clearer picture of your goals and how we can work toward them. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, understood, and supported from the very beginning.
Aimee Rodriguez
Hi, I’m a first-generation Mexican-American bilingual therapist (¡HABLO ESPAÑOL!) offering compassionate, non-judgmental care for individuals who are ready to heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. I’m deeply committed to supporting the Latinx community, LGBTQ+ individuals, teenagers, college students, young adults, adults, eldest daughters, and señoras navigating life’s challenges. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, emotional struggles, relationship issues, family conflict, low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and school-related stress. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by family expectations, struggling with perfectionism or people-pleasing, carrying the pressure of being the eldest daughter, or finding it difficult to set boundaries and say “no,” you do not have to navigate it alone. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected from themselves, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. You may feel like you’re constantly putting others first, avoiding your emotions, struggling to protect your peace, or carrying the weight of generational trauma. Together, we’ll work toward healthier boundaries, greater self-confidence, and breaking patterns that no longer serve you. My approach is rooted in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and authenticity. Together, we’ll build insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns so you can stop feeling stuck in survival mode and begin moving forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. With me, you can expect to feel truly listened to. My calm, lighthearted presence helps create a space where you’ll feel safe to open up, even when things are heavy. I pride myself on creating a warm, supportive environment where you can explore your emotions without fear of judgment. I’ll also gently challenge you when needed, helping you face yourself with honesty so you can grow. That may mean confronting difficult emotions, patterns, or experiences, but always with care, respect, and your best interest at heart. If you’re ready to do the work, whether that means challenging old habits, trying new coping strategies, or showing up with honesty and curiosity, we’ll likely be a great match. Therapy with me is about creating momentum toward the life you want and becoming the version of yourself that feels most authentic, empowered, and at peace. Therapy is not about being “fixed”. It’s about learning to care for yourself in ways you may have never been taught. I would be honored to support you on your healing journey.
Ashley Weant
Hello, I’m Ashley! My passion is to support people and meet them where they are on their journey. I've worked at a school as a Social Worker, and at a private practice doing individual therapy and family sessions. It’s important to me to work with clients and families as a team, when possible, so that they feel comfortable not only asking for support, but also advocating for themselves. I understand how intimidating it can be to ask for help. I encourage you to take the first step toward strengthening your overall wellbeing. I look forward to working together!
Melissa Anderson
To the outside world, it may appear that you have it all together yet no matter how hard you try you suffer from anxiety, self doubt, people pleasing, burn out, and guilt when putting your own needs first and something needs to change. My role as a therapist is to bring light to those parts of yourself which have been blocking you from making changes and step into a life of wholeness and authenticity. As a trauma focused therapist, I integrate therapeutic techniques that encourage insight-building and guidance on taking actionable steps toward healing. Areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, systemic abuse, life transitions, attachment wounds, imposter syndrome, identity exploration, women's issues, and college student mental health. My services are telehealth only to provide services in the comfort of your own home.
Beatriz Ceja
Hello! I am a proud Hispanic Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the social service field and 3 years practicing therapy. I’m also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and I’m passionate about providing support that is compassionate, practical, and culturally grounded. Mental health is essential for everyone, and I believe it holds a special importance within the Hispanic community where stigma can sometimes make seeking help difficult. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where healing and growth are possible for all.