Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Your mind is unique—your therapy should be too. If you’re exhausted by overthinking, caught in endless “what if” thoughts, or feeling mentally drained despite appearing to have it all together, you’re not alone. Many of my clients are thoughtful, compassionate, and high-achieving people struggling with anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, burnout, depression, or major life transitions. Together, we’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck and build the skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change. My approach goes beyond symptom management. I take a personalized, whole-person approach that combines neuroscience, comprehensive assessment, and evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. Drawing from Neuropsychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic techniques, we’ll help your brain and body work together—not against each other. Therapy with me is collaborative, practical, and grounded in real life. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works, learn effective tools to manage difficult emotions, and build resilience that lasts beyond the therapy room. I believe healing doesn’t have to be cold or clinical—it happens through authentic connection, curiosity, and, when appropriate, a little humor. Whether you’re ready to quiet the mental noise, overcome anxiety, regain confidence, or simply feel like yourself again, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer personalized therapy in both English and Polish through in-person and secure online sessions. Healing is possible, and I’d be honored to be part of your journey. This version is more conversational, premium, and client-focused while naturally incorporating your specialties and approach without feeling like a list of techniques.

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

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Are you ready for a change? I enjoy helping people feel understood, confront their joys and pains, and be motivated to change. Throughout my clinical practice I have been privileged to walk alongside both individuals and families as they courageously seek to encounter their vulnerabilities. There comes a time when help is needed from a certified therapist to cope with many of life’s challenges. I'm Sachiko Kawata-Burke, I'm a licensed clinical social worker serving clients in-person in Illinois and Telehealth. I have immediate availability to support you on your journey toward healing and self discovery. Contact me for your complimentary consultation today!

LivingRite is a private mental health practice that offers a wide range of high-quality, effective treatments for a variety of presenting problems. Our Service Mission is to provide the finest quality services with a continued commitment to incorporating empirically-validated treatment solutions for our clients. At LivingRite, we believe that at times, life happens in a way that requires the help of a professional through the use of medication services. We recognize that your step towards overcoming these obstacles may involve several avenues of treatment. Our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners provide medication management and ADHD evaluations that help guide you and facilitate progress through these challenging times.

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.

Existing in the world right now may feel overwhelming and reaching out for support may be even more daunting. Maybe you've struggled to feel safe enough in your body to tend to your own needs. Or maybe you've felt disconnected from yourself and adrift in your relationships. However lost or stuck you may be feeling, you deserve an inclusive space to feel valued and held. Building on the inner resilience you already hold, together we can practice slowing down, invite curiosity and compassion into your life, and expand your comfort zones to make life more manageable and meaningful. My style is warm, relational, and collaborative and my approach is rooted in anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles. I view therapy as a space that we build together and offer an eclectic range of tools and perspectives to meet your unique needs. As a queer and trans therapist, I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool in our path towards collective liberation. I accept Quartz, Dean, GHC-SCW (under Mental Health Collective) insurances.

I earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in Psychiatry from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am proud to say I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a true believer that not one of my fellow humans is immune to stress, anxiety, and feelings of sadness at some point in their life. We all find ourselves feeling vulnerable at times. It is completely normal to question why we feel the emotions that we do, why we seem to fall apart at times, and better yet, how we can get through it all in one beautiful piece. I think the first step to meaningful recovery from anxiety, depression, complex mental illness, and/or substance use is to reach out and ask for help. It is a difficult, but very brave action. I am not one to judge, look down on, question your past experiences, or current situation. I am very good at rationally breaking down a situation and I can offer practical advice and medication suggestions depending on your goal in mind. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

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.

Feeling burnt out? Keeping up with college life can be overwhelming. We specialize in working with college students and we're here to support you! Schedule an appointment today! We look forward to meeting with you. We are accepting new clients and have immediate openings, both in person or virtual. We accept insurance, self-pay, and sliding scale (reduced fee).

Megan Rosecrans Psy.D. LCP received her doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology. Dr. Rosecrans consults with bariatric surgical teams to provide psychological support for patients both pre and post surgery. Dr. Rosecrans specializes in pre-surgical bariatric assessment and spinal stimulator evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Rosecrans offers biofeedback and hypnotherapy treatment options as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Dr. Rosecrans uses empirically-supported treatments and a collaborative, directive, goal-oriented, supportive, approach for individual therapy. A customized treatment strategy is designed for the specific needs of each patient. Dr. Rosecrans’ Approach to Therapy: Therapy can be scary as we are knowingly going to talk about topics that are uncomfortable. It takes strength to recognize and admit we need help, and then to open up about the discomfort we feel. Therapy is a safe space to explore these uncomfortable emotions, thoughts, behaviors, pasts, and relationships without judgement, and feeling like you are being heard. Therapy is designed to help you learn new ways to approach difficult experiences and learn tools to aid in coping with the discomfort you feel. It is important for me to make therapy a safe and collaborative process. You are your own expert in life, and I am here to help you in finding the right tools that will work for you. I use a supportive, directive, problem-solving style, applying empirically supported techniques. I approach treatment using the biopsychosocial model and Existential therapies, which allows us to explore the interaction between varying aspects of our lives and how they affect our mental health. A better understanding of ourselves helps promote the change we strive for.

I’m Christine Askeland, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I provide compassionate psychiatric care and have a special focus on women’s mental health, pregnancy and postpartum support, and addiction treatment. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and truly heard. I’m known for my warm, nonjudgmental approach and for meeting people where they are. I believe mental health care should feel collaborative and personalized, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Together, we’ll focus on your goals, preferences, and what matters most to you, so your care feels meaningful and supportive. My approach combines psychotherapy with thoughtful, evidence-based medication management while also looking at the bigger picture of wellness. I value the role of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and daily routines in emotional health, and I work with you to create a balanced, realistic treatment plan that supports long-term healing and stability.

I’m a psychotherapist who is passionate about helping millennial and Gen Z women overcome anxiety. My approach to therapy is to address not only the anxious thoughts you are having but also look at how we can adapt behaviors to help you heal. I introduce skills and then work with you on realistically using them in your daily life. We remain in the mindset of coaching your brain and helping your brain learn to react differently over time. We do this with self-compassion, self-respect, and a smidge of humor. Ok, maybe a lot of humor. In my sessions, you will always be the expert of your life and your needs. I’m down-to-earth, laid-back, and create an environment of zero judgment where you can allow yourself to be vulnerable, laugh, cry, and swear as much as you need to.

Have you experienced trauma? Maybe you've figured out some ways to manage it in the past, but it's getting harder since starting/going back to school. Those old coping habits aren't cutting it anymore, and it's finally time to do the work, both for the sake of your academic future, and also so you can live an authentic, fulfilling life. Welcome! My name is Caroline Lavelock, and I have worked in university counseling with large, diverse, nontraditional student populations for nearly 15 years. I bring expertise in college mental health, especially for first-generation students and children of immigrants who are balancing competing expectations between work, school, and home life. Now that I am in private practice, I am pleased to offer the longer-term, trauma-focused therapy that many students need but struggle to find in short-term counseling university counseling models. I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and can provide information about how you can use nutrition to optimize your mental health. I offer instant online booking through my group practice, Tailwinds Psychology, where you can also access psychiatry and testing services. Let's get to work!

Dr. Carmaletta Zandi provides compassionate, comprehensive care for people of all ages, drawing on her expertise to support a wide variety of needs. Her top practice areas include ADHD Evaluation and Therapeutic Care, Depression and Anxiety Management, Gold Years Wellness, Educators Resilience Therapy, and First Responder Support. Dr. Zandi specializes in thorough assessment and personalized treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan, integrating neuroscience with practical strategies to help clients enhance focus, manage impulsivity, and thrive. With a strong commitment to Depression and Anxiety Management, Dr. Zandi offers evidence-based therapies to help clients navigate challenging emotions, reduce symptoms, and build resilience. Her approach is empathetic and collaborative, empowering individuals to achieve greater emotional well-being and stability. Through her Gold Years Wellness program, Dr. Zandi supports older adults with a focus on cognitive health, emotional balance, and smooth life transitions, enabling seniors to enjoy vitality and fulfillment in their golden years. She also provides Educators Resilience Therapy, tailored to help teachers and school staff strengthen their mental health, manage stress, and boost emotional regulation—so they can sustain their passion for education. Recognizing the unique pressures faced by those in emergency services, Dr. Zandi delivers First Responder Support for law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line personnel. She offers practical tools and therapeutic strategies to address occupational stress, trauma, and burnout, fostering resilience and overall well-being. Dr. Zandi is dedicated to working collaboratively with clients—whether children, adults, or seniors—addressing ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and the mental health needs of caregivers, educators, and first responders. Her client-centered, evidence-based approach ensures each individual is supported, heard, and empowered to achieve lasting well-being and personal growth.

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As a licensed therapist with over three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, family dynamics, grief, and significant life transitions. I bring a compassionate and nuanced approach to addressing communication challenges, workplace issues, and personal growth. My work is deeply rooted in understanding the unique experiences of women, young adults, and individuals facing profound life changes, including those dealing with cancer or end-of-life transitions. I am committed to creating a supportive, empathetic space where clients can explore their personal narratives, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. Drawing from my extensive background, I offer culturally responsive care that honors each individual's journey. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing thoughtful guidance and support as you move toward greater understanding, resilience, and personal empowerment.

Have your life transitions brought up more questions about your life? Are you experiencing symptoms that are hard to understand or put into a typical psychological category? My clients typically are looking for holistic, nontraditional approaches to therapy to help them find their own answers. If you have experienced trauma of any kind, this is a safe place to explore how your own innate resources can help you cope and heal. To learn more, go to my website and apply using my online application: www.amypico.com

My name is Jenna Schloss and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I specialize in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. I also have experience treating eating disorders within the outpatient level of care. My experience includes providing individual and group therapy, as well as facilitating trainings about evidence-based treatment. I have had the opportunity to receive intensive training and consultation in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I utilize these approaches as a foundation for treatment, and tailor my approach to the individual needs and goals of each client. All of my work with clients incorporates a collaborative approach, warmth, trust, and humor. I believe that laughter is an essential part of life and mental health. Outside of my work with individual clients, I engage in regular training and consultation with colleagues and also participate in one on one supervision in order to foster continuous clinical growth in service of providing the best treatment for my clients. For more information about me and my practice, please visit my website: schlosspc.com

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.