Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Veronica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. There are joys of being a parent and there are also the difficult, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting moments where you might feel like you don't know what to do to help your child. Kids struggling with behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem sometimes need an extra hand to help them navigate the difficulties in life. Veronica understands both childhood development and the complexities of parental struggles, and she can help your child have a better experience of their life. Veronica utilizes play therapy interventions with children ages 3-12 years old that allow them to develop and practice skills to cope with difficult experiences and emotions, have a better understanding of themselves, and tune into their natural resilience. Veronica tailors her approach based on the needs of the child, teen, or family - truly meeting them where they're at. Starting therapy can be difficult and vulnerable for anyone, and with the right therapist and approach, positive change is possible. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys painting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Andy Benson, LCSW and CADC, offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients in Illinois, providing individualized and effective evidence-based treatment. Specializing in the treatment of substance abuse, PTSD/trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Andy has extensive experience working with first responders, older adults, and other diverse populations. His approach involves deep listening and understanding, meeting clients where they are to facilitate their healing and growth. At LifeStance Health, Andy Benson is dedicated to helping adults and seniors navigate the complexities of their mental health. He employs a range of interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address various mental health concerns. His expertise includes dealing with midlife and later life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and men's issues, ensuring that each client receives tailored care that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. Andy is particularly passionate about addressing alcohol and drug use.

Layla Byrnes is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Layla provides a safe space to authentically learn and grow, to feel capable within one's own autonomy and community. Layla offers time and space to consider suspending beliefs that are no longer serving you, and to do so within your boundaries. It can be hard to see the "forest for the trees," and it can be helpful to have some assistance. Outside of work, Layla enjoys simple things like a feel-good yoga stretch or her tea light candles. She also loves big moments like Madonna's Blond Ambition tour in the 90s, and graduation ceremonies. Her close friends and family are her everything, not to mention her beloved cat, Athena.

Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace. In therapy, Katarina combines a warm and calm presence with evidence-based practices to help clients understand, tolerate, grow, and thrive. She uses techniques that are attentive to the body and emphasize the power of self-awareness in affecting change.

Anissa Murphy, LPC, is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients. With her empathetic approach, Anissa meets individuals where they are, helping them navigate their personal challenges and achieve their goals. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, or PTSD/trauma, Anissa offers compassionate and tailored care to address your unique needs. Anissa has extensive experience working with diverse age groups, starting with elementary aged children through the lifespan to older adults. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to help clients manage and overcome their mental health concerns. With children, Anissa incorporates play and art therapy techniques to help them explore their feelings that they may not be able to express with words. She also includes parents and provides family therapy to address the full system. Anissa's clinical expertise extends working with children who have been adopted or involved in the foster care system.

Stephen Sullivan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. He has a bachelor's degree in theology and a master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University. Stephen sees huge value in building a trusting relationship with his clients and providing them with an objective and non-judgmental point of view during sessions. As a therapist, Stephen prioritizes creating an open space for clients to safely share their story. He finds that this gives people permission to develop a loving and secure relationship with themselves. Stephen specializes in working with adolescents, adults, and couples who are dealing with challenges in their lives. He has a wealth of experience working with people who are going through anxiety, addiction, depression, trauma, mood/behavioral challenges, and couples/relationship issues. He utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, personalized to each client?s needs. Some strategies he uses are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. Stephen can also provide spiritual counseling, specifically Christian-based counseling.

Tasheia Williams is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. She earned her Master?s degree in Nursing at Walden University. Among the most common myths related to mental health is the idea that one is either mentally healthy or mentally ill. Regardless of one?s state of being, they exist on a continuum. As a provider, Tasheia provides the most recent evidence-based practice treatment to fully help each patient that is struggling with mental health. Her treatments are all patient centered, meaning providing patients with the physical, behavioral, emotional, and social services required to improve health outcomes and to improve quality of life. Tasheia is her patient?s biggest advocate. In her free time, Tasheia likes to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and biking. She also takes time to make blankets and paint abstract paintings.

Jonathan McIntosh, LPC, is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to clients across Illinois. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, he works with clients in individual and group therapy to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and substance use. Jonathan helps clients build self-understanding and resilience, fostering a therapeutic space where they feel supported as they navigate life's complexities and challenges. Jonathan has a particular passion for helping clients manage issues related to ADHD, grief, and trauma/PTSD. His expertise also extends to working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals facing military and veteran-related challenges, and those in adoption or foster care. Jonathan's commitment to understanding and honoring each person's unique background and experiences allows him to offer effective and empathetic support tailored to their needs. Jonathan utilizes psychodynamic psychotherapy to help clients explore the underlying emotional roots of their issues. By facilitating deeper self-awareness, he supports clients in achieving lasting personal growth and improved well-being. Outside of his practice, Jonathan enjoys playing guitar and keyboard, reading, and spending time with his pets.

Joan Ajide is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Joan treats various psychiatric orders in different age populations, particularly in the adolescent and adults. Her special interests include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, and psychotic disorders. Joan?s focus is not only on appropriate pharmacotherapy through evidenced based practice, but also on intensive psychoeducation to improve emotional well-being. Joan?s relationship with clients is more of a partnership to allow them gain ownership of their health. Outside of work, Joan enjoys spending time with family, traveling, singing in the choir, and good food.

June Coaxum, LSW, believes in a holistic approach to therapy and healing. She provides tools to help guide anyone that may feel stagnant or need emotional support. June loves working with her clients from a strength-based perspective. This perspective sees people as resilient when faced with adversity. She believes in creating a safe environment for clients to recognize and express those strengths. June works with many populations struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Trauma, schizophrenia, death and dying. She also has experience with Family Therapy and working with the L. G. B. T. Q. I. A. community. When working with clients, June combines CBT, Talk Therapy, and other modalities to help create new healthy narratives, habits and coping skills.

David is a therapist who works with individuals, families, and couples. He received his bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Iowa in 2017. He then went on to receive his master's degree in social work from Governor's State University in 2020. David has experience providing therapy and case management services. He believes in being client centered and solution focused. He also meets the client where they are at and enjoys helping clients achieve their goals. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. In his free time David likes to relax, hangout with friends, and watch sports. He loves watching football and basketball in particular. His favorite teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bulls, and Iowa Hawkeyes. David also enjoys spending time with his pets and family.

Karla Rivera is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She has an M. A. in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University. Karla is committed to helping individuals navigate life?s challenges and achieve their fullest potential. She has a warm and empathetic approach and creates a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their self holistically. Karla helps clients develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, and enhance their overall well-being. She tailors therapy to the individual as no two people are the same. Karla works in collaboration with the client as she believes the client is the expert of themselves as she is here to foster growth and support them toward healing and self-discovery. Outside of work, Karla enjoys reading, car detailing, tattooing, and baking. She loves spending time in nature and trying new restaurants in Chicago.

Hanan Abdelwahab is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2017. She completed her graduate degree at Loyola University in Chicago. During her time at Loyola and after graduating, while working in different hospitals, Hanan has been offering patients resources during crisis and in English and Arabic, as well as exposing myself to a number of different demographics and cultures. After several years working in hospitals, Hanan has transitioned to working in private practice. Private practice allowed her to move beyond the crisis and treat patients long term, giving her a deeper understanding of life and how each person is navigating it in this time period. Outside of work, Hanan enjoys drinking and learning about tea, reading, and yoga.

Alexandra Baxter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Alexandra offers specialized care that blends nursing and psychiatric expertise. She provides comprehensive assessments, diagnoses mental health conditions, develops treatment plans, prescribes medications, and offers therapy to support patients? mental well-being. Alexandra?s holistic approach emphasizes not just medication management but also patient education, counseling, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes. While not at work Alexandra enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her two cats!.

Kari Fisher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 1989. Kari can help a client by assisting in identifying what they are struggling with and using her background in social work training in the areas of family systems, solution focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and Neuroscience techniques. She uses these to help the client feel better about themselves and function better in life. Outside of work, Kari enjoys watercolor painting, volunteering at an equestrian education center, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Martina Lowery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She has an MSW from Dominican University and a BS from Lincoln University. Martina has several years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders in order to live productive fulfilling lives. She is both solution and client centered and uses a holistic approach to help clients gain confidence and reach goals. Martina offers a safe and judgement free space where she empowers and encourages clients to be their authentic selves. Martina is considerate of culture and how it impacts individuals? experiences. Outside of work, Martina enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with her family, and dancing to her favorite tunes.

Emily Wheeler is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Social Worker (LSW) at LifeStance Health, serving clients across Illinois. Emily specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges with a person-centered approach, ensuring that therapy is tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. With a focus on evidence-based practices, Emily creates a supportive and nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions while building strategies to improve their well-being. Emily works with adolescents, adults, and seniors, addressing a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Emily has extensive experience supporting clients from diverse backgrounds, including those within the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Emily's expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) enables them to help clients develop practical tools for managing challenges and fostering resilience. Emily is particularly passionate about working with individuals exploring their gender identity and supporting clients in navigating this deeply personal journey.

Elaine Sowlat, LPC, is committed to helping adults and adolescents in Illinois navigate challenges such as PTSD, complex trauma, and co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Her therapeutic approach integrates empathy with evidence-based techniques, ensuring each client feels supported in their journey toward healing and personal growth. Whether you?re dealing with the lingering effects of trauma or seeking ways to manage emotional distress, Elaine offers a compassionate and understanding space for transformation. Elaine has a deep passion for working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stress and complex trauma. Her academic background in counseling psychology, coupled with her clinical experience and personal healing journey, equips her to provide a nuanced and individualized approach to trauma recovery. She helps clients regain control over their lives by addressing the interplay of trauma and mental health issues, fostering resilience, and promoting long-term emotional well-being. In addition to her focus on trauma, Elaine specializes in supporting clients struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Brendan Crotty, LSW, is dedicated to helping clients navigate life?s challenges with a collaborative and personalized approach. Brendan starts by meeting clients on their level and working collaboratively to help them identify how they want to improve their lives. He assists clients with creating clear goals and helping them measure their progress over time. He uses a variety of techniques, including CBT and DBT, to help clients develop concrete skills to use in their daily lives. Brendan sees clients across the age span and tailors his appraoch to the unique needs of each client. He uses elements of play to connect with kids and teens, to make therapy feel enjoyable and worthwhile. Brendan has focused on work with individuals experiencing grief. His approach emphasizes active collaboration with clients, empowering them to become experts in their own experiences. His compassionate perspective and evidence-based strategies help foster growth, resilience, and healing. In addition to his clinical focus, Brendan values building strong therapeutic relationships and creating an emotionally safe environment for LGBTQ+ clients, men, and women.

With three decades of experience, Garth helps individuals navigate a wide range of mental health challenges, from everyday stress to complex trauma. His therapeutic approach is thoughtful yet relaxed, fostering an open and meaningful dialogue that empowers clients to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. By creating a space where individuals can openly address their concerns, Dr. Amundson guides clients toward deeper self-awareness, helping them break free from self-defeating behaviors and move toward a more fulfilling life. Dr. Amundson specializes in treating PTSD and trauma-related disorders, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He works closely with clients to address the impact of past experiences on their present well-being, providing evidence-based interventions to foster resilience and recovery. He is also passionate about helping individuals manage anxiety and midlife transitions, offering tailored strategies to promote emotional stability and personal growth. He also offers gender-affirmative medical readiness evaluations and parenting skills interventions, ensuring that his clients receive the guidance they need at different life stages.