Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

With over 20 years of experience as a therapist and school counselor, I am dedicated to supporting students as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, with a deep understanding that every individual’s journey is unique. I specialize in providing meaningful support for individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and/or special needs. Whether a client is struggling with focus and organization, feeling overwhelmed by worry, or needing tailored emotional and academic support, I strive to create a safe encouraging space where growth and confidence can flourish. Drawing on two decades of experience in educational and therapeutic settings, I can help clients of all ages build practical skills, emotional resilience, and self-awareness. My goal is not only to address immediate concerns, but to empower individuals with tools they can carry forward—at school, at home, and in everyday life.

Ideally clients book with me looking to heal and move forward in life when they’re feeling “stuck in neutral”. My expertise extends to addressing a range of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, OCD, developmental and behavioral issues. I provide personalized therapeutic approaches to foster resilience and emotional growth in my clients. Through empathy, communication, and evidence-based interventions, I tend to create a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, build confidence and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I have experience working with individuals as young as 6 to 55 years of age. I am a therapist specialized in working with children, adolescents and adults. I am skilled in helping individuals navigate through the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. I help individuals gain their voices back. With my extensive experience in family therapy, I work to strengthen family dynamics and support healing within the home as well. Therapeutically; I understand that certain circumstances or life events may have impacted you, however I believe your past shouldn’t control your future. “Just like history; your story continues”, meaning don’t let anything or anyone end your story for you. “In order to see progress, you have to trust the process and believe you will overcome these hurdles”.

Feeling seen, heard, and understood is essential to healing. If you’re struggling with life’s challenges, I want you to know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you’re facing anxiety, big transitions, grief, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to offer a space where you can feel safe, supported, and truly listened to. Over the years, I’ve walked alongside people as they’ve found clarity, built resilience, and made meaningful changes—whether that’s finding their dream home, growing their family, stepping away from toxic relationships, or discovering a career path that brings them joy. Healing looks different for everyone, and together, we can find what works for you. My practice is inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those from diverse cultural experiences. I understand the pain of otherness, the loneliness of feeling invisible, the weight of being overlooked, pushed aside, or silenced, the hiding that can come from not feeling safe to be fully yourself. This space is meant to honor all of who you are. Here, you don’t have to explain or justify your existence; there is room for your story, your identity, and your truth to be seen, heard, and held with care. No matter how painful or overwhelming your emotions may feel, you don’t have to carry them alone. I am accepting new adult patients for in-person therapy in my Marin office, which is only 13 miles north of San Francisco. I also offer telehealth for adults throughout California. Please see my website for more details about me and my practice https://www.drbernecker.com. You can also call for a free 20-minute phone consultation at 415-354-4241.

The students I work best with are often thoughtful, driven, and hard on themselves. On the outside, you may be doing well academically or professionally, while internally you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in your own thoughts. You might overthink decisions, repeatedly question whether you did something wrong, struggle with perfectionism, or put a lot of pressure on yourself to meet others’ expectations. I also work well with students navigating relationship difficulties, major life transitions, cultural or family expectations, and the challenges of living or studying away from home. Many of my clients are international students or Asian/Asian American students balancing different cultures and expectations. You don’t need to know exactly what is “wrong” or what kind of therapy you need before reaching out. We can start with what has been bothering you and work together to understand what is keeping you stuck and what would help you move forward.

heARTful wellness is the community care division of heARTful remedies, LLC. Renée (she/her), founder of heARTful remedies, LLC defines heARTful wellness as “being well at a heart level” and believes that these characteristics are all part of experiencing heARTful wellness. The goal of these community care options is to use creativity and mindfulness as a way to support access to mental health wellness skills outside the therapy room. Below is information about different community care offerings: 1. heARTful wellness workshops: Renee is providing art and mindfulness workshops (educational, not therapy) for anyone 18+ in person (STL) and virtually each month. In person: Offered every first Friday of the month @EMPOWERED Spaces in St. Louis, MO from 6-7:30pm CST; Virtual: Offered every second Wednesday of the month VIRTUALLY from 7-8:30pm CST (zoom link sent after sign up). *Full and Partial Equity scholarships for in-person sessions at EMPOWERED Spaces available. Contact Kelly at kkcaul@yahoo.com to inquire about the equity scholarships available! Vist: https://www.heartfulremedies.com/heartful-wellness-workshops Sign up here: https://bit.ly/heARTfulWellnesSTL heARTful remedies is passionate about empowering people to remember and reconnect with their creativity as part of collective liberation. These workshops are a space to reclaim your creativity as an act of Self–care while also building community with other like-hearted individuals. The inspiration for creating the heARTful wellness workshops are founded on these 6 principles: Open Access — making mental health support available outside the therapy room Self–Care — reclaiming prioritized time to nurture yourself Growing Awareness — practicing how to be grounded in the present moment (e.g., mindfulness) Creative Outlet — dedicated space to play and imagine creatively Building Community — connecting with like-hearted people Genuine Wellness — feeling like you have the tools to be your authentic Self 2. heARTful wellness workbook: Renee has published a mindfulness adult coloring workbook that can be used with anyone 13+ to be a supportive (outside of therapy) resource with journaling prompts and mindful coloring options. Visit for more info and purchase options: https://www.heartfulremedies.com/heartful-wellness-products Shop here: https://bit.ly/heARTfulproducts 3. heARTful wellness monthly newsletter: Renee and the heARTful wellness team are putting out a monthly newsletter with wellness tips and info about what heARTful wellness is doing out in the community each month that you can subscribe to on the website or send an email to wellness@heARTfulremedies.com saying you would like to be added. 4. Follow heARTful remedies on social media: Renee and the heARTful wellness team are working to put out creative wellness content regularly on social media as a way to support our collective wellness (can be used by all ages). Follow us @heartfulremedies (IG, FB, TikTok).

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. I’m Ron, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) providing thoughtful, compassionate psychiatric care through telehealth. My goal is to offer a supportive, respectful space where you feel heard and understood. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, perinatal and postpartum concerns, stress, and major life transitions. My approach is collaborative and individualized, taking time to understand what you’re going through and creating a plan that fits your goals. Medication management with me is never rushed or one-size-fits-all. I prioritize education, shared decision-making, and minimizing side effects. I take a holistic view of care and strive to create a calm, nonjudgmental virtual space where you can speak openly and feel supported. Reaching out for help can feel like the hardest step. My goal is to make that step feel a little lighter by offering care that is accessible, respectful, and genuinely human. If you’re ready to begin, I’d be honored to work with you.

In Situ Counseling & Coaching offers a grounded, personalized approach to mental health care for individuals navigating stress, transitions, and personal growth. My work is rooted in helping people better understand themselves, make meaningful changes, and feel more in control of their lives. I primarily work with college students, young adults, and professionals who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, relationship concerns, or uncertainty about their direction. Many of the individuals I support are high-achieving or highly self-aware, yet still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. My approach is collaborative and practical. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we look at patterns, choices, and the underlying factors shaping your experiences. Drawing from Reality Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy, I aim to create a space where you feel understood while also being gently challenged to move forward in ways that align with your goals. Whether you’re working through a specific challenge or simply trying to better understand yourself, therapy can be a place to slow down, gain clarity, and start making changes that actually stick.

I have extensive experience in the field working with college students. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. I have helped many college students navigate transitions into young adulthood, career exploration, and academic stressors.

As a licensed psychologist, I specialize in delivering empathic, client-centered mental health care for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. As a member of both the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, I bring a unique lived perspective to my work and am deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive, affirming, and evidence-based care that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches in my work, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma. I also integrate cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior strategies to help individuals build effective coping skills, manage distress, and navigate life’s challenges more confidently. Personally, I am a proud pet parent and enjoy spending time with my chosen family and friends. Interests and hobbies include going to concerts, dancing, creative activities, going on adventures, leisure hikes, jigsaw puzzles, and playing board games.

I have worked in crisis intervention with survivors of trauma, military families, children, teens, and adults for over 25 years. I am here to support individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. I can help clients develop a solution-focused approach to solving problems. I am a compassionate and caring therapist who works with where you are at. I am a trauma-certified therapist who believes in working with a client-centered approach. If you need emotional support and someone open-minded, supportive, and understanding, then I welcome the opportunity to work with you.

I earned my **Master’s degree in Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University in 2008** and became a **National Certified Counselor (NCC #247220) in 2016**. I have been a **Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois (LCPC #180.011277) since 2017**. With more than **14 years of counseling experience**, I have worked with adolescents, college students, and adults facing a wide range of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in helping individuals manage **anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, substance use concerns, stress, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions**. I understand that the college years can bring unique pressures—academic stress, uncertainty about the future, balancing relationships, adjusting to independence, identity exploration, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. My goal is to provide a supportive space where students can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and develop practical strategies to succeed both personally and academically. My background includes work in **outpatient, residential, in-home, rehabilitation, foster-care, correctional, and telehealth settings**. I have experience providing **individual, group, and family therapy**, with a strong focus on helping clients improve emotional regulation, executive functioning, stress management, communication skills, decision-making, and healthy relationship patterns. I take a **collaborative, nonjudgmental, and strengths-based approach** to therapy. Together, we will identify your goals and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and values. I want clients to feel safe, heard, and respected throughout the counseling process. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual and may include evidence-based methods such as: * **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** * **Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)** * **Mindfulness-Based Interventions** * **Solution-Focused Therapy** * **Motivational Interviewing** * **Attachment-Based Therapy** * **Behavioral Activation** * **Person-Centered Therapy** * **Positive Psychology** To help students get the most out of therapy, I often provide **practical exercises, skill-building activities, and between-session strategies** that can be applied in daily life, academics, and relationships. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and I would be honored to work with you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your college experience.

I work with those who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and not taking care of oneself first. Trauma comes in many forms and may not always look like what you'd expect. I also work well with caregivers and other helpers who experience compassion fatigue, along with those who find themselves giving more than they receive in their relationships. No matter the circumstances that bring you into therapy, we will spend time on how to set boundaries, tune in to your needs, and heal your trauma. Sessions are tailored to your needs and focused on attainable goals. I use a combination of methods from CBT, Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and EMDR to create a plan tailored to your specific needs. I practice non-judgmentally and offer a safe space for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. I offer free phone consultations so we can decide together if I would be the right fit for you. Making that first contact is the hardest step, but please know that once you do, you are no longer alone. It is an honor to walk with you on your journey to wellness and I am grateful for your consideration in letting me join you. ** I do not accept insurance. My fee is $150 per session **

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).

Are you struggling with anxious racing thoughts, depressed moods, or overwhelming stress? We can help you manage. You possess your own wisdom and natural tendency towards growth; we will help uncover that. While we are laid back, relatable and warm, we take our work very seriously and consider it an honor to work with you. You’re welcome to seek treatment in the comfort of your own space through our convenient, secure telehealth platform. It’s essential for us that our clients get quality, comprehensive care. We go the extra mile to make sure you are receiving an excellent service, whether that’s by sending helpful resources, suggesting “assignments” between sessions, or introducing you to another trusted provider to join your treatment team. With your permission, we collaborate with your other providers as needed to make sure you receive the best treatment possible. We realize that seeking therapy can be a brave first step to getting help, or you may be already familiar with the concept and this is a trusted tool to maintain mental wellbeing. Wherever you are in your process, we meet you where you are at.

I enjoy working with clients of all ages towards their therapeutic goals. After years of experience, I am still in awe of the way clients overcome trauma and hardship. I feel fortunate to be a part of the process of healing as clients use and build their strengths through challenging times. I have experience helping children and families in a plethora of family set ups such as biological, adoption, foster care, kinship, etc. I am a Registered Play Therapist and I really enjoy meeting with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults using talk and/or play therapy!

Neurodivergent affirming, trauma informed virtual therapy and coaching in the states of Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri. Individualized support incorporating special interest and digital tools to support individuals seeking a different approach to therapy to support neurodivergent minds. EMDR, IFS parts work, Narrative style approach with specific trauma work, but supportive talk and play therapy style for everyday support with executive functions and life skills.

No matter what you do, you feel like you are never good enough. You are consumed with thoughts of food and shame about your body. You’ve tried everything to control your eating, but in the end feel like it is food that controls you. If this is you, know that you are not alone and you can find healing. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body image, I can help you find acceptance and finally feel at home within your body. We will work together to explore your beliefs about food, your body, and yourself to uncover what’s not working and keeping you from what matters most to you. I provide a warm, compassionate space, (with some humor sprinkled in) in which you can breathe and connect with who you truly are. Through a social justice-informed Health at Every Size framework combined with acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches, we will explore and practice new ways for you to cope with difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many of the clients I work with struggle with intense self-criticism, perfectionism, and feeling like they are both “too much” and “not enough.” During our initial sessions, we will explore the challenges impacting you most deeply and work together to identify initial goals to help you soften that self-critical voice and build more self-compassion. I also collaborate with clients to identify specific skills to work on between sessions to integrate what you are learning into daily life.

Our Collinsville, Illinois office location is a quick ten-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. We offer appointment availability seven days a week and can provide up to two or three appointments per week, if needed. Our other offices are located in Lake in the Hills, Schaumburg, and St. Charles, Illinois. Two current therapists at Owens Counseling can offer telehealth services across the Illinois/Missouri state line (Lori Kaniewski and Michael Peila). Our Collinsville office is part of a large group practice with multiple therapists, with varying clinical backgrounds and expertise, to offer support with any mental health concern. Two other therapists are available to offer bilingual services in Spanish, Polish (Craig Janowiak), and American Sign Language (Amber Kay). Our admin team is very helpful in navigating insurance and establishing an initial appointment. We work with many insurance companies and offer self-pay options to qualify for. Our main office and admin office is located in Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

If you feel stuck emotionally, mentally, or in your relationships, you’re not alone. Life transitions, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or daily stress can leave you overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you can unpack challenges, gain clarity, and build coping skills that help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach, blending CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques. In sessions, we’ll explore what’s working for you, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create practical strategies to manage emotions, set realistic goals, and achieve lasting change. Taking the first step can feel hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to explore healing and growth, I invite you to book a session through my online calendar today. Together, we can work toward clarity, relief, and a stronger sense of self-worth.

I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I completed my undergraduate studies in Biology and Psychology at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY, and earned my medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Following that, I completed my residency in general psychiatry at the same institution. I have experience working in various clinical settings, including psychiatric emergency rooms, first-episode psychosis programs, obsessive-compulsive disorder clinics, and specialized psychiatric units in hospitals. I have also worked with diverse patient populations, such as refugees, veterans, and individuals from underserved urban and rural areas. My approach is centered around the patient and takes a holistic view. My treatment includes medication management along with a combination of supportive, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies.