Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Are you looking for a different type of therapist who can understand your concerns? Someone who can help you make the changes you are looking for in your life. Are your feelings and emotions taking up too much space in your life leaving you feeling unmotivated and unaccomplished? Whether you are going through a life transition, struggling with work, or needing help with managing your trauma experiences; I will help you regain the control you are looking for in your life. I can help you make the life changes and adjustments needed to improve your life satisfaction and achieve the goals you are setting for yourself. I am a nontraditional therapist. I don't just sit back and listen to you talk. I challenge your heart and soul to help you achieve your personal goals. As a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience helping those improve their functioning and mental wellness, I specialize in helping those impacted by anxiety, depression, and PTSD / trauma. You will find that my humanistic approach will help you feel more confident about your decision to prioritize your mental health. As an eclectic clinician, I use CBT & DBT mixing in Coaching, Solution-Focused and Reality-Based techniques. I also use humor, story-telling, and psychoeducation to better help you achieve the goals you set for yourself.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Our practice is guided by the most current research available. The treatments we utilize have been shown to be most effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life among patients with anxiety, mood and related disorders. We focus on what works. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an umbrella term for methods that share a focus on thoughts and behaviors that maintain symptoms, willingness to try new behaviors, and patterns of relating to our experiences. Between-session practice of these strategies serves to consolidate gains achieved in treatment sessions.

Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Art Therapist. She earned her BFA with a concentration in painting, second major in psychology, and minor in children’s studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and she earned her Masters degree in Counseling: Art Therapy from Adler University. Ryan has 10+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults in various settings including schools, summer camps, hospitals, community mental health, and private practice. In her therapeutic practice, she specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and/or are navigating challenges with daily functioning as a neurodiverse individual. Ryan also works with youth who are not ready to verbalize their needs, but are looking for a creative outlet and safe space to express themself through art with no pressure of needing to talk. As an art therapist, Ryan utilizes art and art making to facilitate communication and help her clients gain insight into themselves. She is experienced in using various art mediums to help clients navigate complex situations and explore their identity without the added pressure of needing to verbalize their thoughts. No prior art experience or high level of art prowess is needed for art therapy. Art therapy is about the creation of art, not the appearance of the final product! Ryan takes a client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, utilizing principles from narrative therapy and choice theory, as well as Trauma-Focused CBT to inform her work. Ryan believes that each person is the expert on themself, and aims to empower the client and help them feel a renewed sense of confidence and agency over their life.

New Light is a Lincoln Park based therapy practice, providing in-person and telehealth sessions for children, families, and adults. Founded to extend our expertise beyond the school setting, our clinicians have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a range of presenting challenges. With a wide variety of clinical approaches including psychodynamic talk therapy, play therapy, EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy, our foremost goal is to provide each client with individualized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive therapy. At New Light, we support and include people of any ability level, gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation

Not every storm is visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Whether it's the whirlwind of ADHD, the quiet complexities of autism, or the relentless loop of anxious thoughts, I help individuals navigate what others often don’t see. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients and those managing anxiety, with a deep commitment to honoring each person’s unique wiring. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based and scientifically proven practices tailored to your lived experience. We work together to customize therapy to meet you where you are—authentically, collaboratively, and with curiosity. In our work together, you’ll find a space that’s safe, curious, and empowering. I aim to guide my clients through the messiness of growth with compassion and clarity—helping them build self-understanding, reduce overwhelm, and rediscover their inner calm. To me, therapy is not about “fixing” but empowering—offering tools, insight, and support I’ve had the honor of walking alongside clients of all backgrounds as they reclaim confidence, build coping skills, and find language for what once felt unspeakable. Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible—and you're not alone in the journey. Together, we’ll make space for growth, resilience, and meaningful change.

Whatever challenges are impacting your life, you don't have to face them alone. That's where I come in – to help you heal, gain new insights and perspectives, and develop the tools you need to best care for yourself. At the heart of my approach is building an authentic, egalitarian therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, heard, and best able to work towards your goals in a supportive environment. My primary population focus is LGBTQIA+ clients, and as a queer woman myself, I believe creating a safe, affirming space is key to successful counseling. I provide therapy that is culturally humble, trauma informed, and strengths-based. As a creative person, I am keen on customizing counseling to you and your passions in life. My integrative counseling approach combines humanistic/person-centered principles with techniques including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), creativity, and mindfulness. Since every client has different needs, goals, and nuances, the two of us will work together to develop a treatment plan that is as unique as you and able to grow with you. I graduated from Roosevelt University with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I completed my internship year at Renew You Counseling Center where I worked with a diverse array of individuals, couples, and groups ages 18-65. In my free time, I love playing guitar, rock climbing, going on nature walks, writing, performing stand-up comedy, gaming, and spending time with my loved ones and two cats. Reaching out for help is never easy, so my aim is to provide unconditional acceptance of all aspects of your identity and experience. My hope is to support you on your journey of healing and growth.

I am a Registered Dietitian working to help people improve their relationship with food. I work with people with eating disorders, disordered eating, or chronic dieters lookin to ditch the diet for good. In our work together, I will utilize principles from Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size to help you learn how to let go of food rules and fuel yourself in a way that works for you. I believe all foods fit. I will never tell you that you need to eliminate any foods! I also work with recreational athletes to help them determine fueling plans to perform their best and also feel their best outside of sport. I also use Intuitive Eating and HAES principles in this work as well. I believe fueling for sport can be done while eating intuitively and does not need to have rigid rules. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, looking to stop dieting and let go of food rules, or looking to dial in your nutrition to improve your sport, I would love to work with you on your journey!

Life can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, full of twists and turns we often do not expect. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a human being, I have witnessed how receiving professional therapeutic support can guide individuals towards finding a sense of safety and comfort within themselves in a world of ever-shifting dynamics that can distract from or exacerbate the challenges we experience. My clients may be struggling with eating disorders, depression/anxiety, body image concerns, and substance misuse, in addition to difficulty managing stress, life transitions, or intimate/peer/familial relationship conflicts/wounding. I am LGBTQ+ allied, anti-racist, and anti-diet/Health at Every Size aligned and informed. Utilizing attachment theory, values exploration, and mind-body awareness, I work with my clients to re-instill and preserve individual autonomy while healing the relationship between oneself and others. I support my clients in learning new ways to tolerate uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding or numbing them, and create space to process the inevitable grief that comes with making any changes in life. As a therapist, I embody humor, authenticity, empathy, and patience to create a safe space for my clients to begin exploring both internal/external experiences that contribute to feelings of distress, loneliness, and uncertainty. Values I hold above all else in the therapy space include humanism, autonomy, relational accountability between client and therapist, and the power of ‘any positive change’.

Shu Hudson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. Shu thrives in providing a compassionate, client-centered space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. Her approach integrates evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a deep focus on uncovering and understanding core emotions—those powerful, often hidden feelings that drive our thoughts, behaviors, and relational patterns. Shu has specialized training in yoga and mindfulness, that enables her to bring a somatic awareness to therapy, helping clients reconnect with their bodies as a source of wisdom, grounding, and emotional regulation. Shu focuses on navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions, working collaboratively to explore underlying emotional truths, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and fostering meaningful, sustainable change. Shu’s goal is to guide each client toward greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a more empowered relationship with themselves and others.

At t Embrace Sexual Wellness, our team of compassionate Chicago sex therapists helps college and graduate students navigate the challenges of intimacy, performance anxiety, and sexual self-confidence. Whether you’re exploring your identity, coping with stress that’s impacting your relationships, or struggling to feel connected with your partner, our therapists create a safe, non-judgmental space for growth and healing. We specialize in evidence-based sex therapy, relationship counseling, and individual therapy—tailored to young adults balancing academic, social, and emotional pressures. Our clinicians understand the unique experiences of student life in Chicago and offer both in-person and virtual sessions across Illinois and neighboring states. Discover how therapy can help you build healthy communication, deepen intimacy, and feel more at ease in your sexual wellbeing.

Do you find yourself feeling anxious or overwhelmed, be it in social settings, at school, or navigating through the challenges of everyday life? Are you grappling with the burdens of past or recent relationship breakdowns, losses, or circumstances that seem beyond your control? Are you yearning for change and seeking a path towards peace and stability? Together, we can work towards forging that path. We can aim to transform your life into one marked by tranquility, enriched by meaningful relationships, and underpinned by self-confidence. With the help of therapeutic practices, we can strive to free you from the shackles of anxiety and instill a profound understanding of your inherent worth. By exploring your goals, values, and interests, we can create a vivid picture of the fulfilling life you aspire to lead. In my previous role at a "Big 4" consulting firm, I spent years immersed in the challenges and complexities of working in a male-dominated industry. Despite the relentless grind, I pushed forward until I began to comprehend the significant toll it was exerting on my mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. My journey through personal therapy opened a new realm of possibilities, allowing me to transform my professional life from being a source of constant stress and frustration into an engaging, serene, and rewarding experience. I have successfully transferred these skills to all areas of my life, and I enjoy helping my clients achieve the same balance. If this resonates with you, I offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone consultation. Reach out today to start turning the page towards a brighter, more balanced chapter in your life.

I am licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), who has been practicing in Chicago for 5 years. My speciality includes working with college age/ young adult individuals who are struggling with life transitions, mood disorders (depression, anxiety), ADHD, executive functioning, self esteem and mild OCD. I am a relationship based therapist, where I put emphasis on building rapport with my client and exploring their experiences, thoughts and feelings. When you meet with me, you will find I am warm, welcoming, empathetic and curious. This is your therapy and I want to make sure that the time we spend together is tailored for YOU, not just anyone else who may have similar concerns. I describe my practice as, "You are in the drivers seat and I am sitting in the passenger seat. You will decide where we go, what direction to go in and how we will spend the time. I will be there to provide support, help bring back to goal at hand, and help to stay on track." You are the expert on your own experience. I believe that if we can combine your lived experience and knowledge with my expertise we can make great progress. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a free 10 min intake phone call to discuss if you are interested in therapy and think I might be a good fit!

We offer a strength-based, holistic, and highly collaborative approach to therapy. Specializing in relationships, trauma, racial identity and mood disorders, our clinicians provide culturally-sensitive trauma-informed care.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist working at the group practice, Emily Hanneman LCSW PLLC. Our office is located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago and is accessible by Metra and public transit. As a therapist, I believe that everyone deserves access to quality, affirming mental health care. This is especially important during major life transitions, like starting college! I identify as a queer, neurodivergent therapist, and I'm experienced in helping students manage depression, anxiety, and alcohol or substance misuse. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, and relatable. I enjoy utilizing humor as a way to connect and build comfortability within our sessions. It's my goal to ensure that every client feels seen, heard, and valued during our work together. If this approach sounds like it could be a good fit, feel free to reach out for a free consultation.

We are a mental health group private practice located in the Avondale neighborhood in Chicago. We specialize in a variety of mental health diagnoses and conditions and all have experience working with college students. Some of our specialties include trauma/childhood trauma/complex trauma, depression/anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem/shame, dissociation, personality disorders, stress - relational, academic, occupational, etc., life transitions/adjustments, etc. We are an LGBTQIA+ Affirmative practice and all our clinicians practice from a trauma-informed lens. Currently we offer both in person and remote sessions and we are open 7 days of the week. We look forward to working with you.

We love working with college students. Our team brings a wealth of experience working in college counseling centers, helping undergrads and grad students navigate the unique demands of balancing school and life. We provide individual, couple, and family therapy to students of all ages and in all phases of life, and we offer assessment/testing to identify issues such as ADHD or learning challenges, so that students can show up with personalized strategies and skills to best support their learning. Beyond challenges that can emerge academically, we know that students struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, and they often need help managing relationships, making big decisions, or dealing with pressures or demands in their families. We are here to help.

Find individual, couples, family and group counseling, as well as Medication Management & Psychiatry services in person at one of our 6 Chicagoland locations or from the comfort of your home, using a secure, online platform. Find out about Telehealth Services, serving all Illinois and Indiana, here. The Juniper Center is here to help you or someone you love to heal from symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, behavioral issues, relationship issues and more. We work at the forefront of brain science to provide evidence-based results for you.

I have experience working with students who are diagnosed with ADHD, on the Autism Spectrum, identify with LGBTQ+ and who have anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. I like to create a safe and comfortable environment for my clients. I am accepting both virtual and in person clients at this time.

Ellen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and art therapist. She received her Masters degree in Art Therapy & Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ellen loves working with children and young people. She has experience working with neurodivergent children on issues such as social skills, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Ellen also has experience in providing affirming care to the LGBTQIA+ community. As an art therapist, Ellen utilizes art and art making to facilitate therapeutic discussions and insights with her clients. She utilizes a wide variety of art mediums to explore, create, and investigate within therapy. This practice appeals to a wide variety of populations and experience levels–no prior experience with art is required! Ellen firmly believes in the healing power of art making and sharing that power with others. Ellen’s practice as a therapist is founded on social justice and feminist frameworks, as well as relational-cultural theory. This means she conceives of therapy as a collaborative partnership between therapist and client, one that that relies on respect for each other’s knowledge and perspectives. Ellen holds space for all of a potential client's identities and cultures as you work together in the therapeutic space.