Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Welcome! Taking the step towards therapy can feel daunting, but I'm here to make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Whether we're meeting online or face-to-face, my aim is to create an environment where you can truly be yourself. Therapy shouldn't feel like a formal interrogation. I strive to bring warmth and ease into our sessions, fostering a conversational atmosphere where you don't have to watch your words. Being authentic is key to our work together, and I encourage clients to express themselves freely, expletives and all. My approach is grounded in non-judgment and empathy. There's no need to worry about censoring yourself with me – I'm here to listen, support, and guide you through whatever challenges you're facing. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, and I'm passionate about building therapeutic relationships that empower my clients to explore, grow, and heal. If you're ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and transformation, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

I'm a queer, non-binary therapist using ACT, CBT, IFS, somatic work, and strength-based methods to support students in exploring identity, gender transitions, and navigating trauma. I believe your story, your history, culture, and lived experience matter deeply and shape how you heal. In our work together, you set the pace; I create space for authenticity, clarity, and relational connection so you can grow with intention. My goal is to help you feel seen, empowered, and more aligned with who you are. My pronouns are he/they.

There are so many reasons to engage in art therapy and counseling services. You may feel highly rewarded yet emotionally exhausted from your work. You may find that living with your emotions while protecting those around you leaves you feeling disconnected and isolated. You may be a student and completely overwhelmed by the demands of the virtual classroom, social distancing, work and finances. You may have a traumatic history that continues to dictate how you engage with others. You know you want to make a shift, that you desire a deep and lasting change but don’t know where to start.

Cara McGhee, LPC takes a holistic eclectic approach to therapy. With the holistic aspect, Cara addresses symptoms as one way an individual's cognizance can convey consideration to an individual's advance perception. In the eclectic aspect, Cara uses various theoretical approaches to meet client's needs. Cara also addresses the therapeutic relationship with the belief that a stable relationship incorporates trust, authenticity, autonomy and optimistic outcomes. Cara has experience with survivors and offenders of domestic violence, substance use, parenting, and ran a court ordered anger management program. Mood disorders, anxiety, and depression are some of the main areas Cara treats. Cara earner her M. A. in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Our therapy services for individuals aged 18-25 are designed to address the unique challenges faced during this transformative phase of life. Whether you're navigating the transition to adulthood, managing academic stress, dealing with relationship changes, or exploring personal identity, our compassionate therapists are here to support you. With flexible scheduling options and a commitment to understanding your experiences, we aim to empower you to find clarity, build self-confidence, and develop effective strategies for life’s ups and downs. Take the next step in your mental health journey, connect with us today!

In my practice, I strive to create a safe space where individuals can feel comfortable being vulnerable and navigating the big emotions that come with being human in today’s world. A key aspect of my work, especially with children, is helping them build self-esteem. I use a strength-based approach in our therapeutic work to achieve higher self-worth. I excel at identifying the strengths in people and helping them recognize these qualities within themselves. Whether it’s a hobby, skill, or even a positive thought, I can authentically identify and communicate the strengths I see in a person so they can see them as well. I believe the more a person becomes aware of their strengths, the more it builds their self-esteem. Higher self-esteem better equips people to face adversity throughout their life; something that is especially true with kids. When I’m not at Transcend I love spending time with my wife and dog, watching football, and writing the occasional comedy sketch.

Concentric is an established group practice (just over 12 years) with its Founder having 25+ years of experience in the mental health field. Concentric has 2 locations - The Loop (downtown) and Sauganash (Far North/NW Chicago). Our practice sees clients 7 days per week and offers a nice mix of weekday morning/afternoon/evening and weekend hours. All of our Therapists see clients virtually, whereas many provide hybrid (both in-person and teletherapy). We offer individual, couples/relationship, family therapy, and couples intensives. The therapists at Concentric are experts in anxiety, depression, and mood; complex and developmental post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD); relationship challenges; school and peer concerns; relational trauma; mind-body connection; body image; gender and sexual identity, life transitions; acute and chronic stress; grief and loss; existential concerns, the self, identity, purpose & meaning; substance misuse, abuse; and unresolved family-of-origin.

I use approaches like CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness to support students with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, athletes & veterans, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. Therapy with me is collaborative. You are the expert of your own experience, and together we build insight and coping skills. I have extensive experience with substance use, dual diagnosis, self-esteem, and body image struggles. My pronouns are he/him.

Uptown Psych of Illinois was established in 2011 with a commitment to bring the best possible, evidence-based mental health services to the Chicago metropolitan area. The practice’s leading team of licensed psychiatrists and psychologists represent extensive and diverse expertise to facilitate superior and highly personalized treatment plans for a full scope of mental health issues for children, adolescents, and adults. Just about any mental health condition can be addressed at Uptown Psych, including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, and all anxiety spectrum disorders. At Uptown Psych, our specialists understand that episodes of these and other mental health issues require prompt attention. With that in mind, the entire team is dedicated to making treatment accessible as soon as possible. Often appointments can be scheduled for the same week. The entire Uptown Psych team looks forward to providing you with the care you need and deserve at our Chicago office.

I offer treatment for formally diagnosed eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, and binge eating disorder, as well as support for anyone with a challenging relationship to food or body image concerns. Additionally, I love supporting individuals with anxiety, helping them to live more and worry less. My approach is deeply relational, fostering a space where clients can feel seen, valued, and understood.

Wherever you are in life, whatever the challenges you’re facing, we are so glad you are here. We are a counseling practice that offers individual, group, and family therapy. We see clients across the lifespan and have a diverse group of therapists who specialize in the areas included above. We recognize the courage that it takes to take a first step to start therapy. We utilize a compassionate approach to therapy that focuses on increasing self-awareness, coping skills, and personal growth. We also hold a strong commitment to on-going learning in effort to provide a safe space for LGBTQA+ members and engage in anti-racist practices. Our clinical approaches are evidence-based and focused on helping you navigate mental health more effectively. We currently offer virtual and in-person services and offer therapy in English, Spanish, Polish and Mandarin.

KP Counseling of Illinois, located in Rockford, Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, offers a variety of services to meet you and your family’s therapy and counseling needs. We have a team of experienced therapists to consult with individuals from 3 years old to the elderly. The type of counseling and therapy service recommended will vary for each client. Our services are developed uniquely to meet your specific needs from individual, couple and family to group counseling.

Hector values a compassionate and supportive dynamic that is conducive to healing and growth. He has experience providing individual and group therapy services with specific focus on depression, anxiety, OCD subtypes, co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, and severe and persistent mental illness. Hector applies a practical approach to the helping relationship and incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and existential theories in his work.

Hello and welcome- I’m so glad you’re here! Starting therapy is a courageous and meaningful step, and I want to recognize the strength it takes to prioritize your mental health. Whether this is your first time seeking support or you’ve been in therapy before, I’m truly honored to walk alongside you on this journey. As a licensed social worker, my goal is to meet you where you are and create a space that feels safe, affirming, and grounded in trust. I strive to build a therapeutic relationship that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and authenticity- one where you feel heard, empowered, and supported. Our work together will focus on your unique strengths and goals, with room for self-reflection, growth, and sometimes even a little humor along the way. As a biracial woman, I am especially passionate about working with diverse individuals. I bring a deep respect for identity, culture, and community into the therapeutic space. I have experience supporting children and teens through anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, identity exploration, relationship concerns, and academic/life transitions. I bring a culturally responsive lens to therapy and aim to create an inclusive, judgment-free space where diversity is celebrated and your lived experiences are honored. Before transitioning into private practice, I worked as a school social worker and a clinician of a non-profit organization. Within those roles, I supported students and families in areas such as executive functioning, social-emotional development, IEP/504 processes, and behavior intervention plans within the public school system. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers that impact mental health and have strengthened my commitment to culturally responsive, equitable care. Modalities: ● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ● Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) ● Strength-Based Therapy ● Mindfulness-Based Therapy ● Solution-Focused Therapy ● Trauma Informed Therapy ● Motivational Interviewing ● Play Therapy Specialty Areas: ● Anxiety ● Depression ● Childhood Traumas ● Life Transitions ● Grief/Loss ● Conduct and Behavioral Concerns ● ADHD ● Emotional Regulation ● Relationship Skills If you're looking for a therapist who will support you with compassion, consistency, and care- I'm here, and I look forward to working with you! Jiana is in-network with Aetna and BCBS PPO. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Nina Dismukes has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with attention issues, learning disabilities, substance use, self-esteem, expressing emotions, trauma, coping skills, and more. Nina believes that effective therapy is a soulful-healing process that takes time, patience, loyalty, self-love, and the openness to communicate. Nina feels that it is important to help empower patients by allowing them to express themselves in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe. She works collaboratively with clients, encourages them to be themselves, and motivates them to help ensure their personal goals are met and that treatment has been successful. Nina Dismukes has received her Master's Degree from Marquette University in Clinical Mental Health with a specialization working with children and adolescents. During her time at Marquette, she was the Diversity Leader for her class and felt strongly about diversity and inclusion in the world of mental health involving people of color and the stigma behind those factors. Although Nina has used different approaches, she does not believe in one therapy working for one individual or a specific diagnosis.

Olivia Palumbo is a Clinical Intern at Ace Counseling Group who provides trauma-informed, body-based therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method. She works with adults and couples experiencing life transitions, identity exploration, relationship concerns, or disordered eating and offers LGBTQIA+ affirming, nature-based and mindfulness-informed care. Olivia draws on experience in inpatient psychiatric settings and is completing her clinical training while pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling.

Are you feeling stuck, disconnected from yourself, or unsure about your next steps? Maybe you’re questioning who you are, what you want, or where you truly belong. The weight of the world, especially the current political and social climate, can make it even harder to find your footing. You're not alone in this. You're likely here because you’re ready to feel more like you again. I work with creatives, deep thinkers, and sensitive folks who are ready to reconnect with their authentic self and make meaningful changes. You don’t need to be “ready” or “perfect”; just willing to show up and do the work together. In our work together, I combine art therapy, body-based (somatic) practices, neuroscience, and spirituality, all grounded in a decolonial, feminist, and strengths-based lens. I specialize in supporting people navigating complex trauma, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. My approach is holistic and honors your unique story, identity, and cultural background. I’m a first-gen, queer, bilingual (English/Spanish), trauma-informed therapist offering talk therapy & art therapy to support healing on your terms. Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It’s a space to be human, to be seen, and to grow. Curious about working together? Let’s start with a free 15-minute consultation: onelovestudio.clientsecure.me/request/clinician

Many young professionals come to therapy feeling torn between who they are and who they think they should be. You might feel anxious, burned out, or uncertain about how to balance your needs with others’ expectations. Perhaps you’re navigating relationship challenges, loss, or identity shifts that leave you feeling unmoored. However, as a therapist in Chicago, I offer a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming space where you can pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself—so you can move toward clarity, confidence, and belonging in both work and life. In my clinical approach, I combine trauma-informed and solution-focused therapy to help clients manage anxiety, workplace stress, and relationship issues. Additionally, I specialize in working with young professionals, first-generation individuals, and LGBTQIA+ clients who want to cultivate balance, purpose, and self-acceptance. I also provide couples therapy to strengthen communication and foster understanding, helping individuals and partners deepen connection and growth both within and beyond their relationships. Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when you’re used to managing everything on your own. Nevertheless, you don’t need to have all the answers before beginning. Whether you’re exploring identity, searching for balance, or healing after change, I’ll meet you with warmth, curiosity, and care. If you’re ready to feel supported and understood, I’d be honored to walk beside you on your path toward healing and growth. Finally, learn more about our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and how it can support your well-being.

You might be feeling distress, restlessness, or unease. You might be wondering what’s driving your interactions with others, questioning where certain emotions or motivations stem from. You might be feeling a lack of purpose, anxiety, a pressure to perform, or that you are not living your life as authentically as you once did. You may have even had a moment of, “Well, how did I get here?” If this is you, I may be able to help. I have experience working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, childhood trauma, and complex PTSD. I help individuals and couples who have experienced family issues, struggles with relationships and attachment, women’s health and fertility issues, sexual abuse, and experiences of incarceration. I also work with those in search of individual meaning, identity, and authenticity.

My resulting approach to therapy is to offer a listening ear and a warm presence as you navigate through the messiness of life, while also bringing a helpful perspective to help you become who you want to be. My grounded person-centered base is enriched and complemented by the latest evidence-based practices and insight-based approaches (a tailored integrative approach drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and the emergent research in Neuropsychology). This means that I prioritize connection and empathy, all the while problem-solving together with you on how to reach your goals with practical tools that are proven to work. So, I love digging deep and unearthing your experiences (based on your level of readiness) that may contribute to your dilemmas and difficulties.