Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
Our lives' narratives sometimes may not be pleasant nor self-fulling. Nonetheless, the therapeutic space can serve as a starting point to reflect and create new beginnings. It can also be a space where we revisit past narratives that may have marked you significantly or try to embrace our fears for the future. In our work together, I aim to connect with you in a way that not only allows for safety, trust and vulnerability but instills a sense of empowerment that affirms your ability to endure uncertainty. I view therapy as a space where both you and I can help each other to co-narrate your life experiences. My philosophy of life is- we all experience the world differently and are the experts on our may need support with processing and reflecting. For these reasons, I work from an integrative relational, humanistic, trans-affirmative, multicultural and liberating perspective. As a queer therapist of color, I value liberation, social justice and intersectionality. In creating a therapeutic space rooted in multiculturalism, I aim to instill a sense of safety for all clients, especially those with marginalized identities such as LGBTQ+, trans and non-binary, Kinks+, immigrants, and POC'S. I make a point to show up authentically in session as a compassionate, empathic, energetic, reflective, nerdy/geeky, and a bilingual person.
I provide individual counseling to neurodivergent, anxious adults and young adults 18+. I aim to create a nonjudgmental, direct, supportive, and often humorous environment for neurodivergent, anxious adults, & struggling couples. I am experienced working with high profile, actors, lawyers, government workers, other therapists, and aspiring young adults, tailoring aspects of multiple different behavioral and relational approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Prolonged Exposure, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychoeducation, Gottman Method Couples & Marital Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and I’m currently training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). These evidence based therapies are designed to address a wide range of mental health concerns, from anxiety & adhd to complex trauma. My aim is to help you problem solve and come up with solutions that you think will best work for you. This is through providing talk therapy and a listening ear while also challenging you to think about situations in a different way then you have previously. Together, we can work through your struggles, build on your strengths, and help you achieve the life you envision.
CityPsych Counseling provides a supportive, nonjudgmental space for college students to explore concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationships, identity, and life transitions. Our approach is collaborative and tailored to each student’s unique needs, with an emphasis on building coping skills and self-understanding.
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Anxiety fights dirty. When anxiety gets out of control, it can feel like a bully, always pushing you around. I get it, I’ve been there. When you’re really in it, you feel stuck and worse still, it can feel like there’s no way out. Constantly living in survival mode doesn’t feel much like living at all. The good news is that you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Together we can push back against anxiety and get your life back. We can use tried and true methods to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and get you out of survival mode. Imagine being more present and connected to life, feeling more like yourself again. More at ease, as you look to the future with a renewed sense of confidence and hope. A way forward is actually, finally here. If you’re ready to change your relationship with anxiety and want to stop living in survival mode. Let’s talk. Give me a call and let’s get to work.
We face struggles in this life and through introspection, humor, and support, we persevere. From the development and focus on our individual resources, we gain the momentum to overcome. It is my belief that supportive relationships tend to be of utmost value to us when we are faced with struggle. Through these relationships, we find direction. It is my desire to support you in finding that very direction. My approach is purposeful, collaborative, and authentic. I will work hard to develop a strong therapeutic alliance with you. I see the client-therapist relationship as the foundation of the change-making journey. I am warm, welcoming, and validating while also direct and goal-focused. I operate from a strength-based approach and am devoted to helping you to explore the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I am committed to helping you to increase self-awareness and to develop resources to better cope. My areas of expertise include working with adolescents and young adults who present with challenges that may include anxiety, depression, and trauma. In addition, I am skilled in helping clients to manage urban stress, navigate life transitions, and enhance their self-worth. We will begin exactly where you are at, and I will be honored to assist you in creating that life that you so desire.
Our Treatment Center therapists specialize in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, the first and most established form of talk therapy. These are unique forms of psychotherapy that foster personal development and liberation from dissatisfying or painful patterns of living. Together, you and your therapist will work to understand the meaning of your emotional experiences, thoughts, dreams, memories, fantasies, and sensations with the objective of cultivating a more robust sense of self. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavioral patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re ready to move in a new direction in your life, our therapists look forward to working with you to transform suffering into growth.
We specialize in treating complex co occurring addiction, eating disorders, mood disorders and related trauma. Our patients are complex human beings and our goal is to treat the whole person and not just a single diagnosis.
There are times when we may need support to gain insight and find creative solutions to our challenges. I look to meet people wherever they are on their journey and walk for a while, along-side them. As an art therapist, I believe in the power of creative expression and the role that it can play in self-awareness, growth, and healing. Let's Collaborate. I use art making as a mode of expression and fertile space for creative problem-solving. I found this outlet at a young age and went on to study art formally earning a degree in fine arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Creative expression of all kinds and across mediums has been a part of my personal self-care practice for most of my life. I believe so deeply in the healing power of art that I went on to obtain a graduate degree in Art Therapy so I could share this therapeutic practice with others. In addition to creative expressive therapy, I often integrate mindfulness and meditation techniques into sessions. I am trained in a variety of theories and modalities that support the deep work of trauma processing, such as EMDR, somatic work, and Internal Family Systems. Like a well-composed song or a pigment-layered canvas, a multi-media approach may be in order to best support the therapeutic process. I invite co-collaborators (that's you!) to roll up their sleeves in order to design creative solutions to their challenges and imagine new landscapes for their futures. Let's see what we can create together. The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. ― Aristotle
Do you have unwanted thoughts or habits preventing you from growing and being your authentic self? Are you struggling with some relationships in your life whether they are family, friends, co-workers, or a romantic partner? My goal is to collaborate with you where you are at to begin to process these experiences and develop skills and insights for you to grow. I believe every person deserves to be validated and have a safe space to feel and be heard. My passion and expertise lies in individual counseling for family dynamics and relationships which usually leads to support with self-esteem, identity, boundaries, and/or guilt. Together, we will take the time to process areas you are wanting to improve. I promise to create a comfortable, non-judgmental space where you can bring your honest thoughts and feelings. We will work on increasing insight and changing negative thinking patterns while becoming more aware of yourself and your relationships. After years providing counseling in the education field, I bring a range of experience working with diverse clients and issues. My clients tell me I’m warm, supportive, down-to-earth, insightful, approachable, and genuine. My goal is to provide you with a space to process, feel, and grow. Let’s connect for a phone consultation to see if we’re a great fit.
For Real Therapy is a culturally, creatively and community inspired group practice. We value and emphasize clients coming from diverse / intersectional backgrounds including: QTBIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and first generation immigrants. For Real Therapy is rooted in the belief that therapy is a political act -- where resilience and rest are supported simultaneously. It is a practice for people who recognize the ripple effect of their impact on the world at large, and why it is integral to commit to the work of intentional self-healing to relate to yourself so you can best relate to others.
Mindful Care is a one-stop-shop mental health practice specializing in urgent/same day psychiatry, individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse recovery counseling, and medication management services that promote mental strengthening. Our typical client is struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life adjustment concerns, and are seeking interventions that support long-lasting lifetime changes. We are in-network with major insurance providers and offer affordable self-pay options.
I believe that trust and rapport are crucial in therapy, as they create a foundation for healing and growth. I have extensive experience in providing evidence-based therapies to help clients effectively manage PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. I am well-versed in addressing the unique challenges that individuals with complex trauma face, such as dissociation and relationship difficulties. By fostering a trusting and supportive environment, I strive to empower clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences at their own pace. Together, we work towards building resilience, ultimately promoting improved well-being. My approach is rooted in a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered techniques, allowing us to examine the connections between past experiences and present challenges. Through our collaborative efforts, we will create a safe space where you can gain insight, heal from past wounds, and ultimately achieve personal growth and fulfillment. I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. By embracing diversity, I aim to provide personalized services that cater to the unique needs and backgrounds of each individual client. During our free consultation, we can discuss your specific needs and goals. Remember, you don't have to face this alone.
Whether you're navigating a major life transition, battling anxiety or depression, facing burnout, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—I offer a space where you can feel safe, supported, and truly seen. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or cold. My goal is to create an open and honest connection where you feel comfortable being vulnerable and showing up exactly as you are. Clients often describe me as kind, collaborative, and real—with a sense of humor that brings ease to even the hardest conversations. I bring my full, authentic self to every session because I believe meaningful change happens when you feel truly connected and understood. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I also integrate strategies from my background in sport psychology to support focus, confidence, and performance under pressure. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, explore what’s holding you back, and move toward lasting growth.
We live in a complex world, presenting unique struggles for individuals and couples moving through varying stages of life. In session, we will work to explore your challenges and process past influential experiences in a safe, supportive and open environment. Unlike big agencies or online therapy platforms, we have the time and emotional energy to treat each client as an individual. We don't believe in using a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we tailor your treatment plan to you using evidence-directed methods. Our clinicians are also committed to pursuing specialized training and continued education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and advances in the field.
I work with adolescents and adults. I specialize in working with ADHD, with a focus on executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, motivation, emotional regulation, and follow-through. I also specialize in treating social anxiety, using exposure-based approaches to help clients gradually face feared situations, reduce avoidance, and build confidence in social and performance settings. We will work at your pace, creating structured and manageable exposures while also addressing the thoughts and physical sensations that keep anxiety going. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence based practices including CBT, ACT and ERP.
Ali King, LCPC, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She went on to work as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism at the Minnesota Autism Center before moving to Chicago and earning her master’s degree in Community Counseling from DePaul University. After graduate school, Ali worked as a therapist at Insight Behavioral Health Center’s residential facility for people struggling with eating disorders, as well as mood disorders. She led groups and supported people with everyday living tasks, as well as general skills coaching and meal management. Ali recently stepped down as the Director of the Young Adult PHP and IOP programs at Compass Health Center where she worked for 8 years in many different roles helping to build the Young Adult program and support the growth of the organization. While at Compass, Ali provided supervision and mentorship to newer clinicians and helped establish the group curriculum they currently use, as well as instituting effective policies and protocols. While at Compass, she received the award for Continuous Improvement, which highlights her drive and dedication to learning and growth. For over a decade, she has been providing person-centered, solution-focused, skills-based care. Her direct though nurturing, fun, and empathetic approach, is well received and has shown tangible results for her clients. With consistent encouragement and support, clients feel safe to explore their values and to learn successful coping strategies to improve their lives. While Ali has a passion for working with young adults through the tough transitions they face, she also appreciates working with adolescents and adults. She is well-versed in helping people manage struggles with self-esteem, relationships, low motivation, and simply feeling “stuck”. Ali is adept at working with clients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and substance use struggles. She has extensive experience working with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and often incorporates these modalities into her eclectic therapeutic approach. Ali is currently accepting new clients virtually and at the downtown Chicago location.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Evolve Wellness is a private group practice in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area of Chicago but with the expansion of telehealth services (HIPAA-compliant video calls) Evolve has been able to expand services to the whole state of Illinois. Therapists at Evolve Wellness work with individuals, those in relationships (couples), and families. Accepted insurance varies by provider, and includes BCBS PPO, BCBS HMO (Amita), BCBS Blue Choice PPO. Please feel free to contact us if you would like help verifying insurance benefit coverage, more information about clinician availability or to set up a free phone consultation prior to scheduling an initial session with one of our clinicians.