Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I honor the strength and courage it takes to begin therapy. Engaging in therapy can support emotional expression, deepen self-reflection, and open the door to self-compassion and empowerment. My approach is collaborative—we’ll work together to explore your experiences, gain understanding, and create meaningful change. I strive to offer a supportive and affirming space where authenticity can be safely expressed and embraced. I have experience working with a wide range of concerns and tailor my approach to each individual. I recognize how self-expression and self-advocacy can sometimes be overshadowed by the ways people learn to protect themselves from pain. I also understand that the past can shape the present in subtle ways, and that societal expectations can lead us to disconnect from our true selves. My experiences working with college students started during my doctoral training and have continued throughout my ten+ years in private practice. I provided psychotherapy to students at the UIC counseling center, where I completed both my training as an extern and my training as a Postdoctoral Fellow; at DePaul University Counseling Services where I completed my training as an extern; and at NIU Counseling and Consultation Services where I completed my training as an intern.

Our general approach to therapy is to view each individual with no judgments or preconceptions; whatever you want to focus on will be our focus as well. At the end of the day, we want you to leave our sessions having either added more tools to your tool belt or having strengthened the tools that you are already using. We primarily approach therapy with a “Person-Centered” orientation; we understand that you are the expert on yourself, and we are only there to provide context, to facilitate your growth, and to help you overcome or manage any obstacles you may be facing. Our specific interventions depend on what we may be working on at the time, and may draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Reality Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Some of our specialty areas with our clients are cultivating healthy and strong relationships (romantic, family, friends), couples, grief, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, career counseling, and others.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's Degree in Social Work, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change that supports their overall well-being. I specialize in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and grief. Alongside this, I have experience working LGBTQ+ concerns, men's issues, behavior modification, coping concerns, ADHD, Autism, chronic illness, dual diagnosis, and emotional regulation. You have already completed the first step in getting support which is just research a therapist! Even this takes such courage. I invite you to schedule a free 15 minute introduction call to see how best we can work together to address any concerns you are having. I look forward to hopefully working with you soon.

Hello and welcome! I'm Kammy Brown, a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, here to support you in reaching your mental health goals. My practice focuses on providing personalized and compassionate care through a blend of evidence-based therapies and medication management. I am committed to creating a warm, inviting environment where you feel safe and empowered to take charge of your mental wellness. My approach is rooted in understanding your unique experiences and needs. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, I am here to help guide you on your journey to healing and growth. Together, we will develop a tailored plan that equips you with the tools and strategies needed to overcome challenges and enhance your well-being. In our work together, you can expect a collaborative and supportive relationship. I believe in the power of partnership and open communication, ensuring that you are an active participant in your care. My goal is to help you build resilience, find balance, and achieve a more fulfilling and joyful life. I am excited to be part of your journey and look forward to working with you to create positive, lasting change. If you're ready to take the first step towards better mental health, please feel free to reach out. Let’s embark on this journey together, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way!

It’s 2:00 a.m. and you’re caught in a "doom scroll" because your brain won't hit the off switch. When anxiety makes even simple tasks feel daunting, just "talking it out" often isn't enough. I am deeply passionate about supporting BIPOC women in navigating the unique, heavy burdens of carrying it all. We’ll use simple creative methods to get those "strong friend" pressures out of your head and into the open—no art skills needed. Combined with practical mindfulness, this gives you a real-world toolkit to stop just surviving and actually start thriving.

Hello! my name Renee Smith, I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist specializing in working with children/adolescents, and young adults. With a deep understanding of the challenges that young people face, I provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. My approach is emphasizing empathy, patience, and trust as we work together to navigate life’s challenges. I have experience helping children, teens, and young adults, with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral difficulties, peer relationships, and family dynamics. I draw from evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I understand that this stage of life can be complex. My goal is to empower young people to thrive and build a strong foundation for the future. If you're looking for a caring and skilled therapist to support your endeavors, I’m here to help guide you through the journey to emotional well-being and success! Virtual Only....

We are a team of therapists and coaches who are anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, fat-positive and are committed to our own journeys of healing in order to support yours. If you're struggling with substance use, perfectionism, anxiety, trauma, depression, identity exploration, athletic mindset/performance, grief, or body image we're here to help! We also offer gender affirming letters, which can be completed in one session. We have experience working with college students and college athletes and are here to talk things out, build new skills, use movement and mindfulness, and be your biggest supporters and advocates. We offer talk therapy, somatic and dance therapy, coaching, and energy healing. If you think we could be a good fit, please reach out and we'll schedule a consultation call to chat more.

Hi, I’m Daphne Black — Here to Support You Through Life’s Transitions As a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, and adjunct professor at a prestigious University, I bring over two decades of experience helping individuals—especially college students—navigate anxiety, identity, academic stress, relationship struggles, and major life changes. College is a time of growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re balancing coursework with personal responsibilities, managing grief, or facing uncertainty about your future, I provide a safe, supportive space to help you process, heal, and move forward with clarity and confidence. My clinical work is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the challenges young adults face. With my background in both mental health and higher education, I meet you where you are—with compassion and insight.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am passionate about working with young adults and first generation immigrants that are struggling with anxiety, burnout and stress. I understand the unique challenges college students face because I myself have been a student on/off for over 10 years. I come from a first generation household and have worked with immigrants my entire professional life. I know how hard it can be to grow up in a culture that has different values than those at home and how this can lead to questioning your own identity and where you feel you belong. I welcome the opportunity to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself to live in alignment with your natural strengths and ambitions.

Life doesn’t come with a manual—though it sometimes feels like everyone else secretly got one. When stress, anxiety, trauma, or old patterns start getting in the way, I can you you figure out what isn’t working, understand why it keeps showing up, and develop realistic strategies to move forward. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and goal-oriented.

Hi, I’m Loren, a psychiatric provider with over a decade of experience in mental health care. I take a compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered approach in supporting individuals across the lifespan. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, and supportive therapy, alongside thoughtful medication management when appropriate. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered in your journey toward lasting mental wellness. My process is rooted in partnership: I take the time to understand your unique story and work with you to create a personalized plan that supports growth, resilience, and confidence. My clinical experience spans hospitals, community mental health, skilled nursing, and now private practice and telehealth. These diverse settings have shaped my holistic, practical, and deeply empathetic approach to care. I’m also a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and am currently pursuing certification in holistic integrative medicine to further support whole-person healing. Whether you’re facing new challenges or working through long-standing issues, I’m here to support you with empathy, clarity, and a deep commitment to your well-being.

If you find yourself not feeling good enough, struggling to cope with worries, traumas, and pain from the past, or wanting to learn more about yourself and why you think and behave in the ways that you do, my therapeutic approach may be right for you. Depending on your goals/needs, we will work together to increase your insight, explore alternative coping strategies, and help you feel empowered to make different decisions in life to get your closer to who and where you want to be. My intention in our work together is to see you, understand you, and challenge you to grow. When necessary/needed, we will use humor along the way! I specialize in working with adults struggling with feelings of Unworthiness/Low Self-Esteem, Trauma/PTSD, Family/Relationship Conflict, Anxiety, and Depression. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, Mental Health Professionals, Artists, Immigrants, First-Generation Americans, Bi-cultural Individuals, and the Kink community. I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Through our work together, you can learn to practice more self-compassion, feel more grounded, and better manage all the thoughts and feelings you're experiencing. If you connected to what I've shared and feel like we would be a good fit, feel free to message me to arrange a free phone consult.

You keep ending up in relationships that leave you anxious, hurt, and depleted. You ignore your intuition, explain away red flags, and struggle to trust your own judgment. Therapy can help you break free from cycles of chaos and instability by reconnecting you with the part of yourself that has always known what you deserve and who you truly are. I specialize in helping women heal the deeper patterns beneath chaotic relationships, codependency, people-pleasing, and chronic self-doubt. Together, we'll explore how childhood experiences, attachment wounds, and survival strategies shaped the ways you learned to seek love, safety, and belonging. If you've found yourself outsourcing your authority and ignoring your own discernment, therapy can help you reconnect with the wisdom that has always existed within you. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing®, attachment theory, and Jungian depth psychology, we'll teach your nervous system that love no longer has to come at the cost of yourself. My practice is especially affirming for women who are deeply intuitive, spiritually curious, or drawn to earth-based and nontraditional spiritual practices. I believe healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about remembering who you were before fear, shame, and survival taught you to distrust yourself. Through a feminist, LGBTQ+ affirming, anti-racist, and sex-positive lens, I help women reconnect with their inner wisdom, build relationships rooted in mutual respect rather than pain and intensity, and create lives that feel aligned with their values instead of their wounds. I offer virtual therapy throughout Illinois and Minnesota.

I am a young adult therapist who helps clients control their behavioral response to challenging emotions, effectively adjust to change, and live a life that makes them proud. I have experience with young adults with anxiety, depression, self-injurious behavior, ADHD, and life transitions. I create a safe space and act as a guide, assisting the client as they explore past and current issues, unhealthy patterns, and identify overall goals. I utilize evidence-based strategies and techniques from an integrated cognitive-behavioral, individual psychology approach. Additionally, I incorporate aspects of mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I am accepting new clients and would love to be apart of your journey to overall wellness and success.

Welcome to The Healing Palace ✨ College life can feel like a whirlwind — balancing classes, relationships, work, and figuring out your future. At The Healing Palace, we understand that behind the hustle, students often carry stress, anxiety, trauma, and unspoken challenges. We’re here to be your safe space. A place where you can breathe, unpack the weight you’ve been carrying, and discover healthy ways to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially. Our team of therapists specializes in supporting young adults as they navigate identity, relationships, and the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking one-on-one therapy, group support, or just a space where you can feel heard without judgment, The Healing Palace is here to walk with you. Because your mental health matters. Your voice matters. You matter.

Tired of feeling stuck? Anxious? Sad? Do intrusive thoughts get in the way of studying or feeling settled when spending time with friends or family? Are you ready to make a change but having a hard time starting the process? We get it. We know how hard it is. And we can help you. We are a clinically diverse group of clinicians available to meet with clients Monday-Saturday with evening availability (we are solely doing teletherapy at this time). We work with college age students and adults who may be struggling with a life adjustment or transition, unresolved past hurt or trauma, difficulty concentrating and nervousness, negative thoughts or hard to control worry and fears. In our therapy session, we don't just sit back and listen. We teach our clients how to have more control over difficult thoughts and intense emotions, feel more emotionally settled and balanced in daily activities and develop healthier coping skills to combat unhealthy behaviors. And to keep the therapy process moving forward, clients are given homework assignments in -between therapy sessions. We know that you have the ability to make the changes you are looking for. And we are confident we can help you make these changes.

At Fables Counseling, we believe that every individual has a unique story worth telling and improving. Our mission is to support and guide our clients through their personal journeys, helping them rewrite their narratives in a way that fosters growth, healing, and empowerment. We provide a warm, welcoming environment that feels far from uncomfortable—our focus is on creating a space where you can truly feel at ease to be uniquely you as you embark on your journey toward healing. At Fables, we are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our team of dedicated therapists brings a diverse range of experiences and specialties to our practice. Each therapist is committed to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest in mental health research and techniques. We strive to create a safe space for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences. Our practice is built on the principles of respect, empathy, and understanding. We look forward to engaging with you!

I help thoughtful, high functioning adults navigate anxiety, burnout, depression, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy working with men, professionals, creatives, and new or expecting parents. My work integrates insight-oriented therapy with a practical, pragmatic approach, often utilizing mindfulness and meditation practices as a foundation for building effective skills and strategies. Additionally, I offer preparation, integration, and harm-reduction support when appropriate for clients who are exploring the benefits of plant medicines. Ultimately, my goal is to help you live a more meaningful life. I help those who desire improvement in their love life, family life, work life, or in their physical health and wellness. I emphasize the importance of developing new behaviors outside of the therapy, especially practicing mindfulness and meditation. I also specialize in psychedelic integration for those exploring alternative approaches. An initial consultation is of course no cost to you, so please feel free to call or email me with any questions. If you decide I'm not the right therapist for you, I'm happy to help you find one. I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome to Reparo Health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals seeking support in understanding themselves, managing emotional challenges, and building healthier patterns in daily life. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, identity-related challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based strategies, and trauma-informed care to help clients gain insight and develop practical coping tools. My work is culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in warmth, empathy, and curiosity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a significant change, or exploring personal growth, my goal is to offer a supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward meaningful and lasting change.