Therapists for college students near 60611

Gretchen Aich (she/her), PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Gretchen has advanced training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care and works with children, adolescents, and adults, including Spanish-speaking clients. Gretchen brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, private practice, and telehealth. Her background includes supporting individuals in crisis, working in community and court-mandated programs, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. During her clinical training, she worked extensively with children and adolescents with complex needs, provided substance use and court-ordered therapy, and assisted with advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO and TMS. In her work with clients, Gretchen creates a safe, judgment-free space grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and uses a collaborative, flexible approach to care. Through active listening and evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, she partners with clients to set meaningful goals and support healing in a way that fits their lives.

I am deeply passionate about helping college students meet their life’s goals. I have vast experience working with students and young adults in overcoming life transitions and managing school stress as well as family and relationship conflict. I utilize mindfulness techniques in combination with a strengths based approach to support you in your healing; however I do not limit myself to one modality and will utilize a variety of approaches that I tailor to each client to ensure their therapeutic needs are met. You are the expert on your story and I’m here to support you in managing your stressors and symptoms. In sessions you will find an approachable, warm and empathetic therapist. My main priority is to ensure you have a safe and comfortable environment to share your experiences. I allow you to set the tone initially, but as we build rapport, we will work collaboratively toward your goals. It gives me great pleasure to watch you through your journey.

Why does it always feel like the to-do list is never-ending and what’s done is never quite enough? You are diligent about keeping on top of things and it’s gotten you pretty far. Yet, you find yourself asking “I’m running myself ragged for this?” Work-life balance? Who has time for that! Well, you are not alone. Like you, the individuals I work with tend to be busy, successful, professionals who feel stressed, anxious, and unsatisfied and struggle with burnout and imposter syndrome. They seem like they have it all together but live in fear of dropping the ball while trying to juggle all the other ones in the air. Sound familiar? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. I help you sort out what needs to change and how to create a life where you feel excited and fulfilled. None of that is easy, but it is doable. My approach is genuine, kind, and challenging with a bit of cheerleader because we all need a friendly push sometimes with someone encouraging us along the way. You’re busy and don’t have time or energy to spend on things that don’t work. I use evidence-based strategies customized to meet your unique needs. Together we’ll create a plan that works for you. I offer individual therapy exclusively online as well as other services such as workshops and mindfulness. Contact me for a free consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Growing up, I felt very isolated because I was a half-Japanese child growing up in a predominantly white community. When I was young, I didn’t understand why I was treated differently or why people would constantly ask my Caucasian mom where I was adopted from. Living a life full of questions like “What are you?” “Where are you from…originally?” and being told that I wasn’t able to play with other kids in the community because I was “different” and being bullied because I looked different, really encouraged me to seek more understanding of the world. Throughout my development I found solace in learning more about human relationships, and exploring what I thought about myself, my values, and my hope for what my life could be, rather than allowing the judgements of others to drive my behavior and thoughts of myself. Learning about intersectionality, racism, microaggressions, implicit bias, and social justice changed my life. I know that psychoeducation, compassion, curiosity, and challenging shame can change lives. Kimi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Utah. Kimi has a Master’s of Social Work from The Ohio State University and provides evidence-based treatments through EMDR, IFS, ACT, MI, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, shame-informed therapy, and a self-compassion focus. Kimi has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Before becoming an outpatient therapist Kimi has worked in community mental health, hospital settings, and has intensive training in acute care, suicidal ideation and self-harming assessment and treatment, and crisis intervention.

Many of us have been wounded at some point in our lives. Psychological wounds have the capacity to change the way we view ourselves and the way we view and interact with others. Sometimes people experience difficulties articulating the way they feel or find themselves stuck in the same maladaptive patterns in relationships. Therapy can be a useful way to make sense of how your past may be affecting your emotional well being in the here-and-now by putting unformulated experiences into words to help you heal. Using a relational approach to therapy, I aspire to offer my clients the kind of empathic environment that empowers them to heal from the past, work through present-day difficulties, change long-standing patterns in relationships, and move forward in ways that are meaningful for them. If you are looking for a safe and nonjudgmental space to make meaning of your experience feel free to contact me. I value collaborating on ways to help you achieve your personal goals.

What’s keeping you stuck? Are you struggling to understand why relationships keep failing or why your job or school is depleting you? Are you overwhelmed, trapped in a pattern of people pleasing, or struggling with anxious thoughts you can’t seem to stop? Are you high-achieving or perfectionistic and struggling to find peace in your life? Maybe you’re just grappling with the existential questions and wondering what the meaning of all of this is. I specialize in helping people get unstuck, gain confidence, and create the lives they want. I teach you how to cultivate calm in your body and understand how thoughts and internal narratives influence feelings and behaviors. You will learn how to position yourself as the observer of your emotions (like anxiety, irritability), so you can respond intentionally—rather than on autopilot. I provide insightful online therapy that allows you to feel seen, heard, and understood - all in the comfort of your home. I love doing the deep work that helps you better understand yourself and empowers you to build the life you want.

You don’t have to face this alone. Living with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming—like you're carrying a weight no one else can see. When it feels like nothing is working, it’s easy to lose hope. But healing is possible, and you're not alone. I’m here to help you find your way forward. I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling with mood disorders, and I understand how complex and deeply personal these challenges can be. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based care. Whether you’re navigating intense anxiety, persistent low moods, or the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, I’ll meet you where you are—with compassion, not judgment. Together, we’ll explore what works for you. Whether that means therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, my goal is to support you in regaining a sense of stability, clarity, and control over your life. You deserve to feel better. You deserve support that truly understands you. If you're ready to take the next step—or even if you're just curious about what support could look like—I invite you to schedule a time to talk. Let’s take that first step, together.

Room to Breathe is a group practice of therapists and yoga instructors who understand that your mental and physical health are interconnected. Our therapists offer talk therapy for those interested in exploring and accessing their wellbeing and their personhood, difficulties and strengths through counseling sessions. Our yoga instructors are psychologically-informed and offer trauma sensitive classes for people who are connecting with their bodies and wellbeing through the practices of yoga and meditation. We’re here to support and address your goals holistically; that may be with therapy, yoga, or both. It’s up to you. We’re glad you’re here.

At Relational Insight we empower clients to increase life fulfillment through growth, acceptance, and healthy relationships. Our therapists help clients who are struggling and curious about observed patterns of behavior (such as perfectionism, isolation, avoidance or procrastination, substance use, conflict and relationship dynamics) or patterns of emotions (such as fear/anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, identify confusion, anger/irritability, and self-criticism). We also help clients interested in making connections between their past and present such as better understanding and healing past traumas or abuse. Therapy helps clients capitalize on their strengths and self-knowledge to make changes and live with intention.

I joined Relational Insight in 2023 to provide affordable therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I apply collaboration within therapy to help clients tell their story to practice new perspectives or behaviors. I aim to help clients find validation, healing, and growth within life struggles and transitions. I have a passion for reaching underserved clients, especially men of color and other members of marginalized groups. Also, I connect easily with adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral concerns. I strive to provide a warm welcome with tangible support for individuals and families who may be new to focusing on their mental health. Looking to assist those struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal conflict, and professional challenges. After transitioning from the professional world as a sales director and consultant, having a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology allows me provided insight for clients facing professional challenges and questions.

Margarita Kos is a board-certified Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Illinois. She obtained her MSN as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) from Loyola University and post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health certification from Maryville University. She has over 25 years of nursing experience that includes working in the emergency room, family practice, pain management, and psychiatric mental health as a registered nurse (RN) and APN. Margarita is fluent in English and Polish. Margarita is actively practicing in the Chicago-land area with a focus on maintaining mental health wellness, providing psychopharmacologic treatment management, and improving the quality of life of her patients through preventative healthcare. Her areas of special emphasis include mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of mental illnesses amongst the childhood, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Margarita is dedicated to providing compassionate care to her patients while maintaining a safe environment to promote therapeutic relationships. By actively adapting to the needs of each patient on a personal level, Margarita is able to assist patients in developing treatment plans to meet their goals and desired outcomes. Margarita strives to develop mental health treatment plans through various approaches including psychological or physical well-being, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies.

Our experienced therapists provide personalized guidance, creating a safe space for self-exploration and growth. From managing stress and anxiety to overcoming personal challenges, individual therapy empowers you to navigate life's complexities with resilience.

Hi! I'm Aaliyah McNair, LCSW, and I'm passionate about helping adolescents and adults navigate life's challenges with compassion, honesty, and practical support. I have experience working across hospital, emergency, and outpatient mental health settings, supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, major life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. I also enjoy working with professionals and caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout. I believe therapy should be a space where you don't have to pretend you're okay. Whether you're feeling anxious, navigating a difficult transition, processing past experiences, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’ve been carrying things on your own for a long time. Our work together will move at a pace that feels supportive, collaborative, and safe while honoring both your lived experience and your body’s natural wisdom for healing.

Many of the students I work with feel like they’re carrying more than what shows on the outside. Between school, family expectations, friendships, and figuring out who they are, it can feel like there’s never enough space to just breathe. Some describe feeling anxious, weighed down, or stuck between different parts of their life; like they’re trying to hold it all together but don’t always know how. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I work especially well with students who: ◦ Feel pressure to succeed academically while juggling family or cultural expectations ◦ Notice anxiety or low moods making it harder to focus or enjoy daily life ◦ Struggle with relationships, whether that’s family, friends, or dating ◦ Are first-generation, or navigating life between more than one culture ◦ Want a space that feels supportive, flexible, and understanding Therapy with me is about having someone on your side who understands those layers. We’ll take it step by step, focusing on what matters most to you so you can feel steadier, less weighed down, and more like yourself again.