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Therapists for college students near 60614

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Laura Nessler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

Hi! Like many therapists, I'm a 30-something cis, white woman who likes earth tones and metaphors. I especially enjoy working with individuals with mood disorders, complex trauma, chronic illness, and psychosis, as well as those who identify as artists/creatives and recovering perfectionists. I draw from various modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Health at Every Size (HAES), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. However, my most impactful training has happened in conversation with clients themselves. I recognize how my identities contribute to a power differential with my clients, especially when working with marginalized populations. I work to interrupt this power differential whenever possible by being antiracist in my work and prioritizing humility and transparency. I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is key to any kind of growth and change, and therefore first honor creating an authentic relationship with the clients I work with.

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Olivia Ritter
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

I believe that each person comes from an individualized background, making every aspect of them unique. I seek to allow space for you to feel safe, heard, and accepted to support a path towards self-discovery and healing. My approach stems from a strengths-based treatment which focuses on discovering your internal strengths to find a new balance when facing challenges. While working collaboratively, we will determine a holistic treatment best suited for you that encompasses your identity, culture, and ever-changing needs. I specialize in working with individuals and groups; specifically, those who are young adults, teens, or children who experience challenges related to eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm/suicidal ideation, self-esteem, life transitions, and substance misuse. Recognizing that treatment needed for each individual may vary, I have practice utilizing treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Finding someone to connect with is the starting point of it all. Please reach out to me to begin your journey!

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Brian Hyland
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

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.

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Cristina Candel
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Perhaps you’re tired of not feeling good. Your relationships or career may be draining you and there could be a felt sense that there is more to life or something better for you out there. You might even be carrying a deep, nagging pain that needs release and yet, when the tears come, you hold them back in. Your struggles could leave you feeling unable to think clearly, experiencing tightness in your chest or your body, or even feeling like you weigh a million pounds. Over time, you could find yourself completely numb and not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. Whether these feelings are coming from the distant past or from something happening currently, this does not need to be your “normal”. With support, you can find relief and have greater peace in your life. I know what it’s like to feel empty or to question “how did my life get here?”. My experience with various mind body therapies, blended with traditional counseling, taught me that with compassion and determination, we can find our way out. I believe when we can openly share about ourselves without pressure and with knowing that everything is welcome, we are able to take small steps towards lasting change. From a young age, I had been fascinated with human behavior, introspection, and understanding our inner world. I became a therapist to help people explore all of the crevices where we hold our pain, not only to help connect the dots, but to expand awareness in both the mind and body. I believe this helps us to allow our tears to flow and hold our messiness with tenderness and grace. Working at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, showed me firsthand that change begins when we let go of labeling our thoughts, feelings, or sensations as “good/bad”, “right/wrong”, or “should/shouldn’t”. I am dedicated to helping people step away from these rigid beliefs and approach themselves with a gentle curiosity. I believe when we let go of the labels, we can learn to accept and integrate all parts of ourselves and our experiences with greater compassion. I also learned how important it is to blend a sense of lightheartedness and tough love during my role at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. I know change is not easy, and although we may never feel ready, it’s in doing it anyway and taking the first small steps that we begin to uncover our true nature. I understand how difficult it is to hold the uncertainty or pain in your life. You have the innate ability to regain a sense of balance and create internal space for any emotional experience. You deserve more and there is more for you out there. I am here to help you uncover and discover how big and free your life can be. Let’s connect now.

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Center Focused Therapy
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Providing culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy services to adults, including college students. "To care for another individual means to know and to experience the other as fully as possible." - Irvin D. Yalom, M.D. As a South Asian therapist, I understand the deep value of family and the intricate meanings tied to being an immigrant and a woman of color. I believe that every person's lived experiences uniquely shape their life and perceptions, which is why finding congruence and meaning in one’s life is important. This helps align one's actions with their true values, reducing internal conflict and enhancing overall well-being. As a therapist, I understand that building trust and rapport are critical for effective progress and meaningful change. To do so, I provide my clients with a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to foster personal growth and healing. In my practice, I utilize an integrative approach that blends systems, humanistic, and multicultural frameworks. My goal is to empower you to achieve your personal and psychological goals while providing a safe, non-judgmental, and culturally sensitive space where you can explore your inner self. I am committed to creating an environment where you can feel at ease, be your authentic self, and build a trusting relationship with me. Together, we'll work collaboratively to build insight, draw on your strengths, process difficult emotions and experiences, and form a meaningful narrative for your life. With a kind, empathetic, and compassionate approach, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you feel supported and empowered to achieve your goals. I look forward to accompanying you on your path to well-being and self-discovery.

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Savannah Johnston-Schmidt at Emerge Psychology Group
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Willow Recovery Group
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL

Mariya is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and co-founder of Willow Recovery Group. She is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces for people to process trauma, explore their relationship with food and body, and navigate life’s challenges with compassion. Mariya specializes in trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, multicultural experiences, and life transitions, blending evidence-based approaches with a deeply relational style. Her clients describe her as warm, grounding, and supportive — someone who walks alongside them through both the hard and hopeful parts of recovery. Outside of her clinical work, Mariya enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and being with loved ones (including her pets, who often serve as her best “co-therapists”).

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Sergei Deptula
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

As an inclusive therapist and adopted individual, I create a therapeutic space that feels safe, supportive, and honors the intersectionality of your identity. My experience centers around working with children, adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, identity exploration, trauma, in addition to obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Wherever you are in your journey, my goal is to meet you with openness and a genuine desire to understand your experience. Through a person-centered approach, I draw from evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Mindful that therapy is as individual as you are, I take time to get to know what matters to you and tailor our work to fit your values and goals. I am committed to therapeutic work where all aspects of you are acknowledged, respected, and valued. At the core of my practice is upholding cultural humility, and I would be honored to walk alongside you and provide a space where you can learn, regulate, and reflect.

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Jennifer Connors
Pre-Licensed Professional
Evanston, IL

As a compassionate therapist, I am dedicated to supporting young adults through anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, burnout, and various life transitions. I understand how hard this stage of life can feel, whether it be overwhelming emotions or heightened pressures — and you don’t have to navigate it alone. My approach is warm, collaborative, and free of judgement. I aim to bring a mix of curiosity, compassion, and humor to create a safe space where you can fully be yourself. I help clients explore the underlying causes of their struggles and develop effective tools for coping, healing, and growth. I lead with a person-centered style, focusing on building real authentic connection. At the same time, I bring in more structured tools when they’re helpful, pulling from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness practices. If you’re feeling curious, unsure, or even a little nervous, that’s completely normal. I’m here to meet you where you’re at — no expectations. Just a genuine conversation about what’s going on and how I might be able to help!

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Illinois Healing Center for Trauma and Addiction
Group practice
Skokie, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Prayer Childress
Pre-Licensed Professional
Oak Park, IL

In an individual or group session, I aim to bring a warm, curious, and deeply compassionate energy into the room. I believe that every person has their own unique story to tell, and I strive to honor that by providing personalized therapy to fit your specific needs. I draw mainly from family systems and psychodynamic therapy, which allows me to bring past or subconscious thoughts to the surface and gently guide you toward self-insight.

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Brave Talk Therapy
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Brave Talk Therapy is a Chicago-based practice that provides services to people of all ages. As a therapist at Brave Talk, I utilize CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered Therapy. This means my style is supportive and reflective, offering both space and guidance as clients work through obstacles and build on their existing strengths.

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Chicago Counseling Center, P.C.
Group practice
Chicago, IL

All of our therapists at Chicago Counseling Center specialize in helping people learn how to manage symptoms related to Anxiety, OCD, Perfectionism, and general life stressors so that they can live meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable lives.

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Inspire Counseling Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Evanston, IL

As someone who recently graduated from both college and graduate school, I understand firsthand how stressful and overwhelming student life can be—from managing academic pressure to navigating social life or figuring out who you are and what's next. I work primarily with college students and young professionals who are feeling anxious, stuck, burnt out as they navigate college and post-grad life, and who are ready to explore new ways of coping, growing, and building confidence. My approach is collaborative and supportive—I want you to feel comfortable, heard, and empowered. We will work together on identifying what's getting in the way of your well-being and develop tools to help you manage challenges and while building self-compassion along the way. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to see if we are a good fit—I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation.

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Associated Behavioral Consultants, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

Fred Waltzer, LCSW provides psychotherapy to clients with mood and emotional difficulties. His approach is focused on improving behavioral and emotional abilities to cope with daily life. His focus is helping clients reach personal goals related to social and emotional well-being. The techniques utilized are practical and focused on real world results. If you are coping with depression or anxiety, approaches will include identifying thoughts, behaviors and feelings which increase both well-being and relationships. Mr. Waltzer has worked in healthcare and educational settings. Most often interventions are short term result in productive changes in how his clients interact with their environment. . . .

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Emerge Counseling Chicago
Group practice
Chicago, IL

Life is full of change, some expected and some unexpected. Emerge Counseling Chicago is a counseling practice on the Northside of Chicago that specializes in helping people through these times of change. Whether you’re a family or student needing assistance in navigating the college admission process, a student working your way through obtaining your collegiate goals, or navigating one of life’s many other obstacles, we’re here to help. We look forward to learning about you and your story and helping with your next steps.

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Joslyn Jelinek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

Innovative and experienced therapy group with offices in both Illinois and Michigan. Also taking appointments virtually. Specializing in young adult mental health treatment. Specializing in crisis counseling, first responders, women's mental health, substance treatment and overspending. Provide counseling for animal/pet loss and ESA assessments.

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Plamena Daskalova
Psychologist
Skokie, IL

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Adjunct Professor of Counseling Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. I specialize in treating mood concerns such as anxiety and depression, adjustment and acculturation challenges, and relational or family-of-origin neglect, abuse and attachment disruptions. This includes using EMDR to assess and treat both single-event and complex trauma. I also maintain a recognized subspecialty in career-development concerns, such as working with professionals navigating demanding careers, burnout, career uncertainty, and challenges with work-life balance. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative in nature, and I create space for self-reflection, guidance, and humor. I utilize an integrative approach that incorporates elements of contemporary somatic, cognitive and trauma-focused/informed theories to help you create meaningful and lasting change in how you relate to yourself and others. Finding the right therapist can be incredibly difficult to do and I commend you for taking the first step. Please contact me to schedule a 15-minute complimentary consultation to see if we are a good fit!

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Karen Greenberg & Associates
Group practice
Evanston, IL

From the outside, things may look stable—even successful. You’ve built a career, managed responsibilities, and kept everything moving forward. But internally, there may be a quiet sense of overwhelm, disconnection, or pressure that’s becoming harder to ignore. Many high-achieving professionals and couples reach a point where pushing through is no longer enough. The stress lingers, relationships feel strained, and the balance you once had feels out of reach. Karen Greenberg, LCSW, provides therapy in Evanston, IL, and throughout Illinois by telehealth, for individuals and couples who want more than short-term relief. The work focuses on helping you understand what’s underneath these patterns so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and stronger connections.

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Arbor Clinical Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL

I am a thoughtful, warm, seasoned therapist who combines a relational approach to counseling with sound clinical judgement. I have had the privilege to work with clients who are courageous, hardworking, introspective, and some of the most wonderful people I have met. I am inspired by my clients daily. I greatly enjoy walking alongside individuals and partnering with them as they pursue wholeness. Most frequently, I see clients facing challenges with anxiety, trauma, and spiritual concerns. I provide a safe place to explore concerns about family, racial identity, gender and sexuality. I have interest in clients who have shifting belief systems or have wounds from faith communities. I also enjoy working with those in the Helping Professions including: therapists, teachers, social workers, first responders and medical professionals. No matter your background, I would be glad to talk with you to see if we would work well together or if I know of a therapist who would be right for you. Finding a therapist can feel daunting but doesn’t have to be. My first step is a 15 minute call to explore whether we would be a good fit. Feel free to email and I would be glad to arrange a conversation.

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