Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Kris Kirilova provides psychotherapy and career counseling for students navigating academic and career concerns, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety or inner turmoil. I specialize in helping students adjust to college life, clarify work and life goals, manage relationship difficulties, overcome self-doubt, and find balance in your adult life as a student. My practice serves a diverse range of students, from those in college to those pursuing doctoral studies.

Beth Thornton is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and completed her specialized psychiatric training at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Beth’s approach to care is grounded in patient-centered practice, where your unique needs, experiences, and values guide the treatment process. She is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment, emphasizing respect, empathy, and empowering you to actively participate in your mental health journey. Beth integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that address your individual needs. Passionate about demystifying psychiatry, she welcomes all questions and strives to make the process clear and approachable. "Empowering you to take an active role in your care is my passion. Every session provides an opportunity to review and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your concerns and goals are met. Life brings changes, and you deserve a flexible treatment approach that supports you through every season. Please note, I generally do not prescribe controlled substances during an initial consultation." Sessions are designed to be low-stress, and questions are always encouraged. You are unique, and we will take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs before crafting a plan that supports you in achieving your goals.

Life can be a tricky thing to manage. It takes many twists and turns. The weight of this world is likely resting on your shoulders. It makes sense that you are at a breaking point. I see you and empathize with you. In order to thrive when you are barely surviving, growth and healing have to happen from whatever burden it is that is weighing you down. I want you to know you aren’t alone. You matter and it means so much that you are here today. As a licensed clinical social worker, it is my duty to make sure you feel supported and validated in every aspect of life. Life is not meant to be lived on your own. I want to help you figure out how to take it one day at a time, starting with baby steps, beginning to move your life forward. Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28, Galatians 5:22-23. I strive in creating a kind, loving, non judgmental yet accountable safe place within my practice setting. I take the time to listen, and work hard to build a strong relationship so that you have someone to go to when life is too rough to handle on your own. When clients leave sessions, they tend to feel refreshed, restored and ready to thrive in life again.

Do you often ask yourself what is my life's purpose, is and struggle with emptiness each day? Are you struggling to make life decisions amid feelings of uncertainty, that you are always going to make a wrong decision? Do you question your current relationships, but struggle with relational patterns such as manipulations, attachment issues, co-dependency, problems setting boundaries, narcissism-controlled environments, and emotional abuse? At Inspired Beginnings Counseling Services, PLLC we understand the pressures of life at these transition stages. Specializing with young and middle-aged adults, navigating through a journey toward empowerment, self-discovery, and self-love. Specialized experience in life transitions, narcissistic abuse syndrome, and co-dependency. The first step in change is reaching out and exploring what could be different. Together we can work towards a life of more freedom and change and overcome the barriers that hold you back. I look forward to working with you!

My practice is heavily rooted in mindfulness-based interventions, proven effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, focus and attention, emotion management and cultivating self compassion. In our work together, you’ll develop practical coping strategies, learn to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, build the psychological resilience to live more freely and create a relationship to your emotions that allows you to remain grounded in the face of stress and overwhelm.

My ideal client is wanting to recreate the moments they desire most within their relationships and at school. My goal is to help people embrace their strengths. I do this through creating an environment where differences are appreciated and authentic choices can be identified. I enjoy helping students as they adjust to life changes, navigate friendships, and cope with school related stressors. I value working with couples as they identify ways to maintain intimacy. I enjoy helping students and their families adjust to life changes. I believe it is possible for you to experience a deeper connection. If you are interested in making this happen, feel free to reach out to me via email or by phone. I look forward to getting to know you more and seeing if I am a good fit within your journey.

Hi! I’m Mixi, a bilingual licensed therapist. I understand the impact intrusive thoughts, constant worry and repetitive behaviors have on your well-being and daily life. I have had the opportunity to provide care in private practice, school, and medical settings. This array of experiences has fostered my ability to understand clients through a multi-disciplinary lens. My clinical approach to therapy is grounded in ERP, PE, ACT and CBT. Most of the clients that I work with are navigating OCD, anxiety, trauma, stress, and/or depression. I am a trained OCD specialist and a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I am dedicated to welcoming adults of all identities. I prioritize learning about my clients to create an inclusive environment that best supports them. My goal is to teach you the skills and tools to make you your own therapist over time. I am licensed to provide Telehealth therapy services to clients in Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, District of Columbia, and Virginia. (Please visit my website embracelifetherapy.com for more information)

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Don't just survive. Thrive. Ellie Mental Health in Aurora, Illinois isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Aurora. No matter your concerns, your compassionate Ellie therapist will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.

I help teens and adults who struggle to connect or communicate with their parents, friends or partners. They might spend too much time on social media, struggle to feel good about themselves, have low self-esteem, have a hard time with setting boundaries, or struggle to put their needs before others. They might date people they wish they didn’t, but don’t know how to end things, or stop patterns of behavior. They may struggle with managing school life, work life, home life or social life. I enjoy working with these clients and helping them find ways to have a better and more balanced life. I can help you by making you feel comfortable and safe in my office to tell me anything that weighs on you, or keeps you up at night. I will provide you a judgement-free space where you can talk, yell, swear, laugh or cry through the many emotions, and ups and downs that get thrown at you in life. I can also hype you up and hold you accountable. Quit second guessing yourself that you "don't really need therapy", or that things really "aren't that bad." You don't need to justify needing additional support right now. Sometimes simply talking to someone once a week is all we need to feel better, and you deserve to feel better. You deserve to feel heard, understood and validated.

I am Dr. Lara Jakobsons + I enjoy working with college and grad students! As a therapist, I strive to provide compassionate care to help achieve your goals and lead a healthy life while in college. My collaborative style infuses empathy, warmth, nonjudgment and humor while drawing on your strengths and values. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!

Kathleen Harvey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Illinois and earned a Bachelor's of Arts and Masters in Social Work degrees from St. Louis University.Kathleen believes that it is not what happens to you, it is our attitude and what we choose to do about what happens, that makes a difference. Kathy has experience working with individuals and couples using a multi-disciplinary approach to therapy to help clients resolve life challenges which alter our ability to function in our daily lives. Kathy is accepting new patients at this time and is asking you to take a risk and seek help with what is holding you back from achieving your dreams in life and moving forward in life with joy and hope.

I strive to create meaningful and lasting, positive changes unique to you. My approach to therapy is a mixture between humorous and energetic, and empathetic and warm. I will always aim to create a safe space where you will feel heard, you can be your authentic self, and you will never be judged. I am here to help you process the difficult thoughts and emotions you are experiencing while creating a space that empowers and uplifts you. We will work together to open your eyes to new ways of seeing the world and interpreting your thoughts. We will truly be a team working together to meet your goals in therapy. I am a Clinically Licensed Professional Counselor with specialized training in trauma. I will honor your unique background, personality, and life experiences taking them into consideration during our sessions to help you gain a deeper sense of self-understanding. I take pride in providing the most effective and evidence-based therapy that will meet your needs. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and will integrate some techniques from EMDR-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing-if you have a history of trauma, anxiety, or depression. After having a personally hard postpartum journey, an interest and passion in perinatal care developed as well! To all the struggling mamas, I am here, you are not alone! I’m in the process of getting certified with perinatal care for even more effective therapy targeting these very necessary and important needs. Personally, I am a wife, mama, and fitness lover. I love being around positive people/energy and always seeking ways to better myself. I am obsessed with coffee, nature, and reality tv. I look forward to working with you! Email me personally with any questions: brandykelleylcpc@gmail.com.

SVPS serves the needs of children, adolescents, adults, families, schools and other professionals, promoting the mental health and welfare of all members of our community. In everything we do—from individual psychotherapy, to group sessions, to our nature-inspired surroundings—we strive to make you feel comfortable, encouraged and understood. And, we will work side-by-side with you, your child or spouse, to help reach understanding, strengthen resilience and experience hope. Shared Vision Psychological Services is a not-for-profit organization.

My name is Valeria Slapak Brown, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. During therapy sessions I offer my clients the space and the time to explore, define and gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships to others and to the world. Turning difficult feelings into words, helps making meaning of human experience. This is the best way to take control of strong emotions, instead of them controlling us. During these trying times, life demands can feel overwhelming. Talking to an experienced and caring therapist can bring some much needed relief. Please call me or email me for a free consultation.

College life can feel like a whirlwind—full of change, pressure, expectations, and questions about who you are and where you’re headed. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or struggling with self-medicating behaviors like drinking too much, you’re not alone. At Trailside Therapy, I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can talk through the challenges you’re facing—whether it’s stress, relationships, identity, academic pressure, trauma, or navigating major life transitions. My approach is person-centered, empathetic, and focused on meeting you right where you are. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or intimidating. It can be a place where you feel safe to explore, process, and find hope again.

Are you a resilient person who is struggling? Have you lived through a recent traumatic event or had a stressful childhood, and find yourself frequently stuck in self-destructive patterns and relationships? Is adjusting to college life causing you to feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed and just plain burnt out? Or have you experienced a sexual assault and don't know how to deal with it? Adjusting to college is a significant life transition and it's not always clear what to do next. Finding confidence in your own voice and abilities, and clarity about your own needs can be difficult when you've been through stressful experiences. I'm here to guide you back to yourself, offer you some coping skills, help you clarify your life direction and reach your goals. I specialize in working with professionals in the performing arts and other creative fields, as well as those who want to enter them. I also work frequently with people in the helping professions and social justice oriented fields. My approach is informed by my own life experience as a former professional dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, and by the study of meditation and yoga. I have been in the social work field since graduating from Hunter College School of Social work 2004. In addition to talk therapy, I use mindfulness techniques like meditation, guided visualizations, as well as attention to body sensations to help you identify and begin to move through where you get blocked. I am also trained in EMDR and utilize that technique to help people heal from trauma and other stressful experiences. **Will be out of office July 11-.**

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My role as a therapist is to provide guidance, insight, and encouragement while empowering clients to recognize their own resilience and capacity for transformation. Whether working through anxiety, depression, life transitions, or relationship difficulties, I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, validated, and supported in their journey toward well-being. My belief is that therapy is a collaborative journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. I integrate evidence-based practices with a person-centered philosophy, ensuring that therapy is tailored to the needs and goals of the unique client. Your feelings are valid, and your experiences matter. Taking the first step isn’t always easy, but it’s a sign of courage and self-care. When you’re ready, I’m here to listen.

Caitlin is dedicated Licensed Social Worker with extensive experience working with children and adolescents, including in school settings, where she has provided support to children and teenagers with Anxiety, Depression, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD. She is passionate about providing empathetic support to youth as they navigate life’s challenges. In her role, she creates a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and develop resilience. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health issues in young people, she is committed to tailoring her interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual she serves. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns while developing healthier coping mechanisms. She also has experience teaching executive functioning skills, emotional regulation skills, and social skills, equipping her clients with valuable tools for success. Whether through individual counseling, or collaboration with families, she remains devoted in her mission to empower her clients to thrive. Please contact me by phone number or email to set up an appointment! Email: canderlik21@gmail.com Phone number: 2243307175