Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Are you snapping at others and struggling to find space to breathe? It’s normal to feel like you’re drowning when you have so many moving pieces in life. Life is constantly throwing stressors at us and maybe you find yourself seeking a new approach. Many of my clients are people struggling with stress and anxiety resulting from never-ending changes. I have extensive experience working with young adults and people who are seeking therapy for the first time. As a therapist, I am straight forward in my approach; I will stay with you on your journey toward the answers by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I’ve been described by former clients as “genuine, decisive, and easy to connect with.” I will help you find peace amongst the chaos, prioritize your wellness, and grow closer to your full potential. Reaching out for help is the first, and often the most difficult part of your path toward healing. Only you can do inner work, but there’s absolutely no reason you should do it alone. Together, we will figure out your next steps. Contact me for a consultation. I'm ready when you are!

Hello my name is Velma Bell, Founder and President of BIW Counseling since 2017. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Missouri and Illinois. I am a social worker, a therapist and trauma survivor. I am Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 trained, Acceptance, Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intermediate trained and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am an alumni of the Brown School of Social Work and currently an Adjunct Instructor in the mental health concentration at the Brown School. I specialize in complex traumas, grief and loss, anxiety and depression and a host of other mental health conditions. My practice offers both in person and virtual options for therapy and I am in network with several major insurance plans including UHCSR.

Who We Are & How We Can Help: We specialize in helping our clients create Love, Happiness and success through positive, effective, evidence-based counseling and coaching. We can help you grow as a person, create healthy, happy relationships, and achieve your most precious personal and professional goals. Our goal is to help you make positive changes in the most important parts of your life, and create the life, love, and career you want. If you pursue any of our private counseling or coaching services you’ll be working with a highly qualified expert (of your choice) who has a master’s degree or doctorate in counseling or clinical psychology, and specialized training and experience in evidence-based coaching approaches that help you make real and lasting change. We also offer a variety of affordable classes for individuals and couples. We are a team of compassionate helping professionals, located across the U.S. and internationally. We are deeply committed to ensuring that your work with us is effective, meaningful and valuable, but also affordable and accessible. We offer a variety of fee options based on your needs, as well as online and in-person appointments. Our Core Services: For Couples: Private Marriage Counseling, Couples Therapy, Relationship Coaching and Premarital Counseling For Individuals: Private Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Coaching, Dating Coaching,Breakup / Divorce Recovery Coaching, and Individual Therapy. Get In Touch: Please visit our website for more information regarding our services and frequently asked questions. We are also more than happy to talk with you directly about how we can help! Give us a call or send us an email and we'd love to assist you in connecting with a team member who can support you with your goals.

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.

Luke N. Rothschild earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University and also completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at DePaul. Luke sees clients of all ages with specialized experience working with college students and young adults. Luke has experience working with clients who face depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, family and relationship concerns, school and career related stress, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, identity development challenges. He utilizes evidence-based therapeutic practices including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Empathy, cultural competence, curiosity, trust, and collaboration are Luke’s foundational values in the therapeutic process. He works to provide a welcoming and warm environment for each person he supports with the goal of supporting individuals in developing awareness, coping skills and resilience to attain an improved sense of mental and emotional health. Luke spends his free time playing video games both new and old, learning to cook and bake new foods and hanging out with friends and family.

College life can feel overwhelming—between academics, relationships, and the pressure to “have it all figured out,” it’s easy to feel stuck or anxious. At Beautiful Minds Therapy & Consulting, LLC, I specialize in helping students across WI, IL, and NE navigate challenges like OCD, panic, social anxiety, and stress with evidence-based strategies that actually work. Through virtual sessions, you’ll gain tools to manage intrusive thoughts, calm your nervous system, and build confidence to face everyday struggles head-on. My goal is to create a supportive space where you don’t just survive college—you thrive in it.

Trauma-informed counseling for women and mothers. Specialize in using mindfulness based techniques to reduce stress and embrace imperfections. EMDR Certified

I am so happy you're here! Higher education is challenging and comes with a lot of changes. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, or not like yourself, therapy may be a good place to start feeling better! Clients can expect a non-judgemental, empathetic environment where it's safe to be authentically yourself. We are connected by our relationships and managing/maintaining relationships can be extraordinarily challenging in college. In therapy with me, we will look at your history, how that informs your present and collaborate on ways to healthily and positively impact your future. Please reach out if you have any questions or if you're interested in working with me!

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

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

I’m Lauren Dircks, a licensed therapist in Illinois and Minnesota, offering immediate openings for Telehealth counseling. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and find healing. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and provide a judgment-free, inclusive environment where you can be your authentic self. I know that seeking support takes courage, and I'm here to help you. Your well-being is my priority, and I'm committed to helping you grow, heal, and become the best version of yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.

I love working with people who think they may have lost the plot. Who wonder if their symptoms may be a natural reaction to our society and our utter disconnection....from everything. I see you, and I get it. I think there is more to a life well-lived than mainstream notions of success. Come explore your life through values exploration and honest self-assessment, whether short or long-term. Welcoming and affirming for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC. I have an eclectic approach, which is a fancy way of saying that I don't rely on any one way of approaching curiosities. But my starting point is always from a place of your strengths, the things you are doing well, and your unique interests/wants/needs. I trend toward elements from Acceptance and Commitment, Positive Psychology, Existentialism, Brief Solution- Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Activation, Radical Acceptance, and Mindfulness. I am progressive in my politics, non-religious, and I believe that cursing is a valid form of self-expression. Humor is a big part of how I communicate and I believe it can get us through a lot of things. Despite being a middle-aged white woman who grew up in the south, you will find no bigoted mindset here. I will never pretend to understand the totality of your experience, but I do promise to see you, hear you, and respect you, while being mindful of the systemic, familial, and cultural issues that may be impacting you. I have stopped taking insurance because of all the barriers it creates from its medical model of viewing functionality and need. I know this creates a financial barrier for some, but I believe that until the system changes, its more of a detriment overall. But lets check those out-of-network benefits and see what we can squeeze out of the insurance company for you :)

Welcome! I offer a warm, strengths‑based space for college students navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, self‑esteem, academic stress, perfectionism, and life transitions. I specialize in supporting neurodiverse students and young women, and I bring personal understanding of neurodivergent experiences to my work. My approach is person‑centered, collaborative, and grounded in helping you feel seen, understood, and empowered.

We are excited about the opportunity to work with you as you journey through a major part of your life. You are an emerging adult and that comes with a lot of life transitions. Let us support you as you navigate change, disappointment, hurt, and pain, but let us also celebrate you when you achieve a goal or new milestone in life. At Of Vineyards and Canopies Therapy Services, we want to be one of your supports, so that you do not feel alone. Do not be afraid to reach out to us, so that we can get you scheduled as soon as we can. You will be met with kind and compassionate therapists, who want to provide a safe space for you to process through whatever may be bothering you or stressing you out.

Hi, I’m Sydney. Any type of schooling can be exciting, stressful, confusing, and everything in between — and my job is to help you sort through all of it. I work with students dealing with anxiety, burnout, identity questions, friendships, and relationship stress. In therapy, you can expect honesty, warmth, and practical tools that fit your real life, not a textbook version of it. I also have a passion for working with a multitude of populations. I have extensive experience not only in outpatient, but also with inpatient care that I find can be helpful in times of stress or crisis.

Hello. I am a therapist with several years of experience working young adults and I especially like working with those who may be struggling to adjust to the abrupt shift from living at home with family and living independently. Depression, anxiety and stress can creep in and before you know it, you're on an unhappy path. I think you'll find me easy to talk with and sometimes even funny. Please take the next step for yourself and schedule a session with me.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in Illinois, and I’m passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. I strive to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable sharing your concerns openly. People often describe my style as calm and respectful. I believe clear communication and patient education are essential, so I make sure you feel informed, confident, and supported throughout your care. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative. I recognize that everyone’s experiences, needs, and goals are unique, and I enjoy working closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports both your mental health and overall well-being. I provide care for anxiety, depression, and ADHD, including comprehensive evaluations and medication management. My focus is on accessibility, meaningful symptom improvement, and helping you build lasting emotional stability.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I enjoy working with young adults on a variety of presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, transitioning into adulthood, parenting, family/relationship issues, coping with the pandemic, navigating school stress, and more. Therapy is not just for crisis situations, but for helping to create more stability and purpose in life. I use a realistic and friendly approach, and enjoy incorporating humor and fun in my sessions. Therapy shouldn't have to feel like a chore, but rather an interactive and sometimes challenging experience. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel that you or your child need someone to talk to. I believe it is so important to find the right therapist for you, so let's chat and see how we "click"!

Are you struggling with panic attacks? Intrusive thoughts that get stuck in your head? Are you feeling more stressed in relationships, work or school? Are you someone that has always been a worrier and would like to change? I can help! Anxiety and OCD Unstuck Therapy specializes in research backed treatment for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders for children (8+), teens and adults. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. CBT is a researched backed treatment that is effective for anxiety, OCD and depression. CBT is a goal based therapy that takes a hands-on approach, involves problem solving and learning specific techniques to help you manage and reduce your struggles. I believe that each person is unique. Counseling strategies must be collaborative and focused on the person's individual needs, style and goals. Finding a therapist that is a good fit can be challenging, please visit my website to schedule a free 15 phone consultation to see if I am a good fit for what you are looking for.