Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I approach my work grounded in the belief that understanding the deeper layers of your experience can create meaningful and lasting change. I work collaboratively to explore how past relationships, unconscious patterns, and emotional experiences shape your present life. I often work with individuals who are navigating challenges related to self-esteem, anxiety, life transitions, relationship stressors, grief, and trauma. Through a consistent, attuned, and compassionate therapeutic relationship, I aim to create a space where you can feel understood, reflect more deeply, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.

I help people process trauma, manage their emotions and anxiety, and maximize their performance with the combination of talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Brainspotting, and/or Internal Family Systems (IFS). A Free 15-minute consultation is offered to ensure a good fit.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, depression, addiction, grief & loss, and trauma. I also help those who are struggling with transitional changes, relationship stressors and identity challenges. Additionally, I help couples' work through conflict and improve communication in their relationship.

Parkside Therapy offers in person and telehealth therapy to people struggling with a variety of issues. We work with those that are coping with academic stress, identity discernment, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. College is stressful, and you deserve some help! Reach out to us and we'll help you schedule a free phone consultation or an initial appointment.

Welcome! I specialize in working with young adults facing challenges like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and depression. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to provide a tailored, effective treatment experience. More importantly, I focus on building a positive, trusting relationship with each client. I believe therapy works best when you feel truly understood and supported. In our sessions, you’ll find a warm, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts and feelings. I love incorporating art, creativity, even dogs into the treatment space to help you reach your goals. Together, we’ll work on practical tools to help you manage overwhelming emotions, break free from unwanted patterns, and feel more in control. My goal is to empower you with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges while fostering a stronger sense of self.

I am a clinical psychologist specializing in working with young adults and students. I spent 10 years on staff at various university counseling centers around the country and now work in private practice doing individual psychotherapy in Illinois and New York. My approach combines my education, training, and own life experience to work with individuals collaboratively, with a focus on how to meaningfully and healthfully navigate life events. While trained as a generalist to provide treatment for a variety of mental health concerns my clinical specialties include working with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship/family distress, life transitions, grief/loss, and stress management.

I am passionate about working with young adults who are trying to better understand themselves. My areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Identity development with a special emphasis on Gender and Sexual Orientation, Hispanic clients, TGNC people, and people living with HIV. My therapeutic approach will vary depending on who I'm working with. I will walk you through the process of therapy, as often times it can be seen as intimidating and scary. I tend to work from a collaborative approach where your strengths are recognized, and we try to build upon that foundation. My goal is to understand the lens through which you see the world and share with you how it may or may not be helping you in this moment, while also providing techniques you may incorporate into your repertoire of skills. I bring forth my most authentic self by showing my geekiness and by adding some comedy when appropriate so that you may feel comfortable. My hope is that you feel confident in being unapologetically you in session, and that we may also talk about the things you are passionate about.

In a world that tells us to be independent and mask our pain, reaching out for help can feel like a weakness or failure. I am here to tell you that there is strength in vulnerability and that you are not alone. We are built for connection and cannot heal in isolation. You deserve to reconnect with your values, to develop nurturing relationships, and to live as your most authentic self. I believe you are the expert of your own experience, and that the client-therapist relationship is collaborative. We will work together to develop a transparent, curious, and caring environment where you can safely and creatively explore your goals. As an art therapist and counselor, I practice from a trauma-informed, intersectional-feminist, relational, and person-centered approach and have experience working with adults, couples, and groups in a variety of levels of care. I specialize in EMDR, trauma, relationship issues, self-worth issues, mood disorders, grief, eating disorders, and substance use.

Professional Statement As a clinician, my philosophy is to meet clients where they are and help them establish their own goals. I believe in empowering individuals to take ownership of their healing process, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. My areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mood dysregulation, and domestic violence. I work with a diverse range of clients from various backgrounds and belief systems, and I am fluent in Polish, which allows me to connect with a broader population. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing clients express that they feel better after our sessions, knowing that I have helped them take another step toward healing and growth. I am deeply committed to understanding others' perspectives and feelings, and I genuinely care about helping clients achieve the goals they set for themselves. Listening actively and without judgment is a core part of my approach, and I find great fulfillment in supporting clients as they work toward positive change in their lives. What should a new client know about working with you? I believe in creating a supportive and respectful space where clients can move at their own pace. I will never push them beyond their comfort zone unless they specifically request it. With nearly 20 years of experience in providing mental health services, I understand the importance of fostering trust and allowing clients to guide their own healing process. My approach is grounded in patience and understanding, empowering individuals to take the steps they’re ready for while offering the encouragement and support they need to move forward when they feel ready. What is your typical process for working with clients? I begin by providing a brief overview of the services offered, as well as a clear explanation of HIPAA policies to ensure clients understand their rights and confidentiality. During the initial session, I conduct a thorough mental health assessment, working collaboratively with the client to develop a personalized treatment plan. This process includes helping the client identify their own goals for therapy, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey. I also prioritize scheduling a follow-up appointment, ensuring continuity of care and the opportunity to revisit and adjust goals as needed. This approach creates a foundation of trust and allows for ongoing progress in therapy.

I enjoy supporting and empowering women who struggle with a variety of challenges. At times we can find ourselves feeling lost, out of control or unable to manage life’s difficult and unexpected roadblocks. I believe that the path towards health and wellness is a lifelong journey that takes place each day, one step at a time. Therapy is a courageous first step in the process of healing, and it is my privilege to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey towards growth and transformation. I use a collaborative and humanistic approach to psychotherapy. I strongly value the relationship that is built between us and recognize the safety and trust needed in order to foster change. Together we will reflect on your personal history and deepen your understanding of your emotions, relationships, and what motivates you so that you can develop a stronger sense of self and establish greater meaning in your life. We will also identify ways to navigate and embrace life’s detours so you can feel empowered to manage the ongoing stressors that arise in our world today. I believe in the importance of exploring your lived experience within a multicultural context in order to discover the ways your social and cultural identities coexist together that may impact how you move through the world. I have worked extensively with individuals who experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, those who wish to discuss grief and loss issues, explore difficult relationships, process trauma, and help those develop a sense of identity and self-esteem. I integrate many evidenced-based therapeutic techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness approaches to help you take back control so that you can reach your goals and live a more purposeful life. Teens I am extremely passionate about working with adolescent girls. I understand that the idea of going to see a total stranger isn’t ideal for some and that oftentimes teens feel forced to come by their parents. Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that teenagers today are inundated with many academic, familial, peer, and societal pressures that can leave teens feeling incredibly overwhelmed. What I can offer is a safe place during your week or month to talk about these things. I have a breadth and depth of experience working with adolescents that struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, identity issues, low self-esteem, school anxiety and perfectionistic tendencies, difficulty managing relationships, and teens that have experienced trauma. I aim to help teens find their voice, figure out how to cope with life challenges, and better understand themselves along the way. Experience I am grateful to have a diverse training background which has afforded me the opportunity to learn from a wide range of humans in need within a variety of treatment settings providing individual, group, and couples therapy. My previous training within a therapeutic day school, community mental health center, and partial hospitalization program provide me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of adolescent development, adult needs, and implementation of successful intervention approaches. My clinical and research interests are situated in supporting individuals impacted by grief and loss in many forms. I am particularly passionate about the disenfranchised grief experience, which occurs when losses are unacknowledged by individuals and society. For this reason, I take great responsibility in advocating for those who are unseen and unheard.

AVID Intimacy is a practice that specializes in Relationship and Sex therapy. We work with individuals and people in relationships to navigate relationship issues, anxiety, depression, as well as issued related to sexuality including intimacy issues, exploration of sexual and romantic orientation and recovering from sexual abuse or assault.

There are so many things outside of our control that are inevitably difficult to cope with. Even with the unforeseen situations and stressors that life throws our way, the one thing we do have control over is the way we respond to them. However, it is difficult to know how to respond when we are experiencing fear, anxiety, and other heightened emotions. I want to help people strengthen their coping capabilities in an environment that is open, non-judgmental, and collaborative. My goal is to provide support to individuals, couples, and families tackling every day and life stressors with more confidence, hope, self-empowerment. I have been working in mental health for 5 years and have over 5,800 hours of supervised and specialized experience with OCD, anxiety, and ED. I use CBT, ACT, ERP, BA, and DBT Skills to treat a variety of disorders including OCD, skin picking, hair pulling, hoarding, phobias, BDD, GAD, social anxiety, panic, depression, eating disorders, and others. I am a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) and a multi-state licensed professional counselor including Tennessee (LPC-MHSP), Kentucky (LPCC), Illinois (LCPC), Oklahoma (LPC), and FL. I currently live in the Chicago area and provide professional counseling to individuals in ALL FIVE states via TeleMental Health services. I look forward to connecting with you!

Many of us are looking for ways to find peace, be more present with our friends and family, and live in a way that feels nourishing. Therapy is an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the people we love. I aim to use an individualized client-led approach to therapy while honoring intersecting identities. I offer my clients warmth and acceptance in our work together, encouraging curiosity and collaboration that leads to living an authentic life. I like to cultivate a strong alliance and establish a safe and supportive environment to help my clients access the power of vulnerability, honoring their true selves and desires. Some of my favorite groups to work with are gender and sexual minorities, artists, young adults, and folks navigating life and career transitions. Topics such as relational diversity and identity formation are also of special interest. My experience working in the performing arts makes artists, actors, musicians, and other creative professionals a natural fit for me. I celebrate client passion and know the importance of meaningful creativity, striving to encourage my clients to feel confident in presenting a genuine expression of who they are.

We offer a strength-based, holistic, and highly collaborative approach to therapy. Specializing in relationships, trauma, racial identity and mood disorders, our clinicians provide culturally-sensitive trauma-informed care.

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.

You don’t have to carry this alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or stuck in patterns that feel impossible to break—please know that you’re not alone. It takes incredible courage to reach out for help, and that first step can be the beginning of real, lasting change. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing. I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, low self-esteem, and parent-child relationship difficulties. I understand how complex and deeply personal these struggles can be. That’s why I offer a flexible, compassionate approach tailored to your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all solution. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. We’ll focus on building practical coping strategies, strengthening your emotional resilience, and helping you reconnect with a sense of stability and purpose. Healing is possible—and it starts with a conversation. If you’re ready to take that next step, or even if you’re just thinking about it, I invite you to reach out. Schedule an appointment or send a message today. Let’s work together to help you move toward a healthier, more balanced, and empowered life.

Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist. I provide sessions both in English and Spanish based on the needs of my clients. I provide a safe space for clients to share their unique stories and perspectives, allowing us the opportunity to learn more about their experiences and their behaviors. I am passionate about empowering my clients by helping them discover the tools they need to cope with difficult times and challenging feelings.

I specialize in working with adults aged 18 or older who are grappling with anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and body image issues. They often feel overwhelmed and isolated, seeking a safe space to explore their feelings and challenges. Motivated and ready to make meaningful changes, their primary goal is recovery and healing—learning effective coping strategies, discovering self compassion, fostering a healthier relationship with themselves and their bodies, and creating space for what they truly desire in life. I support clients with empathy, humor, and authenticity, using a trauma-focused approach. A large part of my practice is teaching coping skills, addressing negative self-talk and sources of shame, while emphasizing self compassion. Specializing in anxiety, trauma, disordered eating/body image issues, I offer psychotherapy, Art Therapy, and EMDR, over telehealth only.

As a therapist and pleasure activist I strive to create a safe, accessible environment for you to connect with and express your most authentic self. During sessions, your trust and safety are priorities for me. I practice from a relational and client-centered framework, understanding that you are the expert in your own experience. With my warm and direct approach, I seek to ask the right questions to help you make new connections and provide a fresh perspective. I have experience supporting clients through gender-identity development, C-PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, gender dysphoria, anxiety and depression. As a therapist, researcher, and pleasure activist I strive to create a safe, accessible environment for you to connect with and express your most authentic self. During sessions, your trust and safety are priorities for me. I practice from a relational and client-centered framework, understanding that you are the expert in your own experience. With my warm and direct approach, I seek to ask the right questions to help you make new connections and provide a fresh perspective. I have experience supporting clients through gender-identity development, C-PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, gender dysphoria, anxiety and depression. With my lived experience as a transgender woman, I bring a compassionate and affirming approach to my therapeutic practice. I am passionate about working with transgender/gender diverse, Autistic, and Disabled clients, and pride myself as a kink/BDSM, polyamory/ENM, and sex-worker allied therapist.

Therapy is a unique opportunity to find peace within ourselves. While it may be difficult to find the right therapist to work with, I find my warm, empathetic, friendly, straight-forward approach helps my clients work through issues to find transformation and purpose in their life, as we collaboratively work to find the right approach that fits for you. I work with different types of clients. Some may struggle with challenges of anxiety, depression or mood disorders and the impact it has on their lives, or perhaps not feeling good enough. Others may be working through different life transitions, career struggles or relationship issues. We will work together to help you find self-acceptance of who you are. I also enjoy working with clients trying to navigtate different challenges unique to the LGBTQ+ population. Additionally, I have a special interest and experience working with athletes during different phase-of-life transitions with the uncertainty that comes when having to carve out a new path while struggling the loss of identity of being an athlete.