Therapists for college students near 60611

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.

Welcome. I’m glad you’re here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, relationships, and personal growth. I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, and a genuine understanding of each person’s unique story. My approach is warm, supportive, and thoughtful while also helping clients identify patterns, develop new skills, and create meaningful change. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, grief and loss, perfectionism, self-esteem concerns, and challenges related to family and interpersonal relationships. I believe that people often develop ways of coping that once served an important purpose, and therapy provides a space to better understand those patterns, build on strengths, and move toward a more fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, facing a transition, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, I would be honored to work with you on your journey toward growth and healing.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who values creating a space of agency and collaboration between myself and my clients. I apply evidence-based behavioral therapy approaches to help teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and/or depression. I place a strong emphasis on providing gender/LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally conscious, and sex-positive care. I am committed to creating a safe & inclusive space for clients to be able to show up authentically and feel understood. I aim to empower clients by meeting them where they are at on their journey. I strive to maintain a compassionate therapeutic environment that fosters growth and healing. I provide clients with practical skills and tools they need to reclaim control and find freedom from anxiety.

Welcome to looking for a bit more help. I have over 27 years of experience working with people of all ages. I offer weekly meetings and have found appointments can really help reduce feelings of being stressed, anxious, overwhelmed and alone. Please feel free to contact me via email or call and we can chat for a few minutes to see if you’d like to set up an initial appointment. I work a schedule that allows clients to find a time that work for them weekly. I'm grateful to be able to help when needed, and have worked with young adults and children and adults in and out of schools and clinics throughout my career. Telehealth and in person sessions are offered to make the most out of your time and tailor help to what you deserve. *Will help with insurance billing

Therapy works best when we start with a strong working relationship and center our approach on what works best for you. I will always start by getting to know you and collaborating on goals. Together, we find the tools and frameworks that respond to your strengths and preferences. You are the expert on your own experience. I practice a Neurodiversity Affirming (NDA) approach that affirms the full and natural range of neurological diversity and human development, supports self-advocacy, and rejects a conceptualization of “normal” that pathologizes difference and marginalizes communities. Nothing for you, without you. I take a person-centered, integrative, and relational approach with individuals from all backgrounds, utilizing trauma-informed and NDA lenses. As a therapist and Social Worker, I strongly believe in identifying the social, political, and environmental factors that impact your well-being and the harm within the dominant culture. Whether it’s a particular life transition or the compounded impact over time, I will unpack the complexity, grief, and potential with you. It’s your story. I’m here to help you decide what happens next.

You can be externally successful in life but internally worried you are going to have a total meltdown. I want to help you get better at taking care of yourself so you can achieve whatever awesome things you are here to contribute to the world. My career spans decades but for some reason the majority of women working with me are in their 20s and 30s. I help clients get some new perspective and stop beating themselves up. You may need to make some very real changes. It can be hard work but you don’t need to do it alone. Maybe you need to get better at speaking up for yourself, making decisions, managing your time. Maybe your relationship with substances needs to change. I help clients process their stress and add coping skills to build a personal routine that improves daily life. Many women I work with have gone through traumatic experiences in the past. It is important to me that the woman I am working with directs when and if we discuss the actual traumatic events. What I have learned is that adding better coping is possible with or without dredging details. Healing is possible but it takes work and support. I am also dedicated to helping clients expand their supports even if it's just a little bit at a time. I know it's tough to ask for help. I'd rather DIY everything but I know how useful it is to have therapy while you're in school. It saved my sanity when I went to therapy the first time when I was in college. For those wanting online therapy I use Google Meet for telehealth. It is completely HIPAA compliant. I also meet with clients for Walk and Talk therapy sessions when it seems useful and appropriate. North side of Chicago along the lake.

Colette, "Coco" is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two years clinical experience providing therapy in private practice. She earned her Master's of Social Work from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before working in private practice, Coco worked in the Madison, WI school district as an inclusion specialist and assistant director, working to integrate children with Individualized Education Plans into all aspects of the school experience. Her experience in the school system solidified her desire to become an effective and compassionate child and adolescent therapist. Coco is a therapist driven to work with children and adolescents so that they can thrive in their environment. She is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice and takes an individualized approach to each session with her clients. Coco recognizes the value of understanding each person's unique experience, and is passionate about creating a safe and trusting relationship with her clients. She understands that every child’s environment is complex and unique, which is reflected in her flexible approach to therapy. She is committed to taking a strengths-based approach to her therapy practice, and aims to empower each and every child and family that she works with. Coco focuses on navigating a variety of diagnoses such as OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, DMDD, Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and certain genetic disorders. She focuses on supporting her clients with the skills to live as comfortably in their lives as possible, such as emotional expression and regulation, executive function, self-esteem, and social skills.

We are a group of skilled clinicians dedicated to creating space for wellness through thoughtful, evidence based care. Many of us from marginalized communities know what it’s like to have our voices ignored or dismissed. At Ida Lillie, we acknowledge the history and reality of systematic oppression while offering our patients deep healing and change. Our team is passionate about providing reparative care through diverse representation in a field that often lacks it. At Ida Lillie, we offer expert clinicians who support all identities in their mental wellness.

When looking for a therapist, it can often be a challenge to figure out who will be a good fit based on a bio and a picture. Sometimes there is something very specific that we know we need from therapy, sometimes we are just going in with a vague sense, and it can often feel vulnerable. There is a quote that I often return to in my work: “healing happens at the speed of trust”. When we start our work together, we will be figuring out how to build that trust and communication so that you can do the work and exploration that you need to do to get the most out of therapy. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating addiction and substance use. I also enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, and effects of trauma. My work is grounded in a harm reduction philosophy that aims to meet people exactly where they are and recognizes that we are all experts in our own lives. I won’t have all of the answers, but hope to work alongside you. I approach therapy with deep curiosity and a relational lens, believing that meaningful change grows from genuine connection and collaboration. I like getting to know people and find one of the most profound things to come from therapy is a feeling of being understood.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Ellie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing begins within safe, trusting relationships. She works to create a warm and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. Her work is informed by psychodynamic and attachment theories, and an understanding of nervous system regulation. She is attentive to how early relationships and life experiences shape emotional patterns, self-perception, and how we relate to others. Ellie also helps clients recognize how their nervous system responds to stress, supporting them in becoming more grounded, connected, and in control. Her approach invites greater self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and lasting change. Ellie is passionate about working with individuals who have dealt with various forms of overwhelming stress and trauma, focusing in particular on work with children and adolescents. She incorporates a range of modalities including play, talk, and art therapy, recognizing the unique ways children express themselves and explore their worlds. She meets each child where they are at and allows play and the relationship to serve as powerful tools for healing, growth, and connection. Ellie also strives to support parents and caregivers in understanding their child more deeply and fostering strong and healthy family relationships. Whether working with a child, teen, or adult, Ellie brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s story. ​

People often come to therapy to try to understand something: something about themselves, their relationships, or their past experiences. I enjoy joining my clients in these moments of exploration with warmth, attunement, and collaboration. I specialize in working with people of marginalized experiences and identities. If you have ever felt like an outsider because of your identities, past experiences, sensitivity, gifts, or because of how you live in this world, you deserve a space that is dedicated to your healing and growth. I specialize in working with marginalized folks including queer, trans, kinky, polyamorous, and neurodivergent clients.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Change can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but it can also be a chance to grow, learn, and build resilience. As college students, you’re in a unique time of transition—navigating new responsibilities, relationships, routines, and decisions about your future. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you let go of familiar comforts and take on new challenges. Giving yourself the space to process these changes, reflect on your experiences, and prepare for what’s next is an important part of your journey. One of the most empowering steps you can take is to explore and understand your own story. I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental perspective to help you uncover your strengths, tackle challenges, and celebrate your growth. Together, we can work toward helping you feel confident as you take healthy risks, build meaningful connections, and embrace the opportunities ahead in college and beyond. I have experience working with individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and the impacts of past traumas, as well as navigating major life transitions. I’m especially interested in helping you identify what brings purpose and joy to your life, so you can create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling. Above all, I want to get to know you—your experiences, your goals, and how I can support you along the way. Wherever you’re at right now, you don’t have to face it alone. Let’s work together to help you feel more grounded, self-assured, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

Patterns and Threads is an inclusive psychotherapy practice specializing in creativity, neurodivergence and embracing the unexpected. If you are creative, neurodivergent and/or anxious, your mind generates lots of ideas, which creates both strengths and challenges - whether that's in school, in relationships or in the world in general. The challenges come when who you are or how you work doesn't fit with the expectations of a traditional, neurotypical and linear structure. When this happens, we help you find ways to navigate these spaces in ways that are affirming and natural to you. We help clients reduce stress, manage anxiety and depression, and ease life transitions. Our expertise is in how these intersect when your mind (or life) diverges from what is traditionally expected. Our specialties in creativity: • Countering the impact of societal values and messages about art and creative professions • Understanding (and helping others understand) creativity as a need vs a nice to have • How trauma and shame impact the creative process • Finding your best creative environment and create flow • Perfectionism in the artistic process • Balancing product and process Our specialties in neurodivergence: • ADHD, Autism and AuDHD • Self-confidence and Self-acceptance • The impact of comparisons to neurotypical standards • Perfectionism and People-pleasing • Masking and burnout • How to get things done in a neurodivergent-friendly way • Standardized testing, evaluations and diagnoses • Advocacy and self-advocacy We'd love to hear from you. No matter what you're going through, we'll help you figure out who you are despite the expectations of others, and create your own roadmap to whatever life throws your way. Together, we'll find who you are - and who you can be - when you break out of what is expected.

Jefferson Park Counseling offers individual and couples therapy both in person and through telehealth, helping those working on anxiety and mood disorders. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Mental health is often minimized, yet can cause severe difficulties in life. Therapy can help you find the steps to find relief and peace. We have therapists available now to help you address what you need to in order to feel like your best self. At Jefferson Park Counseling, we offer both individual and couples therapy. We have extensive experience addressing many different concerns, including: -Depression -Anxiety -Anger management -Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -Stress management -Relationship issues -Bipolar Disorder -Life Transitions -Grief/Loss -Young adulthood

Sometimes the struggles that bring us to therapy aren't obvious from the outside. You may be the person others see as happy and confident, navigating life’s challenges with a smile while quietly wrestling with anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism. Perhaps you're feeling stuck in familiar patterns, questioning long-held beliefs, or longing for a deeper understanding of yourself. Therapy can be a safe space to begin processing your lived experience. As a relational therapist, it is my hope to help support you in reclaiming your narrative and reconnecting with parts of yourself that may feel burdened or unseen. I enjoy working with individuals who find themselves caught in patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, anxiety, or self-criticism. I also support clients navigating OCD, religious trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I use integrative, evidence based frameworks including CBT, ACT, and parts work. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are more than your thoughts. Together, we can explore what has shaped you, identify patterns that keep you stuck, and build on your existing strengths to help you feel more aligned in your purpose. Beginning therapy is the first step in that process, and I am honored to accompany you on this healing journey.

It's exhausting when your inner critic never seems to quiet down. Maybe you're constantly second-guessing yourself, struggling with body image, feeling anxious about the future, or wondering why it's so hard to show yourself the same compassion you give everyone else. Therapy can help you step out of those patterns and build a healthier relationship with yourself. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Together, we'll explore what's contributing to your distress while building practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and rooted in the connection between mind and body. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and somatic approaches to help you better understand your emotions, strengthen self-compassion, and create lasting change. Rather than striving for perfection, we'll work toward building a life that feels balanced, authentic, and aligned with your values. I have a special passion for supporting clients healing their relationship with food and their bodies. Together, we'll work toward reducing shame, building body neutrality, developing healthier coping strategies, and strengthening trust in yourself. I also support individuals navigating the perinatal journey, including pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and infertility. My hope is that therapy helps you reconnect with your strengths, treat yourself with greater compassion, and move through life with more confidence and self-acceptance.

You spend so much time showing up for everyone else that it's easy to forget to care for yourself. Whether you're balancing school, work, family, motherhood, or a major life transition, you may be feeling anxious, emotionally drained, or unsure of who you are outside of the roles you fill. Therapy can be a place to reconnect with yourself and begin creating the life you want. I work with college students, graduate students, and women navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship stress. I have a special passion for supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional changes that come with motherhood, while also helping women build confidence, healthy boundaries, and a stronger sense of self. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and empowering. Together, we'll identify what's getting in your way, develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges, and celebrate the progress you make along the way. I believe healing happens when you feel supported, understood, and encouraged to recognize your own strengths. I'm especially passionate about helping women heal from trauma, including generational trauma, strengthen self-worth, and reconnect with their purpose. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you feel more confident in your voice, more connected to yourself, and better equipped to move through life's transitions with resilience and intention.

Life can be challenging. I believe psychotherapy with a therapist who is a good match can help one more successfully navigate those challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients. I aim to create a nonjudgmental and supportive environment to explore difficult issues together -- to better understand what one is currently facing, to help manage those difficulties, and to ultimately make life more rewarding and meaningful. I have over 30 years of clinical experience and have worked in a variety of settings including university counseling centers (Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Michigan, Northwestern Univ., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago), and LGBTQ and feminist services (Howard Brown Health Center, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Women's Health Center). I maintain a general practice where I see a wide diversity of men and women for issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and identity.