Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I am a Counselor with a passion for supporting emerging adults as they wade through the complexities of today's world. I believe in a Person-centered, Humanistic approach to therapy, building therapeutic relationships based around trust and mutual respect, fostering an environment of non-judgement, positive regard, and authenticity. I assist my clients on their journey towards their goals. Working together, we will discover ways to spur your personal growth and foster a greater sense of fulfillment in your life, utilizing, expanding, and developing skills and abilities, including ones you might not even know you already have. I have experience working with a broad range of clients. Including emerging adults struggling with life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and assisting clients of all genders with relationship concerns. I particularly enjoy working with clients involved in the creative arts as well as those living with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. Drawing on my own experience living with a disability, I strive to listen and understand without judgment, and to honor your individual perspective on life and your world. I am excited to collaborate with my clients, providing compassion and support as we work together to address life's hurdles.

Thank you for honoring the voice inside that has led you here. While it may feel small, searching for this resource was your first step towards healing and growth. I welcome the opportunity to walk with you in your next steps. As an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner, I will focus our work on identifying your core values in order to shape a life path that is meaningful to you. We begin by identifying the motivators in your life. We will spend time learning how to engage with your inner critic in more helpful ways. We can work to differentiate who you are at your core from the things you are struggling to change. We can work to accept your life experiences, rather than avoiding them, by using tools to reduce the impact of the emotions that come with them. My therapeutic approach honors the power and freedom of setting healthy boundaries, confronting harmful past narratives, releasing habits and behaviors that do not serve you, clarifying the values you hold, and rediscovering what nourishes you. My approach incorporates evidence-based ACT practices including psychoeducation, mindfulness, and somatic activities. In addition to ACT, I utilize the Person-In-Environment framework to understand my clients’ stories as a whole. Women and Girls: Anxiety, Pressure, and Executive Function: We receive messages everywhere we turn - media, religion, family, friends - about what we should do, think, value, feel, and be. The volume of these external forces amplify each other, and can drown out the more quiet internal voice. You may lose track of that voice, of YOU. It can be transformational to identify these influences, separate them out, and see them more clearly. In therapy, we can work together to name these systems and understand how they’ve been impacting you. We will turn down the volume on the external, and create a safe and quiet atmosphere for your internal voice to be heard. When you can hear your internal voice, you can begin to understand what choices and values align with your true self. There is a path forward that is guided by your voice. I enjoy working with clients who are looking to change their anxiety symptoms. This often includes neurodivergent clients working to adapt to their life and environment, as well as improving their environment to meet their needs. I love incorporating practical tasks that can alleviate daily overwhelm, challenge with transitions, and perfectionism. Queer/LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Couples: Queer people experience the full spectrum of human emotions, while existing under homophobic and transphobic systems. This intersection can land us in emotionally intense and vulnerable places, at times without confidence in the support systems around us. Our search for emotional safety can at times be isolating, frustrating, and painful. Queerness is a personal identity, a culture, and an unchangeable way of existing. It is a crucial thread in the fabric of who you are. I know firsthand the importance of a therapist who understands this positionality. I am passionate about working with queer/LGBTQIA+ clients who are at any stage in their journey of self discovery, acceptance, and love. I bring a queer perspective, and will quickly understand the complexities of navigating a heteronormative world as a queer person, couple, and family. In my work with queer couples, I use an Imago therapeutic approach for better communication and understanding that can lead to a stronger relationship. I enjoy working with queer couples to find peace and support in their relationships.

At Ida Lillie, we believe that everyone deserves compassionate, culturally sensitive, and affirming mental health care. As a Black, woman-owned practice, we are dedicated to creating a healing space that centers the voices and needs of marginalized communities while welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Our goal is to offer support that empowers you to explore your unique experiences, challenges, and personal strengths with confidence and clarity.

Much of the hurt and pain people experience is shaped in relationship with oneself or others, and yet healing can also occur through safe, supportive, and attuned connection. For this reason, I place a strong emphasis on building a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship over time. I approach mental wellness from a non-pathologizing lens and view therapy as a meaningful opportunity to deepen self-understanding. I am passionate about helping people process their lived experience, supporting them in reclaiming their narrative and reconnecting with parts of themselves that may feel burdened or unseen. My work is grounded in attachment-based theories and draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and strengths-based frameworks. I specialize in treatment of OCD, depression, interpersonal relationships, religious trauma, and women’s health. I am passionate about social justice and how social context impacts mental wellness. Coming from a large, multicultural family, I bring a deep respect for cultural diversity into my work and aim to help clients feel fully seen and valued in their identities. Through thoughtful exploration and warm collaboration, I am honored to accompany clients on their journey towards healing, growth, and reconnection with themselves.

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.

Whether you’re a first-time client, returning after a break, or looking for a new therapeutic approach, opening yourself up to someone new is a vulnerable and courageous step toward healing. In my work with clients, I strive to create an environment where we can both be ourselves. I want my clients to enjoy the overall experience of attending therapy, challenges and all, because I believe that growth comes easiest when you don’t dread the process. I utilize humor, warmth, and creative therapeutic techniques in sessions to make therapy feel as approachable as possible. Whether you’re seeking a therapeutic setting that feels casual, direct, or somewhere in between, I strive to understand your needs and shape our time together to help you meet your goals. Areas that I specialize in include navigating sexuality, intimacy, and relationships, PMDD and other mood and personality disorders (BPD, BD I & II, etc.), attachment and family of origin issues, and self-esteem and coping skills. If you are interested in learning to celebrate your uniqueness, understand yourself on a deeper level, better your relationships, and heal from the trauma that has put a negative lens on the way you view yourself or others, I’m here to cheer you on along the way. I am a certified yoga teacher and an artist, and I enjoy utilizing skills from both areas in therapy. I believe in artistic and somatic self-expression as a tool for gaining awareness, and that everyone has an avenue to do so powerfully. In session, you can expect me to guide you through meditation or breathwork when you’re feeling overwhelmed or activated, or to ask you to create something to express yourself when words are hard to find. In couple’s sessions, I utilize similar skills to help open up new lines of communication between partners. Verbal communication is important, but I also recognize that translating feelings into words doesn’t always come easily. Together, we can explore ways to speak to one another that best match our style of being, and learn to navigate and trust our emotions without fear of our words coming out “wrong”. Understanding where feelings come from can serve us in changing how we react to our partners and can allow us to shape our responses in a way that is both healthy and effective. Experience I have worked with adolescents and adults from a diverse range of gender identity, sexuality, and race. In my years of practice, I have helped clients with topics such as gender and sexuality exploration, depression and anxiety, ADHD and ASD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and relational dynamics. I am also happy to work within a healthcare team, such as coordinating your care with your primary care physician and psychiatrist, because I believe mental health is holistic and intersects with physical well-being. I also have experience working as an art therapy assistant and am eager to incorporate creative techniques into sessions with clients.

You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself. Perhaps you've spent years pushing through, caring for others, or minimizing the impact of difficult experiences, yet something still feels heavy. Therapy offers a space to slow down, process what you've been carrying, and better understand how past experiences may be affecting your relationships, self-worth, and daily life. I believe healing begins with feeling seen, understood, and accepted. Together, we can explore patterns that no longer serve you and work toward meaningful, lasting change. I help adolescents and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Using a trauma-informed, collaborative, and strengths-based approach, I provide a supportive space to explore your experiences, build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and move towards greater authenticity and fulfillment. Taking steps towards healing and growth is one of the bravest things we can do for ourselves. I'm here to walk along side you as you navigate this journey. If you are looking for a therapist who will honor your strengths, respect your story, and provide a safe space for healing, I'd love to connect.

I offer therapy in an affirming environment where individuals share concerns about their current and past challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to help them gain insight into their lives, manage distress, and develop tools to create meaningful and sustainable relationships. With the support of therapy, you can move towards a healthier, more balanced life. I have specialized training and experience working with LGBTQ adults in different life phases, as well as artists who see creativity as a part of their life and a source of their growth. I have over a decade of experience helping folks find healing from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, unhealthy relationship patterns and addiction.

The Belmont DAC is a clinic that specializes in Anxiety Disorders and Depression, including OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder, GAD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, and Grief. We also specialize in working with LGBTQIA individuals and have clinicians on staff within this population. We are committed to social justice and anti-oppression/anti-racism and work diligently to be a positive organization in our community. We approach therapy from a CBT/ACT/DBT and mindfulness orientation and focus a lot on skills, behavior change, and shifting how we think about things. We are excited to be a part of this change in your life.

College life can be exciting, but it can also bring stress, change, and uncertainty. My goal is to help you navigate these experiences with care and curiosity. I believe our identities and life experiences shape how we see the world, and therapy is a space to explore that. Since becoming licensed in 2018, I’ve supported college students, Black and Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQIA+ communities, military/veteran populations, and first-generation students. My approach centers cultural awareness, social justice, and emotional healing. I’ll meet you where you are and help you uncover the tools within yourself to create balance, confidence, and clarity.

With the complexities in the world today, it can be tough to catch a breath, decompress, and process the events in our unique lives. As bandwidths are stretched thin, boundaries infiltrated, and burnout ever present, the pressures of our day-to-day lives can pile on top of each other, making it hard to find balance and reach our goals. These challenges do not need to be faced alone. If you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, grief, or addiction, together we will create a safe and collaborative space to face these challenges head-on, guiding you to feel more empowered, centered, and fulfilled. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. The most important aspect of my approach is that it matches a client’s support needs and goals. Using an integrative, trauma-informed and person-centered framework, I aim to follow the client's lead and modify our process based on their unique personality, lived experiences, and interests. I'm so glad you are here. Life is full of ups that deserve to be celebrated and downs that deserve to be acknowledged and processed. Let’s dive into this together and start making your goals a reality. I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you!

Dr. Carrera is a licensed clinical psychologist. She works with adults and adolescents to help them understand the impact of their thoughts, feelings, and actions on their wellbeing. She offers an active and empowering space to navigate issues such as anxiety, low mood, family of origin concerns, identity confusion, and cultural adjustment and transitions. She also provides therapy and coaching for work and school-related struggles, including low motivation, attention difficulties, and time management concerns. Clients working with her will strengthen their awareness of ways that their life experiences may affect their ability to cope with challenges effectively. Dr. Carrera provided psychotherapy to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Northwestern University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, where she completed her clinical training (Postdoctoral Fellowship). She completed her Doctoral Internship at the University of California, Berkeley. She graduated with her doctorate in Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) from Iowa State University, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association. She is an active member of the National Latinx Psychological Association and the Society of Counseling Psychology. Born and raised in an Ecuadorian-American home, Dr. Carrera is bilingual and bicultural. Clients can speak English, Spanish, and Spanglish in their work with her. She lived and studied for several years in England and Italy; these life experiences, as well as her identity as a woman of color working in several professional settings, fuel her empathy for clients navigating various cultural messages and social pressures at home, work, and school. She is committed to fusing clinical work with social justice advocacy alongside clients who may feel silenced, marginalized, and disempowered.

I’m a bilingual (Tagalog/Filipino) psychotherapist who creates a culturally responsive, trauma-informed space where you feel seen and empowered. I use CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and expressive arts to support anxiety, depression, identity, and life transitions. My experience as an Asian American daughter of immigrants informs my inclusive approach. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and build a sense of belonging. My pronouns are she/her.

For a long time, life may have felt overwhelming, even if everything on the surface looks "fine." You might tell yourself, “I’m fine, it could be worse,” yet underneath, there’s a constant sense of tension, exhaustion, and burnout. You may feel detached, you’ve become skilled at hiding your pain and no one seems to notice. This can leave you feeling lonely, even when surrounded by others, and stir up complex emotions like guilt, shame, and resentment. Deep down, you long to live more authentically, but looking inward feels uncertain and even frightening. What’s in that "Pandora’s box" of emotions? What if it’s too much? I believe in the power of relationship and self-exploration. With compassion, curiosity, and a bit of humor, we'll uncover the layers of your experience. Together, we'll create a safe space to explore your emotions, past experiences, and underlying patterns. We’ll build self-awareness, tools for emotional comfort, and guide you with your authentic values. It can feel like you're carrying everything on your own, but you're not meant to. I'm here to support you in a trusting, empathetic therapeutic relationship, one where we move at your pace. If you're ready to explore, heal, and reconnect with yourself, I’m here to walk alongside you when you’re ready.

Our mission at Center Focused Therapy is to provide the highest level of ethical, competent and intentional treatment to our clients. We appreciate how difficult it can be to start therapy and do not take this decision lightly. Whether you have a clear idea of what you hope to address in therapy or are unsure of where to begin, our therapists are determined to meet you where you are in your own journey of healing and growth. Interested in learning more? Email or call us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Feeling obsessive thoughts swirling around? Does it seem like your emotions and behaviors are controlling you more often than not? Life is feeling just too much? I hear you. You are stressed out. Everything you do to try and be in control isn’t working anymore. I know anxiety, relational stress, and sadness are overwhelming, and confronting it seems almost impossible. I want to tell you, you are not alone. Together we will develop healthy strategies to break free from what's holding you back. Together we take what feels unmanageable, and make it manageable. Through a focus on patience, support, and action; I will empower you to uncover new ways of conquering old problems. I look forward to partnering with you. My Background and Approach My approach and focus in therapy is to create a safe space for you to explore your experiences with anxiety, depression, relational issues, and daily life stressors. I do this through a multi-modality approach using exploratory conversation and weaving in structured approaches (CBT, DBT, ERP). In the first several sessions, I will ask a lot of questions so that I can get to know you and what brings you to therapy. Then you will also ask me questions about who I am and how I work. Finally, together we’ll identify your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve. To me, therapy is a collaboration, so I will ask for feedback along the way to make sure sessions are going well or if we need to try new strategies. I will be your supporter throughout our work. I am gentle, yet direct with my feedback. Together, we will work to identify the root cause of your worries, fears, phobias, and stressors and then through guided strategies, we will break free from what is holding you back and and build the life that you want to live. My Personal Beliefs and Interests As a long-time vegan, I am passionate about animal welfare and sampling all of the delicious animal-friendly food that my city has to offer. I view people through an intersectional lens and am explicitly antiracist and LGBTQIA+ affirming in my therapeutic practice. I am committed to providing safe spaces for clients, which hinges upon staying mindful of the privileges I continue to receive as a white, cis woman. I believe that current events have a profound impact on sociocultural norms, quality of life, and our general wellbeing. It is crucial to consider, and to name, how past and current events influence society and affect individuals, especially in terms of systems of oppression. My hope is to show clients that although, I may not fully understand your experiences, I can provide a safe space to work on your goals for therapy with support and without harm.

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.

Hi there, my name is Juan Contreras, and I'm a therapist at Mindful Therapy Services in Chicago. We have no waitlist at this time and currently accepting new clients. Clients often come see us because they're looking for a down-to-earth therapist. We offer therapy services for most issues including anxiety, depression, relationships issues, college navigation/transition, first generation college students, immigrant background, LGBTQ+, ADHD, suicide ideation, emotion regulation and expression, and more. We do accept insurance (most PPO plans like BCBS, Aetna, USHIP, UnitedHealthCare, and Cigna) and can verify your benefits before getting started. For convenience, we offer online therapy allowing for more flexible scheduling for during the day or later in the afternoon. Why wait? Get started with a free 15-minute introduction call by emailing us at info@mindfultherapyservices.net

Leslie Alton at Self-Empowerment Counseling provides Evidence Based Treatment via Telehealth for Anxiety, OCD, Eating Disorders, Depression, Trauma, and other mental health struggles. Licensed to practice in FL, IL, IN, and OK. Meeting You Wherever You Are, For Your Counseling Needs.

InTouch and Motion is a creative arts therapies practice that provides psychotherapy and wellness services for children, adults, families, and couples in person in Chicago and throughout Illinois via telehealth. Are you struggling with the many changes that come as you move through school, a new social landscape, and a looming career on the horizon? Do you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, or alone? Know that you are more than your thoughts, more than all these worries. Your emotions, physical body, spiritual connections, purpose, and relationships make you who you are and give you your identity. At InTouch & Motion, we strive to create an open, healing environment for you to explore, grow, and nurture different all parts of yourself to become an integrated whole. Our therapies include counseling and psychotherapy, art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, expressive arts therapy, and dance/movement therapy. Reach out for a free consultation today!