Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Hi, I’m Loren, a psychiatric provider with over a decade of experience in mental health care. I take a compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered approach in supporting individuals across the lifespan. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, and supportive therapy, alongside thoughtful medication management when appropriate. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered in your journey toward lasting mental wellness. My process is rooted in partnership: I take the time to understand your unique story and work with you to create a personalized plan that supports growth, resilience, and confidence. My clinical experience spans hospitals, community mental health, skilled nursing, and now private practice and telehealth. These diverse settings have shaped my holistic, practical, and deeply empathetic approach to care. I’m also a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and am currently pursuing certification in holistic integrative medicine to further support whole-person healing. Whether you’re facing new challenges or working through long-standing issues, I’m here to support you with empathy, clarity, and a deep commitment to your well-being.

Melissa Mello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. Melissa received her BS in psychology from the University of Washington and her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Melissa completed her training at UC San Diego in an outpatient setting and went on to contribute to clinical research and provide services for eating disorders on multidisciplinary teams. She was also a program therapist for the UCSD Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program- a week-long intensive program for teens with eating disorders and their families. She has been trained in and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy( ACT). Her primary interests include working with children, teens, and young adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation and a certified Family Based Treatment provider.

Hello, I am a huge advocate for school and I am so glad you want to better your life! I offer a welcoming environment for students and encourage you to be open. This is a judgment-free zone. I specialize with clients whom are experiencing depression, anxiety, school stressors, life stressors, and in many other areas.

I’m Dr. Brittany Boyd, a licensed therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I specialize in supporting adults and young adults (18+) through life transitions, career changes, and personal growth. With experience as an academic advisor and a researcher focusing on Black women and relationships, I bring a unique understanding of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating modern life. I work with clients managing ADHD, anxiety, women’s health concerns, work-life balance stress, grief, and family issues. My approach is tailored to each individual, helping you build practical strategies while honoring your experiences and goals. Whether you’re navigating school, career transitions, relationships, or personal development, I provide a supportive space to gain clarity, confidence, and balance.

I want to support you in finding mental and physical health through counseling and body-centered approaches to healing. Whatever challenges you may be facing at this time, I look forward to helping you meet your goals and find a satisfying life filled with ease, happiness, and connection!

I am passionate about providing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for older adolescents, young adults and adults with OCD, depression, anxiety and related disorders. Over the past 5+ years, I have deepened my commitment to providing effective therapy through a personalized and strengths-based approach. I work collaboratively and flexibly with my clients to help develop goals in line with living a more meaningful and values-driven life. I strive to form a supportive therapeutic bond through compassion, warmth, empathy and humor. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, one of the top training institutions in the field of social work. Prior to that, I graduated cum laude from Northwestern University, with a double major in Psychology and Science in Human Culture. I have provided individualized treatment across outpatient and school settings, serving patients of all ages. Additionally, I gained extensive training and experience providing evidence-based treatment across outpatient clinics specializing in OCD, anxiety and related disorders. I enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants as well as spending quality time with my family, friends, and Sylvester (my toothless, senior rescue dog).

I am deeply passionate about helping college students meet their life’s goals. I have vast experience working with students and young adults in overcoming life transitions and managing school stress as well as family and relationship conflict. I utilize mindfulness techniques in combination with a strengths based approach to support you in your healing; however I do not limit myself to one modality and will utilize a variety of approaches that I tailor to each client to ensure their therapeutic needs are met. You are the expert on your story and I’m here to support you in managing your stressors and symptoms. In sessions you will find an approachable, warm and empathetic therapist. My main priority is to ensure you have a safe and comfortable environment to share your experiences. I allow you to set the tone initially, but as we build rapport, we will work collaboratively toward your goals. It gives me great pleasure to watch you through your journey.

Battling mental health struggles can be isolating and lonely. People can believe that no one knows what they are experiencing. You are not alone. Struggling with obsessive behaviors or destructive thought patterns? Perhaps severe anxiety and panic attacks feel debilitating. Does a past or recent traumatic event feel unbearable? Do you often feel worthless and "never good enough?" You are not alone and there is help! My intention in working with clients is to promote self-understanding and concrete skill-building, so that each individual owns their agency, and trusts their resilience. I bring a wide range of experience in mental health and wellness and have experience in multiple therapeutic approaches. This allows me to effectively use evidence-based approaches for a specific issue. I tailor a plan specially designed for you - your unique goals, characteristics, and drives. Therapy is a process, and I would love to be on that journey with you. I offer free 10 min phone consultations. This allows for us to get to know each other and offers an opportunity to ask questions. You can call or email to set up your free session. If you desire, we will set up our first session during the call and support you toward your health goals.

Life can be hard and the idea of starting the process of therapy can add to that stress and anxiety. You've already taken the first step by being here. If you are constantly feeling frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, I am here to help you figure out what's going on and move towards the life you want to live. I will support you on your journey towards positive change and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, engaging, collaborative and sometimes even humorous. I have a strengths-based and non-judgemental mindset to assist you in creating goals for therapy that fit your needs in order to cope with the curve balls life has thrown. Whether those curve balls are long-last anxiety, depression, self-esteem, etc. or new stressors such as grief, life transitions, general life or work, we will come up with a plan. It is my top priority to make sure you feel comfortable. Whether it is your first time in therapy or you are looking for a fresh start with a new therapist, new is uncomfortable and sometimes that stops us from following through with this. I genuinely hope you find the strength to reach out and begin this journey because you deserve to feel content in life.

I specialize in supporting individuals facing challenges such as mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, or those simply seeking a safe space for self-reflection, personal growth, and emotional exploration. At the core of my practice is a genuine therapeutic relationship—one built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. With a foundation in evidence-based treatment methods, I combine clinical expertise with a compassionate, empowering approach. Humor is often woven into sessions where appropriate, helping to create a comfortable and engaging environment. By taking the time to truly understand each client’s unique personality, experiences, and goals, I tailor my approach to meet individual needs and foster lasting, meaningful change. I deeply believe that everyone has the potential to create positive transformation, and therapy can be that powerful catalyst for growth. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients on their journey, helping them build momentum toward the changes they seek.

Your mind is unique—your therapy should be too. If you’re exhausted by overthinking, caught in endless “what if” thoughts, or feeling mentally drained despite appearing to have it all together, you’re not alone. Many of my clients are thoughtful, compassionate, and high-achieving people struggling with anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, burnout, depression, or major life transitions. Together, we’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck and build the skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change. My approach goes beyond symptom management. I take a personalized, whole-person approach that combines neuroscience, comprehensive assessment, and evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. Drawing from Neuropsychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic techniques, we’ll help your brain and body work together—not against each other. Therapy with me is collaborative, practical, and grounded in real life. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works, learn effective tools to manage difficult emotions, and build resilience that lasts beyond the therapy room. I believe healing doesn’t have to be cold or clinical—it happens through authentic connection, curiosity, and, when appropriate, a little humor. Whether you’re ready to quiet the mental noise, overcome anxiety, regain confidence, or simply feel like yourself again, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer personalized therapy in both English and Polish through in-person and secure online sessions. Healing is possible, and I’d be honored to be part of your journey. This version is more conversational, premium, and client-focused while naturally incorporating your specialties and approach without feeling like a list of techniques.

Collectively, college life comes with a variety of experiences and emotions. From my own experiences and research studies, anxiety and depression are unfortunately very common, whether you live on or off campus. Life struggles, transitions, questions concerning your identity, stress, and self-worth can cause college life to be a place of uncertainty. And some relationships can turn your life upside down. Seeking help, even for a short period of time, can have a positive impact on mood and functioning. If you're ready to seek help, we're here.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a bilingual (Spanish & English) trauma-sensitive therapist, I offer integrative, individualized care. My approach is shaped by your unique needs. Everyone has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to treatment. I believe in a holistic and caring approach, actively listening and engaging with you to build a strong therapeutic alliance- a vital step in healing. In our work together, my focus will be on understanding you as a whole person, shaping our therapeutic path around your unique experiences and needs. I believe that building a strong, trusting relationship is the foundation of all healing. In the safe space we create, you'll have the opportunity to process your emotions, build resilience, and discover new ways of coping. With a deep respect for your background and identity, I am committed to empowering you to improve your quality of life and mental health.

At Skylight Ascend Wellness, we blend medical expertise with heart. Our practice provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for adolescents and adults through a holistic approach that integrates medication management, therapy, and wellness support. We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders while helping each person rediscover balance and confidence. Our care is collaborative, inclusive, and designed for real life—whether you’re a student navigating stress or an adult seeking clarity and calm. ✨ Let’s light the path to your emotional wellness—mind, body, and brain. 📍 Serving Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, and Florida | Virtual options available

Intentions Psychotherapy provides therapy and life counseling in Chicago, IL via tele-health. Our goal is to help clients in their healing, struggles and suffering from current and past life experiences. Therapy allows us to see patterns that are not serving us well and gain insight on new behaviors and changes we can make to improve our circumstances. Therapeutic interactions and coping skills can help clients work through painful life events and create a new narrative in how they experience the world. With time and patience you can discover a path to living a better quality of life. We are here to help clients find meaning and understanding, as they become positive agents in their lives. Change is waiting for you!

Many of us have been wounded at some point in our lives. Psychological wounds have the capacity to change the way we view ourselves and the way we view and interact with others. Sometimes people experience difficulties articulating the way they feel or find themselves stuck in the same maladaptive patterns in relationships. Therapy can be a useful way to make sense of how your past may be affecting your emotional well being in the here-and-now by putting unformulated experiences into words to help you heal. Using a relational approach to therapy, I aspire to offer my clients the kind of empathic environment that empowers them to heal from the past, work through present-day difficulties, change long-standing patterns in relationships, and move forward in ways that are meaningful for them. If you are looking for a safe and nonjudgmental space to make meaning of your experience feel free to contact me. I value collaborating on ways to help you achieve your personal goals.

A lot of the students I work with look like they’re holding it together, but inside they feel overwhelmed. You might be lying in bed with your mind racing, replaying conversations, worrying about grades, or second guessing where you stand with friends, a roommate, or a partner. College transitions can make everything feel louder, with new expectations, new relationships, and sometimes pressure from back home. In therapy, we’ll slow things down, figure out what’s fueling the stress, and build tools you can use right away so you feel more grounded, more confident in your choices, and more like yourself.

We live in a hectic, high-pressured world. It can be hard to stay connected to one's true self when managing the stress and expectations of our nonstop culture - especially when life doesn't go according to plan. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment to help you gain perspective, process past experiences, clarify your values, and experience healing and deeper fulfillment. Together we will use sessions to set goals, identify barriers to growth, increase coping skills, and build on your existing strengths. I enjoy working with individuals of diverse ages, sexual orientations, genders, & backgrounds. I employ an individualized, person-centered approach and utilize aspects from several research-based approaches. I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy for a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions. I'm grateful for your courage and interest in therapy. It can be a life-changing process and I would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and wholeness. If this resonates with you, please reach out today to schedule an initial session with me.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.