Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Are you having trouble navigating big questions about who you are? Or where are you going? Are you anxious about where you fit in? Or ask yourself, “do I even belong?” I have a passion for supporting BIPOC individuals, specifically Latiné, Black, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ individuals. My role is to create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. As a Latino and queer therapist, I deeply understand the pressures many students face, whether that is anxiety, depression, financial stress, imposter syndrome, or trauma. Many of us grow up carrying a ton, and college can bring both new opportunities and new challenges. I help individuals explore the root causes of their struggles by tapping into their unique strengths. My approach is collaborative and creates change which helps gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. If you are figuring out your identity, dealing with stress, or just feeling overwhelmed and unsure then I want to emphasize that you are not alone. I want to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self, be heard without judgment, and start to build the life you want. I believe in walking alongside my clients as they work through what is hard and discover what is possible.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with college students, emerging adults, and professionals navigating anxiety, identity concerns, workplace stress, career exploration, and life transitions. I see therapy as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself during moments of uncertainty or change. My approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and presence, and I value being sincere and direct while maintaining warmth and thoughtful reflection. I aim to create a supportive, respectful therapeutic space where clients feel understood and empowered. My work integrates psychotherapy with mindfulness-informed and holistic practices that support self-awareness, grounding, and connection. I’m drawn to approaches that invite clients to slow down, tune in, and build a more intentional relationship with themselves, while honoring the whole person beyond symptoms alone. I completed my doctoral internship at Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Headspace Health. I hold a PhD in Psychology from Tennessee State University’s APA-accredited program and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. I am also certified in Mental Health Coaching.

I work with college and graduate students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted—even when things look “fine” on the outside. Many of my clients are high-functioning, thoughtful, and self-aware, yet struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship patterns, or a persistent sense that something isn’t quite right. My approach is psychodynamic, meaning we look beyond symptom management to understand the underlying emotional patterns, relationships, and life experiences shaping how you feel and function today. Therapy becomes a space to slow down, reflect, and make sense of internal conflicts that often get pushed aside in the pressure-filled environment of academic life. Students often come to me during periods of transition—starting or finishing school, navigating independence, questioning identity or values, or managing the emotional toll of performance expectations. Rather than offering quick fixes, I focus on helping clients develop insight, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self that extends well beyond college.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck? When anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma take hold, life can feel heavy—like you're carrying a burden no one else sees. Maybe you’re doing your best just to get through the day, but inside, it feels like something’s missing or too much to manage. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there is a way forward. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down and uncover the strengths you already carry within you. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and truly supported. Healing isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My approach is holistic and person-centered, integrating your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Together, we’ll develop practical tools to manage life’s challenges, build resilience, and help you reconnect with yourself and what matters most. If you're ready to take that first step toward a more grounded, fulfilling life, I’m here to walk alongside you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation—I’d be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I am currently accepting new clients! Seeking therapy and finding a professional you trust can be difficult, even overwhelming. I aim to ease this transition by creating a nonjudgmental, flexible, and supportive space for our sessions- one that promotes your growth and healing. I believe meaningful change starts with meaningful relationships. As such, I will partner with you to build an alliance that fosters curiosity, strength, and resilience. I value depth-based work and use an integrative, individualized approach to therapy. Inherent in this approach is diligently staying attuned to your goals and what you need from our sessions. I work with individuals (16+ years old) and couples who are struggling with problems related to life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationships. I also have experience exploring gender and sexuality, LGBTQ+ issues, problematic eating patterns, and sexual/relational trauma. I am honored to work with individuals holding many identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. I especially enjoy working with students, creative minds, or anyone trying to untangle the meaning of life. If you think we may be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out and look forward to hearing from you.

I have worked with college students and young adults since 2017 providing outpatient counseling in settings such as a college counseling center, nonprofit agency, and private practice. I work with goals such as building healthier relationships, including managing difficult family dynamics, developing independence from family, exploring dating or building healthy romantic relationships, or navigating friendships and relationships with people they see at school and work. In addition, many of my clients are navigating their relationship with themselves! I particular love working with clients who are exploring sexuality and gender identity, religion and spirituality, socioeconomic class dynamics, and their understanding of self in a political context. I have worked with a lot of young people who identify as artists and activists, high achievers, and young people who are coping with life as an adult child of an alcoholic.

Hi! Like many therapists, I'm a 30-something cis, white woman who likes earth tones and metaphors. I especially enjoy working with individuals with mood disorders, complex trauma, chronic illness, and psychosis, as well as those who identify as artists/creatives and recovering perfectionists. I draw from various modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Health at Every Size (HAES), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. However, my most impactful training has happened in conversation with clients themselves. I recognize how my identities contribute to a power differential with my clients, especially when working with marginalized populations. I work to interrupt this power differential whenever possible by being antiracist in my work and prioritizing humility and transparency. I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is key to any kind of growth and change, and therefore first honor creating an authentic relationship with the clients I work with.

Empowering Options is one of the most effective counseling approaches because our philosophy is to be uniquely on the side of the client. We concentrate on helping you learn, explore, and create your options. Options are in the perspective – the beliefs that you view yourself and the world through. As children, we believe what the adults in our lives told about the world and especially about ourselves. This profoundly affects us as adults. The way we view ourselves, our level of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and how we act in our lives and in our intimate relationships. The view we are given of ourselves determines our levels of self-esteem, and self–acceptance, and is one of the main reasons for problems in our relationships, with our partners, and in our parenting. Most of us were unintentionally taught, from a very young age, to think and feel against ourselves. So we do not have an objective view of ourselves and little compassion for how we handle the challenges we face. No charge for the first session to make sure it's a good fit. See the website for all other info.

Dr. Sarah Sanders is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the boutique mental health practice, Allow Wellness. She is a specialist in treating depression, various anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and identity development concerns. She has been working with the mental health needs of graduate and undergraduate students of the Chicagoland area since 2006. Please visit the Allow Wellness website to learn more: www.allow-wellness.com.

College can feel overwhelming — between classes, internships, friendships, and trying to figure out who you are and where you’re headed. Many students I work with describe feeling anxious, burnt out, or stuck in old patterns that don’t change no matter how hard they try. Others notice that underneath the stress is a sense of loneliness or pressure to have it all together. I work best with students who are curious about going deeper — not just learning coping strategies, but really understanding themselves and healing the patterns that get in the way of feeling connected and confident. If you’ve tried surface-level tools and still feel like something’s missing, this may be a good fit. Together, we’ll create a space that feels supportive, creative, and real — so you can grow in ways that last well beyond college.

I can work with a variety of clients who are looking for an empathic connection which allows them to understand themselves better and solve problems. Students I have seen are dealing with academic pressures, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, transitions, self esteem etc. Each situation is unique.

Anxiety fights dirty. When anxiety gets out of control, it can feel like a bully, always pushing you around. I get it, I’ve been there. When you’re really in it, you feel stuck and worse still, it can feel like there’s no way out. Constantly living in survival mode doesn’t feel much like living at all. The good news is that you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Together we can push back against anxiety and get your life back. We can use tried and true methods to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and get you out of survival mode. Imagine being more present and connected to life, feeling more like yourself again. More at ease, as you look to the future with a renewed sense of confidence and hope. A way forward is actually, finally here. If you’re ready to change your relationship with anxiety and want to stop living in survival mode. Let’s talk. Give me a call and let’s get to work.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a licensed therapist that specializes in anxiety, depression and ADHD. My goal as a therapist is to help people grow and reach their full potential. Wether you're having a hard time adjusting to changes in life or you need help learning that your challenges don’t have to be roadblocks, I am here to help. I take a client centered approach to therapy and focus on each clients specific needs. I believe everyone has the potential to overcome the challenges they face in life and with the right support and tools we can make that happen. I am empathetic and passionate about what I do and I strive to make a difference in each clients life. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

Not every storm is visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Whether it's the whirlwind of ADHD, the quiet complexities of autism, or the relentless loop of anxious thoughts, I help individuals navigate what others often don’t see. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients and those managing anxiety, with a deep commitment to honoring each person’s unique wiring. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based and scientifically proven practices tailored to your lived experience. We work together to customize therapy to meet you where you are—authentically, collaboratively, and with curiosity. In our work together, you’ll find a space that’s safe, curious, and empowering. I aim to guide my clients through the messiness of growth with compassion and clarity—helping them build self-understanding, reduce overwhelm, and rediscover their inner calm. To me, therapy is not about “fixing” but empowering—offering tools, insight, and support I’ve had the honor of walking alongside clients of all backgrounds as they reclaim confidence, build coping skills, and find language for what once felt unspeakable. Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible—and you're not alone in the journey. Together, we’ll make space for growth, resilience, and meaningful change.

As a Syrian living in Chicago, I am sensitive to issues of race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, and religion and their influence on mental health. Therapy is one of the rare safe spaces to explore sensitive cultural identity topics. Where you can explore your sense of belonging and recreate your place in this world and how you want to be in it. We cannot change the past but we can change our relationship with the past, which ultimately shifts our present and future.

Andrew Clavijo, PMHNP, is a skilled and compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in the treatment of bipolar disorder. He brings extensive expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation to develop personalized, evidence-based care plans that align with each patient’s unique needs and goals. Through telehealth, Andrew offers accessible and flexible mental health support, ensuring patients can receive expert care from the comfort of their homes. He also partners with major insurance providers to make treatment both affordable and convenient, helping patients focus on their progress without financial concerns. Whether newly diagnosed or managing ongoing challenges, Andrew Clavijo provides empathetic, tailored care designed to improve emotional stability, foster well-being, and support a balanced, fulfilling life.

With over 30 years of direct service, experience of parenting and personal experiences. David is highly qualified to address a wide range of DSM five diagnosis as well as issues related to development impersonal enlightenment. in addition to being a nationally certified school, social work specialist, license clinical social worker David possesses certifications in meditation and Ayurvedic health. David utilizes an eclectic array of strategies and tools to help clients become their best selves.