Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Hi, I’m Kaitlyn. My commitment to overall well-being, particularly in counseling individuals with diverse identities, is more than just professional; it's a core part of who I am. These convictions shape my therapeutic approach to be inclusive, empathetic, and focused on individual empowerment. Helping clients realize their own agency in crafting their future is where the magic of therapy happens. For me, therapy sessions can feel relaxed and even funny while also being deep, authentic, powerful, and effective. Join me in a space where you can be unapologetically yourself. Support for: LGBTQIA+ Counseling, College Student Therapy Services, Stress and burnout (including among current and future healthcare professionals), Relationship and family issues, Stress Management, Counseling for Anxiety and Depression, Counseling Services to help with Life Changes, Attachment Therapy Services. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I earned my Bachelor's of Arts and Masters in Social Work degrees from St. Ambrose University. I offer both telehealth and in-person counseling services in Swansea, Illinois.

I enjoy working with clients of all ages towards their therapeutic goals. After years of experience, I am still in awe of the way clients overcome trauma and hardship. I feel fortunate to be a part of the process of healing as clients use and build their strengths through challenging times. I have experience helping children and families in a plethora of family set ups such as biological, adoption, foster care, kinship, etc. I am a Registered Play Therapist and I really enjoy meeting with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults using talk and/or play therapy!

Are you longing to feel more connected—to yourself, to the people you love, or to what really matters? It’s common to move through life feeling stuck or off-track, even when everything looks “fine” on the outside. You might be craving more clarity, authenticity, or ease in your relationships—or simply a space to reconnect with your values and sense of self. I’m Dan, a counselor with over fifteen years of experience working with students and adults navigating anxiety and self-doubt, searching for meaning and direction, and striving to feel more authentic and connected in their relationships. Whether you're facing academic burnout, parenting stress, or communication struggles with a partner or family member, therapy can offer a space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in helping you reconnect with your strengths. In my work at Middlebury College and in private practice, I’ve supported people through moments of uncertainty, emotional stuckness, and growth—whether that means sorting through persistent thoughts, easing the physical toll of stress, or learning to speak more honestly and effectively with loved ones. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. We’ll work together with curiosity and compassion to help you feel more grounded, capable, and aligned with what matters most.

If you feel stuck emotionally, mentally, or in your relationships, you’re not alone. Life transitions, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or daily stress can leave you overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you can unpack challenges, gain clarity, and build coping skills that help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach, blending CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques. In sessions, we’ll explore what’s working for you, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create practical strategies to manage emotions, set realistic goals, and achieve lasting change. Taking the first step can feel hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to explore healing and growth, I invite you to book a session through my online calendar today. Together, we can work toward clarity, relief, and a stronger sense of self-worth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you having trouble with falling and staying asleep? Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed? I specialize in working with people who are having trouble sleeping, who are experiencing anxiety, and who are going through reproductive transitions or who are experiencing distress related to their reproductive health (e.g., PMDD, pregnancy, postpartum, infertility). In my work, I aim to cultivate a safe space to hold and honor your emotions, while also providing you with new coping tools to help you process your emotions, get some distance from your thoughts, and help you engage with your life. To do this, I use a blend of evidence-based psychotherapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

My practice is heavily rooted in mindfulness-based interventions, proven effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, focus and attention, emotion management and cultivating self compassion. In our work together, you’ll develop practical coping strategies, learn to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, build the psychological resilience to live more freely and create a relationship to your emotions that allows you to remain grounded in the face of stress and overwhelm.

I believe that each person has the wisdom and knowledge within them to be able to heal and grow themselves but that intuition can be difficult to access due to our upbringings, beliefs, structural expectations, etc. I am honored to join with clients on their growth journey and provide perspective and safety along the way. I welcome clients from all walks of life and work primarily with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self exploration, and navigating the many transitions of life. I take an eclectic approach that utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Psychedelic Integration and also value the wisdom and significance of spirituality, mindfulness, somatics, ancestral connection, connection with nature and other non western conceptualizations of growth and healing. I foster a inclusive, nonjudgmental and affirming approach that does not shy away from difficult emotions. This is a collaborative relationship where we work together and rely on your inner wisdom to pursue growth at a pace that is healthy for you. If this resonates with you, I look forward to connecting with you and exploring the work we can do together.

Life can be brutal, can’t it?! Can you remember that time in life when you were happy, like top of the world scream it from the rooftops happy? In that moment, everything was right in your world and then well, life happened. Now you look back and have so many questions…What happened? Let me tell you, you are not alone! We’ve all been there in some season of life. But who says this can’t make us better! Every person comes to therapy with their own individual needs. Therefore, we adapt our interventions based on a comprehensive assessment of who you are and what you need. We are all trained in a number of different interventions and like to use a combination of our training and expertise to utilize an eclectic approach to best meet the needs of each individual person. We know that every individual is uniquely different and therefore each person should have a unique therapy journey based on their own needs.

I received my Master's in Social Work from New York University's Silver School of Social Work. I have years of experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, eating disorders, as well as different phobias. I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (EX/RP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

I prioritize seeing a holistic view of a person. I find joy in helping assist individuals find their meaning and finding balance in every aspect of their life. Whether that's physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually. I find it to be a great privilege to listen to someone’s story, and for the past eight years I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and young adults for experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and overall life transitions, especially when it comes to going to college. I would be happy to work with you whether that may be in person or virtually. I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri!

All therapy starts with collaboration at its core. Seeking therapy takes a great deal of courage and I commend you for considering therapy as a tool for self-exploration and growth. Many find that building a supportive and interactive relationship with their therapist contributes to the overall effectiveness of therapy. I offer a safe and non-judgmental environment, with a commitment to placing the highest priority on your well-being. My services are offered to adults, specializing in difficulties related to: stress, coping with life’s changes, anxiety, trauma, identity, body image, self-esteem, and LGBTQ+.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Melody Stauffer, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who has counseled children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She then graduated from Argosy University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling. Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, and crisis stabilization. Melody recognizes each client has their own story to tell and specific wounds to heal and will let her clients lead the way on their mental health journey. Melody is also trained in EMDR therapy that is helpful with patients with trauma, old or new. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

I work with college students and young adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, performance pressure, and emotional shutdown — even when they are capable and motivated. Many of the students I support struggle with test anxiety, presentations, interviews, perfectionism, panic symptoms, or the sense that their nervous system goes into “fight or flight” under pressure. Others experience anxiety and depression together, which can affect motivation, focus, and connection. My approach is neuroscience-informed and practical. I use evidence-based therapies including EMDR, ACT, CBT, Polyvagal-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients regulate their nervous system, reduce reactivity, and build confidence in real-world situations. I provide a supportive, structured space where students can develop tools to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience

I have over 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or daily stressors that leave you feeling stuck. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space where you can explore your emotions and develop coping skills to help you meet the challenges you face. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I understand that seeking therapy can be a big step, so I strive to create a relaxed yet professional enironment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered. Remember, you matter.

My approach to treatment is to introduce and guide you down a pathway that you feel is suitable for you and your lifestyle. I use my sessions to learn and understand who you are as a person. It is essential for me to identify your specific concerns and then provide psychiatric treatment that aligns with your goals and values in life. I am passionate about discussing more than medication as treatment as I feel it takes more than medicine to develop a balanced, comfortable lifestyle.

Beth Thornton is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and completed her specialized psychiatric training at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Beth’s approach to care is grounded in patient-centered practice, where your unique needs, experiences, and values guide the treatment process. She is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment, emphasizing respect, empathy, and empowering you to actively participate in your mental health journey. Beth integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that address your individual needs. Passionate about demystifying psychiatry, she welcomes all questions and strives to make the process clear and approachable. "Empowering you to take an active role in your care is my passion. Every session provides an opportunity to review and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your concerns and goals are met. Life brings changes, and you deserve a flexible treatment approach that supports you through every season. Please note, I generally do not prescribe controlled substances during an initial consultation." Sessions are designed to be low-stress, and questions are always encouraged. You are unique, and we will take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs before crafting a plan that supports you in achieving your goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.