Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Now accepting new clients ages 12-25 with immediate availability! It is exhausting to navigate the challenging waters of young adult anxiety or depression with all of the effort that comes along with college and the transition into or out of it. We understand. That’s why you can count on our clinicians and every single care coordinator on our team. We are ready to equip you with the tools, resources, support, and the best therapy for teens and young adults.

Are you feeling stuck, disconnected from yourself, or unsure about your next steps? Maybe you’re questioning who you are, what you want, or where you truly belong. The weight of the world, especially the current political and social climate, can make it even harder to find your footing. You're not alone in this. You're likely here because you’re ready to feel more like you again. I work with creatives, deep thinkers, and sensitive folks who are ready to reconnect with their authentic self and make meaningful changes. You don’t need to be “ready” or “perfect”; just willing to show up and do the work together. In our work together, I combine art therapy, body-based (somatic) practices, neuroscience, and spirituality, all grounded in a decolonial, feminist, and strengths-based lens. I specialize in supporting people navigating complex trauma, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. My approach is holistic and honors your unique story, identity, and cultural background. I’m a first-gen, queer, bilingual (English/Spanish), trauma-informed therapist offering talk therapy & art therapy to support healing on your terms. Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It’s a space to be human, to be seen, and to grow. Curious about working together? Let’s start with a free 15-minute consultation: onelovestudio.clientsecure.me/request/clinician

Don't just survive. Thrive. Ellie Mental Health in Aurora, Illinois isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Aurora. No matter your concerns, your compassionate Ellie therapist will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.

In my 15 of years providing therapy, I have worked with various individuals experiencing different life challenges. The goal is to create a connection and from that connection build a bridge to healing and recovery. I believe that we are all seeking radical acceptance and radical belonging. Systemic oppression significantly impacts mental and physical wellness. I strongly believe it is not that a person needs to be "fixed". Marginalized and oppressed folx need support, space, agency, and tools to navigate an increasingly hostile and toxic environment. Social justice drives the work that I do personally and professionally. I specialize in the following: -Anxiety -Depression -Bipolar – Complex Trauma LGTBQIA+ -Women’s Issues -Oppression-Based Trauma -Racial Identity Challenges -Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Letters -Gender Affirming Surgery Letters Therapy is not about weakness, it’s about strength. The courage to face the pain, accept it, and continue on despite it. We are on a journey together, one that includes tears and laughter. Authenticity in terms of my own experience and journey, along with the use of humor, allows me to create warm, safe space in order to develop a strong therapeutic bond.

At Nafs Harmony, our goal is to prioritize your mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, I believe prioritizing your self is the key to happiness and stability. Taking the step to seek help is the most important step. I have been practicing for the past 8 years, but in the last half, I have shifted my main focus to female clients aged 14-55 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and prenatal/postpartum life. We will begin our journey together with an introductory session, where you will have the opportunity to share your story and goals for therapy. Together, we will explore these objectives with the goal of empowering you to achieve them. I am to create a warm and welcoming environment that encourages you to feel comfortable sharing and being vulnerable while also providing a sense of security. As a South-Asian therapist, I understand the cultural nuances and stigma that can surround mental health in diverse communities. I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment where you can embrace your diversity and work toward finding joy, peace, and fulfillment. Once we choose to work together, we'll function as partners in your therapeutic journey. It is essential to me that we maintain open communication and that you feel respected in our relationship. I will be there to listen to you, challenge you, and support you throughout the process.

Adulthood comes along with a lot of invisible changes that you won't find a college course about. From changes in those lifelong relationships and family dynamics as you find your own place in the world, which require new effort & boundary setting. To all the what if's about your future that make it feel like you're so behind if you don't have an answer NOW. Alternatively, if your career plans ARE clear, it can create a lot of pressure to succeed. On top of managing a schedule that's much more flexible & a course load that actually matters, this time can be filled with stress and uncertainty. We are here to walk through these unknowns with you & help you find your footing.

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

Hello. I am a therapist with several years of experience working young adults and I especially like working with those who may be struggling to adjust to the abrupt shift from living at home with family and living independently. Depression, anxiety and stress can creep in and before you know it, you're on an unhappy path. I think you'll find me easy to talk with and sometimes even funny. Please take the next step for yourself and schedule a session with me.

I am a double board certified psychiatrist and have been 22 years of experience providing psychiatric care in a variety of settings including outpatient and hospital settings. I see adult patients and address a number of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and OCD. My areas of interest include the treatment of mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) and psychiatric issues associated with other medical conditions.

I believe in using a holistic, collaborative approach that focuses on client’s strength in order to promote progress and healing. I recognize that facing fears and challenges can be an incredibly difficult process. Therefore, I believe it is imperative to hold a balance of warmth and compassion, as well as honesty and authenticity, to help individuals achieve their goals. In my work I use a myriad of evidence-based treatments to individually tailor care to my clients; yet, additionally I acknowledge there is no “one size fits all” approach. This distinction informs the devotion, care, and time I take to ensure my clients feel empowered in their treatment

Anjuli Maharaj Shah is welcoming new patients for video appointments. As a holistic provider, she integrates non-pharmacologic approaches in addition to medication in her psychiatric treatment. She has a particular interest in nutritional psychiatry. In addition, Dr. Shah has had focused training in various therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. She utilizes such therapeutic approaches in medication management appointments as well as dedicated therapy sessions. Dr. Shah celebrates diversity; many of her patients are adults with non-traditional backgrounds. Her approach is culturally sensitive, taking full account of the impact of environmental and social factors on mental heath. She is committed to destigmatizing mental health and enjoys educating the public about psychiatric treatment.

I am a compassionate and driven Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based mental health care that honors each patient’s dignity and lived experience. As a psychiatric nurse for 23 years, I bring strong clinical expertise in psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, while building trusting therapeutic relationships that promote healing and resilience. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, patient-centered care and collaborative teamwork to support meaningful recovery and stability, long-term. I am committed to advocating for and de-stigmatizing mental illness through professionalism, empathy, and clinical excellence.

Welcome to Courageous Spaces! Courageous Spaces is an online wellness community and clinical practice, supporting individuals with a personalized comprehensive plan to improving and maintaining optimal parenting wellness. We specialize in helping you navigate the challenges of life with care and support.

I am an Indian and Pakistani cis-gender woman from an immigrant family and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) and am a Provisionally Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P). I love working with people from different backgrounds and various identities attempting to preserve a sense of authentic self in the Western world. I have a strong background working with immigrant children, their families, as well as individuals of any age desiring self-acceptance, self-esteem, and support surrounding anxiety and depression. Due to my experience navigating the various parts of myself, I am passionate about serving those with opposing or oppressed identities such as those within the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ community. I am trilingual in Hindi/Urd’u, Spanish, and English and offer sessions in all three languages. Our various identities as individuals can sometimes pull us in opposite directions (opposing forces), occasionally forcing us to put forth different versions of ourselves and keeping our authentic selves hidden. This can cause much anxiety and panic, especially in a society where defining and boxing in individuals is the norm. As a child of an immigrant family, I am keenly aware of immigration-related anxiety and maintaining a balance between your culture and the Western world. Sometimes life can throw our internal compass/intuition off balance; for this reason, I integrate ancestral, intuitive, somatic, and spiritual practices and wisdoms into the healing process. I am passionate about increasing your sense of self-empowerment and using your authentic voice to advocate for yourself and your identities to inspire the changes you deem necessary within your community. Values and Approach It is incredibly important to me to operate from a culturally critical perspective, always questioning and expanding my understanding of one’s identities and cultures.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life can be a tricky thing to manage. It takes many twists and turns. The weight of this world is likely resting on your shoulders. It makes sense that you are at a breaking point. I see you and empathize with you. In order to thrive when you are barely surviving, growth and healing have to happen from whatever burden it is that is weighing you down. I want you to know you aren’t alone. You matter and it means so much that you are here today. As a licensed clinical social worker, it is my duty to make sure you feel supported and validated in every aspect of life. Life is not meant to be lived on your own. I want to help you figure out how to take it one day at a time, starting with baby steps, beginning to move your life forward. Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28, Galatians 5:22-23. I strive in creating a kind, loving, non judgmental yet accountable safe place within my practice setting. I take the time to listen, and work hard to build a strong relationship so that you have someone to go to when life is too rough to handle on your own. When clients leave sessions, they tend to feel refreshed, restored and ready to thrive in life again.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Sara Pelaez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional practicing in Georgia, Illinois, and Florida. She works with individuals and couples with a focus on students. Many of her clients have found great success in their personal and college lives, but struggle to feel connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. Sara is particularly sensitive to clients facing present-past trauma, moments of transition, relationship or emotional issues when the delicate balance can seem to tremble, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt can emerge. Sara’s approach is rooted in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotional Focus Therapy. These are evidence-based approaches that focus on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected so that they can begin to make a targeted change. It is a bottom-up/top-down approach that provides a 360 view of the client's inner world. She works to help clients understand their physical response to external stressors, and begin to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change. Sara is focused on ensuring that her clients see real progress: her style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. A trauma-informed therapist, Sara is sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges and works closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion. Sara’s first priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned telehealth provider, she offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.

Hi! I'm Sumin (she/her). Who said therapy cannot be fun? With me, you’ll find yourself laughing, creating, realizing, and sometimes sharing good tears. Maybe you’re starting school, adjusting to a new country or community, exploring your identity, or trying to balance creativity, responsibility, and perfectionism. Together, we’ll explore who you are, practice self-love, and work through challenges with compassion. I specialize in supporting college students, especially underrepresented students, including international, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and First-Generation students. I am also passionate about helping adults working through childhood trauma, teens who have experienced bullying, artists, single parents, and individuals who are navigating academic or career stress, transitions, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. As a bilingual immigrant therapist and formerly international student, I understand how hard it is to adjust to new systems while trying to stay true to yourself. My approach is grounded, approachable, and evidence-informed: as a certified art therapist, I blend art therapy, talk therapy, and somatic tools (like breathwork and grounding practices) tailored to your needs. You won't need to bring the “right” words—I’ll help you access insight through images, movement, and your own embodied experience. Together, we’ll explore what feels stuck and what feels possible for you. I’ll help you reconnect with your creativity, soothe anxiety, build self-compassion, and feel more firmly rooted in your values and identity. If you’re still reading this, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Reaching this point is no small thing. By exploring support, you’ve already begun your healing journey, and I’m proud of you for honoring yourself in this way. I’ll be with you to create a safe space as you explore your identity, memories, and the emotions they carry. I would love to be part of your journey, toward celebrating your identity, honoring your story, and discovering that what makes you different is, in fact, your greatest strength. If something in this profile resonates with you, I’d love to connect. I accept BCBS, Aetna, University of Chicago Student Insurance, and Out-of-Network plans. Please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation call to see if we're a good fit! 미국 보험에 대해 잘 모르시거나, 심리 상담이 정확히 무엇인지 낯설게 느껴지시나요? 제가 차근차근 안내해드리고, 보험 적용 여부 확인과 처리도 함께 도와드리니 부담 없이 연락 주세요.

I have worked in crisis intervention with survivors of trauma, military families, children, teens, and adults for over 25 years. I am here to support individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. I can help clients develop a solution-focused approach to solving problems. I am a compassionate and caring therapist who works with where you are at. I am a trauma-certified therapist who believes in working with a client-centered approach. If you need emotional support and someone open-minded, supportive, and understanding, then I welcome the opportunity to work with you.