Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Do you identify as gender diverse (transgender, non-binary, gender queer, etc)? Are currently questioning or discovering your gender and/or needing a referral letter for medical transition steps? Jack Garner, LCSW is a licensed clinical therapist in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois and is a member of WPATH. Their practice is offered online where they provide individual counseling and coaching as well as referral letters for medical transition steps, such as HRT and surgeries (Note, all WPATH referral letters are provided under the informed consent model - meaning NO gate-keeping practices and it takes just one session to obtain your letter). I identify as gender diverse (AFAB, Non-Binary, Transmasc), which allows me to have a unique understanding, both personal and professional, that is not often found in the therapy world. I am passionate about serving our community and understand what it is like to question your gender, experience dysphoria, and take medical transition steps. If you are looking for a therapist who truly understands you and has 'been there' themselves - I am here for you! I look forward to meeting you and will absolutely consider it my honor to assist you in discovering and/or furthering your path to authenticity, wholeness, and joy. Please visit my website at www.JacksonGarnerLCSW.com for more information.

Many of the clients I work best with are navigating periods of change, uncertainty, or emotional overwhelm. Whether you're managing depression, anxiety, or mood swings, exploring your identity, or feeling stuck despite trying therapy or other strategies, you're not alone — and you're not expected to have all the answers. My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on what works best for you. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I primarily support clients through medication management, but I also offer brief supportive therapy and education about mental health. I believe that medication is just one tool — and not always the first or only one — and I work closely with you to make thoughtful, informed decisions together. I often support clients in the LGBTQ+ community, those exploring non-traditional relationships, and individuals who appreciate a nonjudgmental, sex-positive space. If you're someone who values open communication, shared decision-making, and a personalized approach to care, we may be a good fit. Whether you're starting treatment for the first time or returning after a break, I'm here to listen, guide, and help you feel more in control of your mental health journey.

Healing begins when you finally feel seen, heard, and understood—and that's the kind of care I'm committed to providing. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can openly share your experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, or other mental health concerns. My goal is to help you regain balance, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. With more than 20 years of nursing experience, I bring a strong clinical foundation and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to every visit. I am dual-certified as both a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, integrating medication management with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to provide individualized care across the lifespan. No matter where you are in your mental health journey, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here to help you feel supported, empowered, and confident as we work toward your goals together. I look forward to partnering with you to build a healthier, more fulfilling future. Schedule your appointment today, and let's take the first step toward healing together.

We know how hard it can be to navigate life in college, in a new environment, away from your support system and all of the varying experiences that take place as a young person. We're here to help. Our practice enjoys working with people on a variety of issues and the relationships we build with clients are long lasting, caring and filled with warmth and humor. Visit our website to check out our clinicians and schedule a free 15 minute consultation today to see if we'd be a great fit for your mental health journey!

Bethesda Behavioral Health Services fosters the personal, emotional, and social well-being of its clients and helps them reach their fullest potential by providing comprehensive clinical counseling, consultation, coaching, supervision, crisis intervention, and psychoeducational services.

I am a licensed clinical social worker offering telehealth psychotherapy to adults (18+) across Illinois and Maine. I work with students and young adults navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, identity exploration, and major life transitions—particularly those who may appear high-functioning on the outside while feeling overwhelmed internally. My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed, integrating ACT, CBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based interventions. I aim to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and can build insight, resilience, and practical coping skills. Telehealth allows for flexible, accessible care that fits into busy academic schedules and supports students who are living off campus, balancing work and school, or transitioning between home and school environments. I am happy to serve as an off-campus referral resource and collaborate with campus partners as appropriate to support continuity of care.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I use a culturally-responsive approach to therapy. We will work together to understand personal and societal factors that contribute to your everyday well-being. Through self-exploration of personal narratives (Constructivism), analysis of interpersonal experiences (Dialectical), and understanding of the intersections between our past and present (Psychodynamic), we become more in charge of our future and aware of how we occupy and share spaces with others. My goal is to guide you towards healthier mental habits that can alleviate your suffering and enable a life-long journey of fulfillment. I obtained my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the APA-Accredited program at the University of Puerto Rico and completed my masters degree in Psychological Research at the University of Guadalajara. I specialized in psychodynamic psychotherapy, studying Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Quebec at the GIFRIC Institute. I believe that therapy is a co-creation of a shared vulnerable space, therefore my role as a therapist requires intellectual humility, transparency, and empathy. I have helped clients understand how to communicate and regulate their emotions through interpersonal skills, acknowledgement of unhealthy attachment patterns, and self-regulating practices. I have worked with a wide range of clients including adolescents, young adults, women, couples, families, and people who are incarcerated. As a former Montessori educator, I am aware of the importance of recognizing the needs of each developmental stage, and I strive to meet everyone where they are. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you! Types of Therapy Attachment-based Culturally Sensitive Gottman Method Multicultural Psychoanalytic Psychodynamic Relational

For four years, I sat in my corporate cubicle daydreaming of becoming a psychotherapist. I could only ignore my calling to work in service of the human condition for so long before ultimately embarking on a 180° career change. Since then, I have come to intimately understand that transformation does not happen in isolation. In the sanctity of private sessions, I have witnessed clients encounter shame with tender curiosity, reparent themselves, uncover and mindfully address values-incongruent tendencies, reframe disempowering personal narratives, implement boundaries, somatically resolve trauma, and develop deep trust in intuition. Stigma often mischaracterizes the pursuit of psychological healing and emotional reckoning through therapy as a testament to one’s weakness. But the term “psycho-therapy” translates to “serving the soul.” Commitment to the therapeutic process, and therefore acknowledging a need for additional support, is a reflection of one’s quiet strength, humility, and capacity for self-advocacy. Within my professional purview, a person’s choice to seek therapy is an act of redemptive warfare for their soul. My clinical interests include counseling adolescents, young adults, and adults seeking support for anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, and recovery from early childhood trauma. My therapeutic style is predominantly informed by psychodynamic theory and neuroscience, however my educational and clinical experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to facilitate interventions aligned with additional modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. I am compassionately direct in my counseling approach and appreciate the injection of humor into sessions where appropriate. I have received certification in both Levels I and II of Applied Polyvagal Theory (PVT) in Yoga (16-hour) and I am currently a student in the Somatic Experiencing (SE™) Professional Training Program, seeking to complete the educational & related requirements of the program to use the Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) credential.

If anxiety, intrusive thoughts, OCD, phobias or depressive thoughts take up too much space in your life, I will work with you to uncover their sources. You can establish and engage in useful coping skills that will allow you to spend less time battling your thoughts and more time living the life you want. If you're a couple struggling with relationship concerns, I will work with you to restore harmony in your relationship and strengthen your connection. I aim to provide a safe, warm and non-judgmental environment for my clients to explore their emotions, while also feeling comfortable and validated when sharing experiences, thoughts and behaviors. I practice using evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), as well as self-compassion and mindfulness techniques. Gottman Method Couples Therapy informs my work with couples. If you choose therapy as a next step, I would be honored to work with you and support you in your journey of self-growth and healing! Schedule an appointment online or reach out with any questions.

Hi there, I'm Sylvia! I focus on providing care to people of color, women, children of immigrants, and queer folks experiencing anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, racial/cultural identity exploration, trauma, and self-esteem. The clients I work with are typically seeking out support for reparenting their inner child, restoring a sense of safety within themselves and in relationships that are important to them, and healing wounds from generational trauma. I understand what feels supportive for one person may not work for another, so I collaborate with folks creatively and invite decolonized approaches to care. My therapeutic approach centers you and your experiences. I incorporate body-based interventions to build skills to soothe oneself, regulate emotions, and live a more nourishing life. I also integrate experiential, sensory forms of processing like art therapy and mindfulness meditations to access and express emotions, trauma that may be trapped in the body. I understand it takes a lot of time and energy to find a therapist who fits your needs and understands you. I believe it’s important to create a safe space with you where all parts of yourself can feel seen and heard, which can take time. If what you read aligns with you, I would be honored to be a part of your healing journey and encourage you to reach out. If you resonate with what you read so far and would like to learn more about me and the values of the group practice I work at, I invite you to read more at https://mindfullifechicago.com. If you are interested in an initial free 15 minute phone consultation, feel free to email me at sylvia@mindfullifechicago.com or fill out the form at Mindful Life Counseling's contact us page :)

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Coffee Chat Counseling is a Chicago, IL based counseling practice that strives to make therapy approachable by providing a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for our clients. We specialize in services for individuals who are aged 13 and older. Coffee Chat Counseling was developed to provide approachable and sustainable mental health care to its clients, while also advocating for change in the mental health care system. We want to improve access to services, as well as seek to de-stigmatize mental health on a societal level. We recognize the connections between mental health and experiences of systemic oppression and are committed to social justice work, anti-racism, and the decolonization of mental health practices. Our therapists work to ensure that we maintain a safe and affirming space for clients who identify as BIPOC and those who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Coffee Chat Counseling believes that therapy should not have a one-size-fits-all approach. Our counselors have training in Art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) modalities to ensure they are able to tailor sessions to their clients' unique needs. We know that taking the first step in your therapy journey can be daunting - our goal is to be here to support you through this process so that we can work together to access your strengths, establish safe boundaries, explore different directions, heal from trauma, and instill confidence in your decision-making.

Clients can expect a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where they feel heard, respected, and encouraged to grow. In our sessions, we will work together to build insight, develop healthy coping strategies, and set realistic goals that align with your personal values and needs. My approach focuses on creating a space that fosters trust and emotional safety, where clients can explore challenges, build on their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward healing and positive change.

Third Eye Counseling is a psychotherapy practice in the Lakeview/Roscoe Village area of Chicago providing individual therapy, yoga-informed therapy, and couples counseling. Our services are wellness-based, authentic, focused on growth, and grounded in social justice. We aim to balance motivating and challenging each client towards change with providing space for acceptance and acknowledgement of strengths.

At Carlson Counseling Connection, we work best with undergraduate and graduate students who are trying to navigate the intense pressure, independence, and constant transitions of university life. Many of the students who thrive in therapy with me look like they are managing everything just fine on the outside—staying on top of classes, keeping up social lives, or building impressive resumes—even when they are feeling burnt out, anxious, or uncertain on the inside. You might be a great fit for my practice if you are experiencing: Academic & Future Anxiety: You feel an overwhelming pressure to perform, maintain high grades, or figure out your career path, leading to frequent overthinking, perfectionism, or fear of failure. Major Life Transitions: You are adjusting to life on campus, moving away from home, managing increased independence, or preparing to transition out of university into the workforce. Burnout & Emotional Fatigue: You find it difficult to rest without feeling guilty, often feeling mentally drained, overextended by commitments, or running on empty. Boundary & Identity Stress: You are navigating shifting family dynamics, roommate conflicts, complex friendships, or learning how to stand up for your own needs without feeling like you're letting others down. Therapy can be a candid, low-pressure space where you don't have to keep up appearances or put on a brave face. Together, we'll cut through the noise, build practical ways to handle stress, and help you create a balanced university experience that actually feels sustainable.

Great to meet you! My name is Kyle and I have been in the field of for many years and graduated with my MA degree in 2011. Some of my specializations and interest areas include EMDR, PTSD, social anxiety, career counseling, and couple's counseling (Gottman Method). When I am not counseling, some of my interests include playing guitar, comic book movies,diet/nutrition and exercise. A bit about my approach to therapy: I utilize an integrative approach when working with my clients with a particular emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral and Existential Therapy. While I believe that it is important to help clients alter their perceptions that surround their upsets, I also believe that it is essential to assist clients in finding meaning in life and taking responsibility for one's choices. I believe that these factors together play an integral role in the promotion of mental and emotional well-being. What you can expect from our first session: I try to be as collaborative as possible with clients. I want to work together toward your specific goals instead of telling you what to do. I also try to keep a calm and relaxed environment in session as well as incorporate humor when possible

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.

I am a strengths-based, relational therapist who works primarily with trans, queer, and neurodivergent adults. Our sessions will focus on interpersonal growth, rather than finding a cure for symptoms. I want to understand your challenges and celebrate your successes. Together, we will explore the ways in which you are affected by societal systems and help you develop skills to advocate for your wants and needs. I strive to lead by example in showing that it is okay to make mistakes, to always be learning about oneself, and to continue growing and developing your identity as you move through different life experiences. When we are through with our work together, I hope you will have the tools you need to live a sustainable, satisfying, and ever-evolving life.

If you find yourself not feeling good enough, struggling to cope with worries, traumas, and pain from the past, or wanting to learn more about yourself and why you think and behave in the ways that you do, my therapeutic approach may be right for you. Depending on your goals/needs, we will work together to increase your insight, explore alternative coping strategies, and help you feel empowered to make different decisions in life to get your closer to who and where you want to be. My intention in our work together is to see you, understand you, and challenge you to grow. When necessary/needed, we will use humor along the way! I specialize in working with adults struggling with feelings of Unworthiness/Low Self-Esteem, Trauma/PTSD, Family/Relationship Conflict, Anxiety, and Depression. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, Mental Health Professionals, Artists, Immigrants, First-Generation Americans, Bi-cultural Individuals, and the Kink community. I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Through our work together, you can learn to practice more self-compassion, feel more grounded, and better manage all the thoughts and feelings you're experiencing. If you connected to what I've shared and feel like we would be a good fit, feel free to message me to arrange a free phone consult.