Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Great to meet you! I prioritize authenticity in therapy; I will show up open, honest, human, and ready to laugh at your dark humor. I am a therapist who is fully accepting of diverse identities and cultures. I believe mental health and wellness is something that can always be improved and strengthened. I have my masters degree and clinical license in social work with a history working in health care and acute mental health settings. Please visit my website listed at the bottom of the page to see my availability.

In a world that tells us to be independent and mask our pain, reaching out for help can feel like a weakness or failure. I am here to tell you that there is strength in vulnerability and that you are not alone. We are built for connection and cannot heal in isolation. You deserve to reconnect with your values, to develop nurturing relationships, and to live as your most authentic self. I believe you are the expert of your own experience, and that the client-therapist relationship is collaborative. We will work together to develop a transparent, curious, and caring environment where you can safely and creatively explore your goals. As an art therapist and counselor, I practice from a trauma-informed, intersectional-feminist, relational, and person-centered approach and have experience working with adults, couples, and groups in a variety of levels of care. I specialize in EMDR, trauma, relationship issues, self-worth issues, mood disorders, grief, eating disorders, and substance use.

Caterina Frollano, LPC, specializes in the treatment of adults and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, women's health, multicultural identity development, and transitional stress. She uses an integrative approach to treatment and is skilled in various methods of intervention including DBT, CBT, dynamic, and multiculturally informed care. Additionally, she has advanced training in prenatal and postpartum care as well as parenting coaching. Caterina has provided psychotherapy at various settings and levels of care. The diversity of her experience enhances her ability to accurately diagnose and develop effective treatment plans for the needs of each client. She understands the importance of the therapeutic relationship and thus approaches therapy with your feelings and experience as a priority. If you're ready to schedule with Caterina, you are welcome to do so directly through the client portal by visiting the Allow Wellness website: www.allow-wellness.com.

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.

Gretchen Aich (she/her), PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Gretchen has advanced training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care and works with children, adolescents, and adults, including Spanish-speaking clients. Gretchen brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, private practice, and telehealth. Her background includes supporting individuals in crisis, working in community and court-mandated programs, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. During her clinical training, she worked extensively with children and adolescents with complex needs, provided substance use and court-ordered therapy, and assisted with advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO and TMS. In her work with clients, Gretchen creates a safe, judgment-free space grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and uses a collaborative, flexible approach to care. Through active listening and evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, she partners with clients to set meaningful goals and support healing in a way that fits their lives.

can look like everyone else has it together while you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, money stress, and figuring out who you even are right now—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone. I work with college students who are navigating stress, burnout, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the weight of life transitions. Many of the students I support are high-achieving, first-generation, or carrying responsibilities that others don’t see. Some are trying to heal from past experiences while still showing up every day and getting things done. My approach is supportive, honest, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn’t about being “fixed” or told what to do—it’s about having a space where you can be real, ask hard questions, and build tools that actually work for your life. We’ll move at your pace, focus on what matters to you, and work toward feeling more grounded, confident, and in control. You don’t have to do college—or life—on your own. If you’re ready for support that feels human, not clinical, I’d love to work with you.

My ideal client is wanting to recreate the moments they desire most within their relationships and at school. My goal is to help people embrace their strengths. I do this through creating an environment where differences are appreciated and authentic choices can be identified. I enjoy helping students as they adjust to life changes, navigate friendships, and cope with school related stressors. I value working with couples as they identify ways to maintain intimacy. I enjoy helping students and their families adjust to life changes. I believe it is possible for you to experience a deeper connection. If you are interested in making this happen, feel free to reach out to me via email or by phone. I look forward to getting to know you more and seeing if I am a good fit within your journey.

Experiencing anxiety can feel overwhelming and you may find yourself avoiding people, places and things in an attempt to manage your symptoms. You may find that your world is getting smaller and smaller and may feel like you are in a constant cycle of anxiety and a mix of other painful emotions. I would like to help you change your relationship with anxiety. Through collaboration, you can learn skills to help you face and manage your anxiety symptoms, so that you can live the life that you want to live.

Feeling more overwhelmed than usual? Noticing the weight of past experiences getting in your way? Looking to move toward healing? Wanting to lean into a healthier version of yourself? These types of thoughts are common. We all struggle, at times, with how we react to different situations. Our life experiences and environments have an affect on our thoughts, feelings and emotions. I believe that you are capable of breaking patterns that no longer serve you and finding your way towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. I offer support in your growth towards more ease and grounding no matter the circumstance. I will offer you a secure space that is welcoming and open to all as well as filled with compassion, acceptance, and curiosity. I believe that you will find me easily approachable and responsive to your unique needs and experiences. I hold a relational focus because the connection that you and I create is essential for the work it takes to get you closer to what you are looking for in your life. I am authentic and honest in my approach because we are humans coming together in a common experience that requires trust and vulnerability to be able to work on hard things together.

Cassie McCarthy's therapy practice is tailored to help individuals, especially college students, navigate and overcome the challenges of anxiety or living through traumatic/painful events in their past. She also has a specialized expertise in helping survivors of sexual trauma overcome the unique effects of sexual & relationship violence. Cassie leverages science-backed approaches, and focuses on teaching practical skills and techniques to effect lasting change. Her approach is results-oriented, utilizing homework, worksheets, and real-time progress tracking to ensure therapy is tailored to each individual's needs. This practice is ideal for college students looking to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, offering tools and support to move beyond their past and thrive in their personal and academic lives. She uses Evidence-Based therapy approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients meet their goals. For a free phone consultation, visit www.CassieMcCarthy.com or call 978-403-6400

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and my Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. I am passionate about mental health and the people who struggle with it. As a provider, I aim to educate others as well as myself about what mental wellness and illness look like to a variety of people with a variety of life circumstances. I am especially passionate about the stories of marginalized populations and strives to provide accessible care. I am committed to ensuring that my clients have the resources they need to not only overcome their current struggles but to succeed and thrive in the future.

Peace in Counseling is a virtual therapy practice based in Naperville, Illinois, committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for children, teens, adults, and families throughout the state. We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, life transitions, and more. Our mission is to empower clients on their journey to inner peace by fostering a sense of stability and confidence in every aspect of their lives. Our mission at Peace in Counseling is to provide trauma-informed, culturally aware, and evidence-based therapy that helps individuals, couples, and families build lasting inner peace and resilience. We are committed to creating a collaborative space where you feel truly seen, respected, and supported in your growth. By integrating emotional, psychological, and spiritual care, we focus on the whole person and foster meaningful, lasting change.

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+.

Hello. I'm Dr. LaShara Shaw. I believe that we have basic needs. We have needs for personal power, freedom, fun, survival, and secure connections (a choice-theory perspective). Sometimes these needs are not met or we have difficulty attending to them. I think it is crucial to reflect upon what matters in your life and what you consider your responsibility to achieve a flourishing life. Sometimes thoughts, insecurities, and behaviors can be taught, and they do not serve us in the best capacity. In those instances, I believe that humans are capable of learning new things. There is power and brevity in recognizing choices, and there is autonomy to choose how to engage with those circumstances through the collaborative process. Feel free to see my Psychology Today profile, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lashara-shaw-naperville-il/845893.

I’m Christine Askeland, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I provide compassionate psychiatric care and have a special focus on women’s mental health, pregnancy and postpartum support, and addiction treatment. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and truly heard. I’m known for my warm, nonjudgmental approach and for meeting people where they are. I believe mental health care should feel collaborative and personalized, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Together, we’ll focus on your goals, preferences, and what matters most to you, so your care feels meaningful and supportive. My approach combines psychotherapy with thoughtful, evidence-based medication management while also looking at the bigger picture of wellness. I value the role of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and daily routines in emotional health, and I work with you to create a balanced, realistic treatment plan that supports long-term healing and stability.

I work well with clients who want to learn skills to cope with what they're going through as well as get to the root of the issues. As a therapist I am warm, flexible, and seek to create a brave space in which clients can bring their full selves to the room. While my focus has been trauma and trauma treatments, most of my clients are coming in for help with understanding the role their families have in their lives and changing relationships. Many of my clients are navigating how to be in relationship with parents who have different values and experiences, or maybe don't understand how their actions and choices have impacted my clients. Some topics I work with clients on include: anxiety, stress, perfectionism, over achieving, negative childhood or family experiences, and issues around identity. Some of my clients want to learn concrete skills for managing where they are at in their lives, while others want to get into the depths around who they are and why they do what they do. For both I show up consistently as a sounding board who provides gentle and often direct feedback.

Equip is the leading evidence-based virtual eating disorder treatment program on a mission to ensure that everyone with an eating disorder has access to treatment that works. Built by clinical experts in the eating disorder field and those who have experienced eating disorders firsthand, Equip fills the gaps in today’s insufficient eating disorder landscape. We provide fully virtual, evidence-based treatment through a multidisciplinary care team (which includes a medical provider, therapist, dietitian, and trained mentors), allowing each patient to achieve full recovery without disrupting their life. We treat patients of all ages and diagnoses in all 50 states, and we accept most insurance plans.

You may look like you’re keeping it together on the outside, but inside you’re exhausted from overthinking, carrying stress, and trying to manage emotions that feel bigger than you can explain. Maybe you’ve learned to push through, stay busy, or take care of everyone else while ignoring what’s happening in your own mind and body. I work with clients who are tired of surviving on autopilot. Many are navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, difficult relationships, or major life changes, and often feel stuck in patterns they understand logically but can’t seem to change. They may feel emotionally drained, disconnected from themselves, or frustrated that they’re struggling even when they’re doing “all the right things.” Therapy with me is a space to be real without judgment. You don’t have to minimize your experiences, make them sound less serious, or show up with the perfect words. Together, we can make sense of what’s beneath the overwhelm, understand the patterns that keep repeating, and create meaningful change that feels sustainable — not performative. If you’re used to being the strong one, the self-aware one, or the one who holds everything together while quietly falling apart, you don’t have to keep doing it alone.

Many of the clients I support are college or graduate students and athletes, who are overwhelmed and struggling to create balance and peace of mind throughout the various obstacles and pressures they face. They’re dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, low self-confidence, relationship challenges, school or sports performance issues, injuries, life transitions, and more. As a former high school social worker, women's basketball coach, and student-athlete, I have a deep understanding of the numerous challenges that go along with academics and sports. By using a collaborative, holistic, and strengths-based approach, I will tailor your therapy sessions to fit your own unique values, needs, and goals. I provide sports psychology tools for athletes and both in-person and online therapy, so you can conveniently access support amidst your busy schedule. Reach out to schedule a 15-minute complimentary consultation call. I can't wait to help you reach your goals!

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!