Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
College Life—Balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, and your mental health can feel like too much. Have you ever felt like everyone else has it figured out while you’re just trying to keep it together? You’re not alone. College is an exciting chapter, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, loneliness, and pressure to succeed. Sometimes you need a space that’s just for you—where you can process everything without judgment. ✅ How I Help I help college students: ✔ Manage anxiety and overwhelming stress ✔ Cope with relationship issues or breakups ✔ Navigate homesickness and adjusting to campus life ✔ Set boundaries and prioritize self-care ✔ Build confidence and self-identity My approach is supportive, down-to-earth, and solution-focused. Whether it’s your first time in therapy or you’re coming back, I’ll meet you where you are and help you create practical strategies for relief and growth.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Between the pressures of social media, constant distractions, and the growing sense of disconnection in our relationships, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what brings you peace. If you’ve been feeling lost, uncertain, or simply not like yourself, you’re not alone. Therapy can be a space to slow down, breathe, and start finding your way back to balance. Together, we’ll work at your pace to navigate life's mental, emotional and physical obstacles to help you feel more grounded, more confident, and more connected to the person you want to be. My passion lies in supporting individuals navigating life's challenges. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, anger or relationship issues, I’m here to listen, support and walk alongside you. Together we'll work to better understand your experiences, develop healthy coping tools and create meaningful changes that allow you to feel more at ease. I believe therapy works best when built on trust, authenticity and genuine connection. Everyone’s story is unique, and I take the time to understand what matters most to you. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to move forward. I'f you're ready, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
I work with clients who are feeling stuck, lost, and struggling to move forward with their life. Seeking help might be intimidating, but therapy can be a space to receive support with navigating the constant struggles of life, and it can be an empowering journey of finding meaning and thinking more thoughtfully about your relationship with yourself and others. This is why I value creating a strong and authentic therapeutic relationship to support your growth and empower you to create the change you desire. I utilize various techniques that are tailored to your specific needs, and I strive to create a warm environment where we can explore different topics and work towards your goals together. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I assist my clients with managing professional and academic concerns, creating healthier habits, finding balance, and feeling more fulfilled with their lives. I also offer couples therapy for those seeking to improve intimacy, communication, trust, and emotional closeness with their partners. Additionally, I’m passionate about working with international students and immigrants, a path close to my heart as a former international student from Italy. This firsthand experience of navigating the immigration system and adjusting to a different culture has shaped my approach to therapeutic work, ensuring sensitivity to my clients’ unique experiences, beliefs, and marginalized identities. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton. I have previously worked in hospitals and community mental health settings, and I especially enjoy working with college and graduate students, international students, early and mid-career professionals, and couples. I also offer therapy in Italian.
Therapy at The Powers Mindset is practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real life. We focus on understanding what’s actually driving stress and anxiety, then building tools that help you feel more steady, clear, and in control. Sessions are supportive and direct. We work on emotional regulation, boundaries, and coping strategies you can use outside the therapy room. The goal isn’t perfection or constant positivity, it’s feeling better and functioning with more ease.
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My ideal clients are queer, neurodivergent folks with a history of trauma. They may struggle with self-acceptance, navigating relationships, or managing emotional overwhelm. Their needs include validation, trauma-informed care, coping strategies, and support in embracing their unique identities. Their goals are healing, reclaiming their power, and building a sense of community. They want to feel empowered, seen, and safe—so they can live authentically, cultivate self-trust, and thrive despite the challenges they face in a world that often marginalizes them. I specialize in EMDR, somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients process trauma, regulate emotions, and heal from past wounds. Using these modalities, I guide clients in reconnecting with their bodies, integrating fragmented parts of themselves, and fostering self-compassion to create lasting emotional transformation. I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate trauma, identity, and emotional struggles on your own. You deserve a space where you’re seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can explore healing through trauma-informed techniques like EMDR, somatic work, and IFS. You don’t have to do this alone—I'm here to support you when you're ready.
Melissa Mello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. Melissa received her BS in psychology from the University of Washington and her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Melissa completed her training at UC San Diego in an outpatient setting and went on to contribute to clinical research and provide services for eating disorders on multidisciplinary teams. She was also a program therapist for the UCSD Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program- a week-long intensive program for teens with eating disorders and their families. She has been trained in and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy( ACT). Her primary interests include working with children, teens, and young adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation and a certified Family Based Treatment provider.
Megan provides Individual and Group psychotherapy, specializing in treating individuals with addictions, eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and self-injuring behaviors. She has worked in the residential setting, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings. Megan believes in a holistic approach that is integrative, trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and empowering. She focuses on treating the whole individual, including emotionally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Megan’s counseling style is compassionate, empathic, and collaborative. She strives to meet each client where they are in their process.
Who I am as a psychologist is deeply tied to who I am as a person. I am a cis Black man. I am heterosexual. I am from rural Arkansas. I was raised in low-income family. I’m first generation. My background taught me the value of community and resourcefulness. These are the things that shape how I see the world and how I serve in this role. I help my clients create sustainable change by working with them to combine knowledge and skills into purposeful action. A cornerstone of my approach involves "me-search". I believe self-knowledge is essential to insight (our ability to identify, understand, and take steps toward our goals). My goal is offering a brave and empowering space to facilitate that transformation. I look forward to helping you explore how your concerns relate to you, your body, social world, and worldview. My ideal clients are folks who are curious, open to ask themselves really hard questions, and have a willingness to approach change in an honest way. I ideally like to work with clients navigating a life transition (academic, work, identity or relationship based), anxiety, and/or healing from traumatic experience. Overall, I enjoy work that’s depth-based and clients who are interested in therapy that focuses the source and solutions. I draw on my clinical-research expertise exploring meaning in life and liberation to approach healing as an integrative process. I believe there is great value in establishing a brave and affirming therapeutic relationship and space to identify, make sense of, and take action to work toward my client’s goals. Overall, I consider myself a “fellow traveler” and practice from a strength-based approach where I invite collaboration, courage, and trust in the process from those with whom I work.
Have you ever thought, “Nobody will understand what I’m going through?” Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-isolation, or a negative internal voice? Have you had an experience making it difficult to move forward and live a fulfilling life? Are you feeling “stuck?” Though I will never know exactly what it’s like to step into your shoes, I thank you for the opportunity to let me enter your support system. I believe in normalizing mental health and these feelings we experience as humans. Attending to our physical, personal, social, and spiritual wellness is important. Healing is holistic, and though it may not always be easy, it is achievable. You are allowed to feel like this, and you are also allowed and able to live a more free and fulfilling life. I believe therapy is about inspiring self-growth and exploration, beginning with the therapeutic relationship. I want you to feel like you’re in the driver's seat, and I’m a passenger cheering you on, helping you navigate your personal story. I want to help you explore how your habits and self-talk impact how your story is told. I am here to aid you in handling your challenges and stressors and find meaning throughout the journey. I hope to build a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore, feel unconditionally supported, and grow during and beyond our time in session. I want you to feel comfortable and empowered while you learn how to best support yourself as you experience life's intricate human emotions. Therapy is a brave step, and I’m so glad you’re taking the time to attend to your needs. I’m excited to meet you, work alongside you, and help you meet your goals! I completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and people of different races, ages, gender identities, religions, and sexual orientations. I have worked previously in substance abuse and crisis-intensive outpatient settings. I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety or trauma related to past negative experiences. During our initial sessions, we will delve into your current stressors, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. I use EMDR to address trauma to help people live in the present instead of the past without having to retraumatize themselves. I practice from a person-centered lens, working collaboratively with you to determine the best interventions for you. I will use EMDR therapy to help specific memories, beliefs, and experiences become "unstuck" so you can live in the now and develop adaptive thoughts. I believe the most important aspects of our work together are the trust and respect we cultivate with each other. I focus on using a strength-based approach and attention to habits, self-talk, attachment styles, and trauma-informed care. I use different theories and techniques depending on what works best for each individual because every person is different and unique. I hope to work alongside you collaboratively to explore how to support you best. It would be an honor to meet you and learn more about how I can fit into your support system. You matter right now and at every stage of your journey. You are worthy of a more joyful future.
My approach is gentle, grounded, and trauma-informed. I meet you where you are with compassion, curiosity, and no pressure to rush the process. I believe real healing happens when you feel safe, understood, and supported in exploring what's beneath the surface. Together, we will explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that are keeping you stuck. We'll work to build insight, process unresolved trauma, and strengthen your connection to yourself. Using EMDR, parts work, and other interventions, we'll move at a pace that feels safe, towards clarity, healing, and lasting change. I specialize in working with people who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, low self-worth, or trauma, especially those navigating dissociation, generational trauma, or postpartum challenges. Many of my clients are insightful and motivated for change, but need support reconnecting with themselves and healing what's underneath. I became a therapist because I believe in the power of healing through connection. My own inner work, including doing EMDR as a client, showed me how transformative therapy can be. I wanted to offer others the same kind of support: a safe, attuned space to be seen, understood, and truly heal. *Current availability is Mondays at 12pm, Tuesday at 5pm, Wednesdays at 11am, 12pm, and 3pm, and Fridays at 11am.
Collectively, college life comes with a variety of experiences and emotions. From my own experiences and research studies, anxiety and depression are unfortunately very common, whether you live on or off campus. Life struggles, transitions, questions concerning your identity, stress, and self-worth can cause college life to be a place of uncertainty. And some relationships can turn your life upside down. Seeking help, even for a short period of time, can have a positive impact on mood and functioning. If you're ready to seek help, we're here.
Hello! I am Kelly, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have worked in the social service field for over 30 years and enjoy helping clients with many diverse types of issues including anger management, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and stress, among others. I am committed to my clients' personal growth and change and use several modalities including CBT, Strength Based, Compassion Focused, Mindfulness Based, Solution Focused and Eclectic. When working with me you will find that I am passionate about providing you with a safe, empathetic, non-judgmental space to navigate the life altering issues that can take their toll. As clients progress through treatment, they can expect a decrease in symptomology, an increase in coping skills, and an overall feeling of a better existence. Clients can move towards the best version of themselves and realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Choosing a therapist is a very personal process and a good fit is necessary for growth and change. I would like to get to know more about you, what brought you to therapy, what you expect from therapy and discuss how to best meet your needs. If you feel we might be a good fit to work together, feel free to reach out! 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!
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of professional experience as a non profit leader and clinician providing direct services to a diverse population. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression; anxiety; trauma/abuse; adverse child experiences; gender and sexual identity and coming out; and substance use issues. I have received advanced training in evidenced based practices including completing two 40 training modules to work with sexual abuse and assault survivors and survivors of domestic violence. My counseling style is adapted to the needs of the individual that I am working with. I often use a cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based approach within a trauma-informed and harm reduction framework to help the client I am working with achieve their goals. 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!
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.
Navigating life’s pressures often means juggling responsibilities, deadlines, and personal aspirations. My therapy is tailored to understand and work with your unique pressures, providing a place for clarity and focused action. Whether it’s the weight of exams or the pace of the corporate ladder, I'm here to help you find your footing. My virtual sessions are designed to fit within your busy schedule and give you access to the support you need to maintain balance and foster resilience.
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I work best with students and young adults who are thoughtful, overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of who they are while carrying a lot more than they should have to. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, burnout, family stress, or major life transitions like college, grad school, or early career shifts. I offer a warm, collaborative space where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out. Therapy with me is grounded, reflective, and practical. We focus on understanding your nervous system, building emotional regulation skills, and unpacking patterns that keep you stuck while honoring your cultural background, values, and lived experience. I am especially affirming of LGBTQ+ clients, BIPOC students, neurodivergent folks, and those who have felt misunderstood in previous therapy spaces. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with curiosity, compassion, and real conversations. We move at your pace, with the goal of helping you feel more steady, more connected to yourself, and more able to navigate life with clarity and confidence.
