Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

In Situ Counseling & Coaching offers a grounded, personalized approach to mental health care for individuals navigating stress, transitions, and personal growth. My work is rooted in helping people better understand themselves, make meaningful changes, and feel more in control of their lives. I primarily work with college students, young adults, and professionals who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, relationship concerns, or uncertainty about their direction. Many of the individuals I support are high-achieving or highly self-aware, yet still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. My approach is collaborative and practical. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we look at patterns, choices, and the underlying factors shaping your experiences. Drawing from Reality Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy, I aim to create a space where you feel understood while also being gently challenged to move forward in ways that align with your goals. Whether you’re working through a specific challenge or simply trying to better understand yourself, therapy can be a place to slow down, gain clarity, and start making changes that actually stick.

Sometimes getting out of bed and facing the world is unbearable. You are expected to show up and give your best, but you have nothing left to give. You muster up enough strength to get by and do it all over again the next day. Perhaps you are stuck in a rut and fear of everything prevents you from moving forward. Your mind is tired and the thought of taking any type of action scares you and makes you retreat. You find yourself in a vicious cycle of making promises to yourself and others, failing, and starting over. We have all been there and have needed someone to walk with us and help us choose a different path. I work with individuals and families to get them "unstuck." Acknowledging that you are the expert on your life, I meet you where you are and we work together to find realistic solutions to your problems. My goal is to empower you to make future decisions that move you forward versus leaving you depleted and stagnant. Contacting someone to support you when you are exhausted, anxious, sad, or afraid is COURAGEOUS! You are worth it and WE will get through this. While the journey may be challenging, you do not have to navigate it on your own. Take the first step to getting unstuck and give yourself permission to heal. I wish you all the best on your healing journey.

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.

My practice includes work with children, adolescents, and adults related to issues of depression, anxiety, trauma, sexuality, relational stress, identity, religion, and existential despair. I have experience working with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood dysregulation, trauma responses, adverse childhood experiences, sexuality, gender, youths exhibiting sexualized symptoms, painful life transitions, and strained family relationships. In working with adults, I am interested in delving into concerns of relational health, religious trauma, sexuality, and the impacts of society and systems on an individual. I work from a relational, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive framework. I build from a CBT and client-centered approach to therapy while being attentive to the impact of the past as it relates to the present. I also have a collaborative approach to child therapy and believe in creativity and play as primary components of expression. I aim to foster an environment of safety, creativity, and collaboration where individuals can feel empowered to grow and flourish.

Have you recently started to understand yourself in a new way—maybe through a neuropsychological evaluation, a late diagnosis, or content you’ve encountered online during college? Are you finding that the strategies that seem to work for others don’t quite fit your brain? I specialize in working with college students and young adults who discover later that they are neurodivergent. Together, we explore what this identity means for you in the context of academics, relationships, independence, and future goals. My approach supports you in building systems that actually work for your brain, while creating a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values.

At Relational Wellness Therapy, we love working with students who are trying to make sense of life’s in-between seasons. Maybe you’re juggling classes, relationships, and figuring out who you’re becoming, and it’s starting to feel like a lot. You don’t have to have it all together to show up here. Our student clients often share a common goal: they want to feel grounded, more confident in their choices, and at peace with who they are. We help you slow down, understand what’s really going on underneath the stress, and find tools that actually fit your life. Therapy with us isn’t about perfection. It’s about helping you feel seen, supported, and more like yourself.

Hello, I know finding a therapist is overwhelming and difficult. My job is to help you make this journey as simple and painless as possible. We will discuss difficult things, but we will have fun doing it. If you are interested in a free consultation, please call or text me at 773-280-7321. I look forward to meeting you!

Many of us lead busy lives with little space to breathe, think, and make choices with clarity. We hold ourselves to unsustainable standards in our careers, relationships and as individuals. We may run from day to day with an anxious stream of thoughts, or float numbly with disconnection and over-scheduling as a way to avoid pain. Sometimes our expectations, goals and circumstances come at the expense of clarity and fulfillment. I work with individuals & couples to reconnect while understanding how the past impacts present living. We collaborate to build a foundation of skills that promote healing as individuals and within relationships. My approach is grounded in human capacity for growth using a humanistic and strength based approach. I incorporate these modalities for processing trauma, anxiety, depression, and performance blocks. Therapy should be a collaborative process that provides a safe space to rediscover your strengths, while understanding and creating meaning from experiences, relationships and culture. Integrating our past and present empowers us to become creators of our lives rather than observers. Let’s work together to discover your path towards healing with sustainable growth and inner happiness.

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.

Kris Kirilova provides psychotherapy and career counseling for students navigating academic and career concerns, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety or inner turmoil. I specialize in helping students adjust to college life, clarify work and life goals, manage relationship difficulties, overcome self-doubt, and find balance in your adult life as a student. My practice serves a diverse range of students, from those in college to those pursuing doctoral studies.

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

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 am so happy you're here! Higher education is challenging and comes with a lot of changes. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, or not like yourself, therapy may be a good place to start feeling better! Clients can expect a non-judgemental, empathetic environment where it's safe to be authentically yourself. We are connected by our relationships and managing/maintaining relationships can be extraordinarily challenging in college. In therapy with me, we will look at your history, how that informs your present and collaborate on ways to healthily and positively impact your future. Please reach out if you have any questions or if you're interested in working with me!

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.

One of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I value bringing trust, progressive expertise, and authenticity to the experience of each of my clients. You will not get a stoic therapist, but rather one with a real personality that enjoys cracking jokes! Don't get me wrong, I will take your needs and concerns very seriously, but I will also ensure that you feel comfortable and feel that you are connecting with another human. Carla Laury holds experience working in a non-profit setting and in private practice. Carla works really well with young people, and finds her young adult clients appreciate her progressive approach to therapy. She holds decades of experience providing therapy, mentorship, and leadership work with adolescent individuals and groups. Since internship practice, Carla has learned the careful work of providing therapy for young children and working with their parents toward a positive growth. She holds a master's level degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University (2015) and a bachelor's level degree in Psychology from The University of Texas - Pan American (2012). She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

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In the complex journey of life, we all encounter obstacles that challenge us. When these obstacles involve mental health, it’s essential to have a guide by your side. Alicia Covington, LCSW, is passionate about accompanying children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their families, on this journey. She helps them skillfully navigate and overcome their unique challenges. Imagine yourself or your loved one as the central character in a tale of transformation and growth, with Alicia as a supportive, understanding, and skilled ally. She specializes in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and behavioral challenges. Through a relational, strengths-based approach, Alicia helps her clients harness their unique abilities, enhance their skills, and foster healthier interpersonal relationships. Embracing diversity and individuality, Alicia provides affirmative therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth. She is experienced in aiding young people as they bravely tackle issues of homophobia, discrimination, coming out, and building supportive peer networks. Alicia’s educational background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Her professional journey, spanning several years, has allowed her to serve clients aged 3-22 in many settings. Her internship at Hearts and Homes for Youth and Adventist Behavioral Health Hospital has further equipped her with the tools to help young individuals grappling with chronic mental illness and behavioral challenges. In her downtime, Alicia enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like spending quality time with family, cooking, and running. Her diverse taste in music, including artists like Billie Eilish, Carrie Underwood, Adele, John Legend, Beyoncé, and a fondness for film soundtracks, makes her relatable to clients of varying age groups. An avid fan of TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, House, This is Us, and The Office, Alicia appreciates the power of storytelling, its capacity for teaching empathy, and its ability to shed light on the intricacies of the human condition. With Alicia, you’re gaining more than a therapist; you’re gaining a patient and compassionate guide who believes in you and your capacity for growth, healing, and triumph. Remember, you’re the hero of your story, and Alicia is there to help you write the chapters of your journey to better mental health.

It is a tremendous privilege to be welcomed into people's stories. As a therapist, I do not take this for granted. I am deeply passionate about healing work, helping folks to find more meaning in their lives, and to remind individuals of their unique wisdom within. A therapeutic approach should not be “one size fits all”. I tailor my services to meet clients where they are on their wellness journey and learn more about their specific needs, hopes, and goals. Considering the mind, body, and spirit, I embrace a “whole person” approach to working with clients as I believe our healing power is maximized when we look holistically at our being. It would be a pleasure to connect with you. Please do reach out with a text, email, or call if you have any questions or curiosities. You deserve to remember how remarkable life can be. I work with a variety of insurance companies or have a flat $100/hr out-of-pocket rate if you will not be using insurance.

You’re smart, motivated, and doing your best—but inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like you’re barely holding it together. Maybe you’re struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, identity questions, or relationship stress. You’ve checked all the boxes, but something still feels off—and you're tired of pretending it’s fine. I specialize in working with college students and young adults who feel stuck in their heads and want something to change. Therapy with me is supportive and real—we’ll talk through what’s weighing on you and build tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up, and we’ll take it from there.

“It is important for us to know ourselves and be able to address our own issues head on. It can be easy to shy away from looking at our problems in a realistic light and to take the steps needed to change for the better. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. My office is a safe and supportive environment in which to help you look at your whole self and get comfortable with making lasting changes. Some of the most common things I address in therapy are anxiety, feeling lost or stuck in your life, improving communication, couples in conflict, sexual relationship therapy, depression, preparing for a new baby, feeling unappreciated in your relationship, improving self-esteem, reconnecting with your partner, reducing stress and overwhelming emotions. Understanding emotions and sharing them effectively truly is a skill. Some are born with it, others learn it, but we can always improve. I work with you to help you deepen your understanding around your struggles. I am here as your guide. Let me help you on your journey!” Bridget is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. As a graduate of The Family Institute at Northwestern University Bridget earned a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy and received extensive clinical training at the Family Institute’s Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic. She is currently serving as a practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of interest are young adults, couples in conflict, life transitions, self-esteem, communication, couples preparing for marriage, first time parents, blended families, and sexual relationship and intimacy therapy. Bridget is an interactive, strength-based therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, Bridget works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.