Therapists for college students near 60611

Maybe you’ve been telling yourself you should be able to handle this by now. But lately, everything feels heavier. Your energy is low, motivation is hard to find, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming. You may notice yourself pulling away from people, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break. At times, you might find yourself reaching for something—whether it’s substances, distractions, or numbing behaviors—to get through the moment, even when it doesn’t bring lasting relief. For some, this shows up as persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. For others, it may look like anxiety, burnout, or being caught in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. These experiences can also show up in relationships pulling away, avoiding hard conversations, or finding yourself in the same painful dynamics again and again. You may notice that your inner voice is harsh or unforgiving, making it even harder to find a way forward. Together, we will gently identify and address these patterns while building more compassion, stability, and connection—both within yourself and in your relationships I work with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, traumatic experiences, and life transitions. I provide LGBTQAI+-affirming therapy grounded in cultural humility, creating a safe and validating space to explore identity, relationships, and lived experiences. I also support individuals who are exploring their relationship with substances, whether that means reducing use, understanding patterns, or working toward recovery. I have completed training toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and am CADC-eligible, which allows me to integrate evidence-based approaches for substance use into our work. My practice is trauma-informed and guided by phase-oriented treatment approaches. In our early work, we focus on safety, stabilization, and building self-regulation skills to help you feel more grounded—even when things feel heavy or overwhelming. As you begin to feel more supported and resourced, we may shift toward processing more difficult experiences and understanding the roots of depressive patterns or substance use. Therapy is always paced according to your readiness. I prioritize transparency throughout therapy, ensuring you understand each step of the process and why certain approaches are used. My goal is to create a space that feels collaborative, supportive, and grounded—so you can move from feeling stuck and depleted toward feeling more engaged, connected, and able to experience meaning in your life again.

My name is Sophia Jelsma and I am a psychotherapist working for the group practice Mezame. At Mezame, we focus on a type of therapy called EMDR that addresses trauma, stress, and emotional dysregulation. To learn more about our group practice, visit our website list at the bottom of the page.

Hello there! I'm Neha and accepting new clients. I emphasize collaboration as a key part of my approach and want to make sure the therapy space feels safe, genuine, and collaborative when working with folks. I take an eclectic approach to therapy with a base in psychodynamic, relational and humanistic theories. I round out my approach with interventions from several different modalities including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and solution focused. While I pull from several different modalities, my practice is rooted in multicultural humility and intersectionality, tailoring my approach to meet folks’ unique needs and preferences. I highly value multicultural humility and intersectionality. As the daughter of immigrants and holder of several different identities, intersectionality is something I see a lot in both my personal and professional lives. I also know what it feels like to feel isolated or alone in holding different intersectional identities and is partly what motivated me to become a therapist. Feel free to reach out if you think we might be a good fit!

You are so much bigger than the things that have bogged you down in your past, the things that trouble you in the present, and the things that scare you about the future. Therapy isn't about fixing something broken; it's about helping you recognize, hone, and use the strength you already possess to create lasting change. You don't have to be trapped by old stories or limiting beliefs, you can rewrite your own narrative. As a therapist, I believe my first and foremost responsibility is to create a safe space for you - space for you to heal, laugh, cry, celebrate, and even make mistakes. I want you to feel cozy bringing your entire self into the therapeutic space, and I promise I’ll do the same. I’m always on your side; while I may question or challenge you, at the end of the day I fundamentally believe we are all doing our best—you included. I specialize in working with queer adults, adolescents, and couples navigating life transitions, anxiety, family-of-origin issues, identity development, and body image concerns in an easy-going, shame-free space. I am a member of the queer community, and am committed to a practice that is accessible, antiracist, LGBTQIA+-affirming, poly-allied, body-neutral, and welcoming toward clients of all walks of life. I draw on diverse experiences in the arts, corporate settings, education, and in clinical mental health to bring an integrative and eclectic approach to therapy. As a continually developing and evolving clinician, I draw from narrative, existential, and person-centered approaches, and am supervised by Angela Scalisi, LCPC. If you are here and are already considering starting or continuing therapy, you’re already taking such a meaningful step in prioritizing yourself and your wellbeing. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want someone to chat with, there’s a spot on my couch for you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello! Thank you for taking time to read my profile. I have extensive experience working with children, teens, and young adults. My expertise lies in assisting individuals going through various life changes such as managing life stressors, anxiety, and depression. In addition, I have experience working with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, OCD, self-esteem issues, stress, trauma, difficulties related to school, familial challenges, and grief/loss. As a previous school social worker, I am well-versed in the IEP/504 process for parents needing support. I aim to provide a safe, warm, and trusting environment that best supports you. I have had the honor in providing services to children, teens, and adults. I have worked in different settings such as schools, 12-step IOP for addiction, and within the private practice setting. I apply an integrative approach to psychotherapy, drawing upon different modalities such as CBT, Person Centered Therapy, Social thinking, and Trauma Therapy. Creating a warm and inviting environment for all my clients is of utmost importance to me. Recognizing that each client is unique, I tailor my therapeutic approaches to meet their individual needs. Within my practice, I provide a non-judgmental and empathetic environment, encouraging clients to share their struggles, challenges, and goals openly.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life is full of change, some expected and some unexpected. Emerge Counseling Chicago is a counseling practice on the Northside of Chicago that specializes in helping people through these times of change. Whether you’re a family or student needing assistance in navigating the college admission process, a student working your way through obtaining your collegiate goals, or navigating one of life’s many other obstacles, we’re here to help. We look forward to learning about you and your story and helping with your next steps.

Sage Stone Counseling is a Queer centered practice, prioritizing BIPOC, neurodivergent, and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks as they navigate stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and more. My specialities lay at the intersections of race, gender, and trauma. I specialize in working with folks who struggle with mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem issues, communication, life transitions, identity development and those who have been impacted by trauma. We will work together to name how your experiences have impacted you, as well as aspects of your life you may want to change or balance. I honor all genders, sexualities, and partnership formations.

Relationships play a significant role in our emotional well-being, yet they can also be one of life's greatest sources of stress. At Semillas Counseling, we help individuals and couples navigate the challenges that arise in friendships, dating relationships, family dynamics, roommates, and romantic partnerships. Whether you're struggling with communication, conflict, trust, boundaries, loneliness, life transitions, or simply wanting healthier and more fulfilling connections, our therapists provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what's happening and develop meaningful, lasting change. We believe stronger relationships begin with greater self-awareness, intentional communication, and the confidence to show up authentically with the people who matter most.

Kudos to you for starting this journey toward whole health! At CG Therapies, we are a group of experienced and compassionate psychotherapists focused on tailoring treatment to the most effective techniques for your specific needs. Some of the issues we treat are depression, anxiety, perfectionism, stress management, PTSD and effects of trauma, bipolar disorder, biculturality and LGBTQ+ identity issues, relationship issues, personal growth, among others. Our clinicians have specialized training in a variety of techniques proven effective. We provide in-person and teletherapy as well as flexibility and understanding to meet the changing schedules of students. t takes courage to take the first step in addressing a challenge, but you do not have to face it alone. Therapy is a way to gain support, insight, and effective tools to navigate life’s obstacles. Whether you’ve been contemplating therapy for a while or this is the first time you’ve encountered a certain stress or crisis, you don’t have to figure things out alone. Schedule a 15 minute consultation call or complete a short form on our web site to get started.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the roles you are juggling? Do you feel drained or that you're simply getting by, that life is slipping through your fingers? This time is your life is one where you are existing in multiple roles - student, worker, sibling, friend, roommate, caretaker, and/or more; this can bring up so many different emotions, reactions, and struggles. This may even be a time in your life when you are discovering new parts of yourself. I work to provide a safe, secure environment for you to process, hold, and learn this new version of you, in all our messy imperfections. Hey, my name is Nithya (nith-ya) and I am a cat (and dog) lover, a ttrpg enthusiast, and a licensed therapist who is trauma-informed and queer-affirming. As someone who spent half their life in another country, I've learned a lot about myself over the years and I know the difficulties and stresses that come with it. I bring my authentic self into sessions and work with you on discovering beliefs and habits that no longer work for you and understanding and processing past experiences to foster change and bring clarity to your life. I studied at UIC and NEIU for my Bachelor's and Master's, and worked at NPU as a clinical intern. I have experience working with trauma and complex trauma, identity exploration, anxiety/depression, relationship and friendship concerns, complex family dynamics, assimilating to a new culture, ADHD, and career counseling. Most importantly, I believe in your ability to change your life and move through difficult circumstances and I would be delighted to support you in your growth. Email me at nithya@chicagocounselingservices.com to set up an appointment.

I want to help people feel a sense of belonging even if they don't feel like they belong anywhere else. This includes people who are part of the LGBTQ+/queer community, people who are autistic, AuDHD, or have ADHD, and people who have experienced relational trauma and/or religious trauma. If any of this reflects your experience, you may carry deep shame and feel disconnected from those around you. You might be putting on a happy face on the outside while things feel like they are falling apart inside. I want to come alongside you and help you clean out some of the rubble inside. You might be surprised by the "you" that you uncover. My approach is relational, experiential, and collaborative. I make space for what clients bring into session while guiding them to a point of focus and greater clarity. I primarily use internal family systems (IFS) therapy and also incorporate sandtray therapy. When meeting with clients virtually, I use Minecraft or Simply Sand Play for sandtray therapy. Using these types of therapy, I will help you access emotions and experiences that you can't access with words alone. This will help you unload some of that weight you've been carrying and live a more free and authentic life. If you are interested in working with me, contact me to book a free 15-minute consultation. I look forward to getting to know you!

Hi! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working with individuals, couples, and families. My clinical focus surrounds helping LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate their identity in the individual and family context, challenging perfectionism and high functioning anxiety/depression in Asian/Asian American communities. With a collaborative yet direct approach, I hope to help you identify and overcome barriers that have previously hindered your progress while nurturing a therapeutic relationship built upon trust, safety, and even humor! First, we’ll focus on behavioral changes you can take to meet your goals. If you still feel unresolved, we can dive deeper into your emotion and the narratives you have to explore obstacles that constrain you from reaching your goals. Paired with my ongoing training to receive EMDR-certification, I hope to provide a collaborative space to make that change. Growing up between Canada, China, Taiwan; working in entertainment in LA, and then pivoting to receive my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University, I accept that life does not always go as planned. Like my journey, I recognize change happens differently for everyone. And, I hope to be apart of yours too. :)

Hi there! I'm glad you are taking a courageous step to focus on your wellbeing. Whether you are seeking therapy for the first time, returning, or looking for a new therapist, you are right where you need to be if you are looking for a warm and caring therapist who is passionate about trauma, grief, life transitions, identity, relationships, and faith and spirituality. I help women of all ages and faiths relieve anxiety and depression, heal childhood and relationship wounds, navigate grief and life transitions, and gain more tools to cope with life, work, and relationships. By working with me, I will be a safe space to bear witness to your thoughts and emotions and honor them by patiently meeting you wherever you are in this season of your life. While taking a holistic approach, I utilize a variety of counseling theories like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotions Focused Therapy, and Person - Centered Therapy. I want to help you reach your fullest potential and support you on your journey to becoming your happiest, healthiest, most-authentic self. I am virtual only, so please email me to schedule your free 15-30 minute consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I believe that each person comes from an individualized background, making every aspect of them unique. I seek to allow space for you to feel safe, heard, and accepted to support a path towards self-discovery and healing. My approach stems from a strengths-based treatment which focuses on discovering your internal strengths to find a new balance when facing challenges. While working collaboratively, we will determine a holistic treatment best suited for you that encompasses your identity, culture, and ever-changing needs. I specialize in working with individuals and groups; specifically, those who are young adults, teens, or children who experience challenges related to eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm/suicidal ideation, self-esteem, life transitions, and substance misuse. Recognizing that treatment needed for each individual may vary, I have practice utilizing treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Finding someone to connect with is the starting point of it all. Please reach out to me to begin your journey!

Hi! Like many therapists, I'm a 30-something cis, white woman who likes earth tones and metaphors. I especially enjoy working with individuals with mood disorders, complex trauma, chronic illness, and psychosis, as well as those who identify as artists/creatives and recovering perfectionists. I draw from various modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Health at Every Size (HAES), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. However, my most impactful training has happened in conversation with clients themselves. I recognize how my identities contribute to a power differential with my clients, especially when working with marginalized populations. I work to interrupt this power differential whenever possible by being antiracist in my work and prioritizing humility and transparency. I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is key to any kind of growth and change, and therefore first honor creating an authentic relationship with the clients I work with.

Life can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, full of twists and turns we often do not expect. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a human being, I have witnessed how receiving professional therapeutic support can guide individuals towards finding a sense of safety and comfort within themselves in a world of ever-shifting dynamics that can distract from or exacerbate the challenges we experience. My clients may be struggling with eating disorders, depression/anxiety, body image concerns, and substance misuse, in addition to difficulty managing stress, life transitions, or intimate/peer/familial relationship conflicts/wounding. I am LGBTQ+ allied, anti-racist, and anti-diet/Health at Every Size aligned and informed. Utilizing attachment theory, values exploration, and mind-body awareness, I work with my clients to re-instill and preserve individual autonomy while healing the relationship between oneself and others. I support my clients in learning new ways to tolerate uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding or numbing them, and create space to process the inevitable grief that comes with making any changes in life. As a therapist, I embody humor, authenticity, empathy, and patience to create a safe space for my clients to begin exploring both internal/external experiences that contribute to feelings of distress, loneliness, and uncertainty. Values I hold above all else in the therapy space include humanism, autonomy, relational accountability between client and therapist, and the power of ‘any positive change’.

You are capable of change and deserve to be heard with empathy and compassion. Understanding that starting therapy can be daunting, I create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you'll feel comfortable sharing your challenges. Together, we’ll collaborate to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals, building tools to navigate life's difficulties while nurturing self-love and confidence. My client-centered, trauma-informed approach is tailored to each person. I value exploring thoughts and feelings in a supportive space, encouraging self-reflection and growth.