Therapists for college students near 60614

Ashley Knight is a therapist who recognizes that no problem or issue is too big or small to be addressed, and understands that therapy should feel like a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. Ashley works with late adolescents to middle adult clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment, relationship, and life transition issues. Ashley strives to meet clients where they are so they can aim to reach their full potential and goals.

You’ve been carrying a lot for a long time—maybe the impact of childhood trauma, complicated relationships, or anxiety and shame that seem to live in your body as much as your thoughts. On the outside you may appear high-functioning and capable, but inside things can feel overwhelming. Many of my clients grew up navigating emotionally unpredictable families, painful relationships, or environments where they learned to minimize their own needs to keep the peace. They want more than coping—they want to feel safer in their body, understand their patterns, and finally experience relief from the past. I integrate EMDR, art therapy, somatic approaches, and insight-oriented talk therapy to support healing in both mind and nervous system. Drawing from parts work and trauma-informed care, we move at a pace that respects your story while helping you reconnect with emotions, build inner safety, and process experiences that feel stuck. Reaching out for therapy takes courage—especially if you’re used to handling everything on your own. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating anxiety or depression, or trying to feel safer in your own body, you deserve a space where all parts of you are welcome. When you're ready, I’m here.

Many of the students I work best with are used to being the one others rely on. You might be juggling school, friendships, family expectations, and future plans—while quietly feeling unsure of what you actually need or want. You may find yourself overthinking, second-guessing, or going along with things just to keep the peace. It can feel hard to set boundaries, speak up, or trust your own decisions. Even if things look “fine” on the outside, you might feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not fully like yourself. If any of this resonates, we can talk more and see if working together feels like a good fit.

Julia has always maintained the belief that we, as humans, are all worthy and capable of healing. Our life experiences, backgrounds, and circumstances play a significant role in the way we feel and express our emotions. Julia strives to create a comforting therapeutic space, characterized by acceptance and cultural humility. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in strength-based treatment, intending to guide the client in understanding the strong influence our thought processes have on our behaviors and emotions. Additionally, Julia understands the impact of childhood experiences and relationships through life and the role they play in our emotional expression. Julia has received training in a variety of treatment modalities. She has experience working with individuals and groups, assisting clients in managing challenges related to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and difficulties within relationships. Julia is LGBTQIA+ affirming, seeking to provide a safe space to heal and grow, for all people. She honors multicultural humility, consistently seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of our diverse world.

Hi! My name is Sophia (they/them). I am a Licensed Professional and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am passionate about supporting the intersectionality of marginalized groups, including queer, trans, and people of color. My areas of focus are trauma recovery, racial, sexual, gender identity development, childhood trauma, attachment, relational difficulties, anxiety, and depression. I work best with clients who want to build a more mindful and compassionate relationship with themselves, centering pleasure and softness. My work supports people who want to build a stronger sense of self, centering their needs, engaging in inner child healing, and healing from childhood trauma. I have supported my clients with intergenerational trauma/healing, attachment issues, neurodivergence, perfectionism, workaholism, marginalization, identity, belonging, and relational healing. I utilize internal family systems (IFS), mindfulness, somatic, relational, and solution-based approaches. My practice is warm, compassionate, experiential, consent-based, and direct. Therapy is always centered around you and your needs. I prioritize holistic therapy that takes the mind, body, and spirit into consideration, and is rooted in resisting and healing the impacts of oppression. In an effort to decolonize mental health and create safer therapeutic spaces for BIPOC folks, my practice focuses on strengthening the mind-body connection and raising awareness of how systems of oppression can negatively impact well-being. I take into consideration the complex dynamics occurring with you on the individual, societal, environmental, and institutional levels and how they impact your inner world. My goal is to help you foster liberation, empowerment, and consciousness raising as we address oppression and its impact on these levels. I welcome all healing approaches that feel right for you, including ancestral, spiritual, or cultural. If what I've shared resonates with you, please visit my website or email me.

Hi, my name is Sandy! I am a Master’s level therapist with a special interest in working with adolescents and immigrant populations. I am bilingual in English and Burmese and am open to taking patients in both languages. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University. I am a part of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA). I have experience working with children and adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and working with older adults and veterans on an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program. I mainly work from a trauma informed cognitive behavioral framework, while incorporating techniques from psychodynamic and ACT practices. As a therapist, I enjoy creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions without judgment or biases. I am particularly drawn to working with immigrants on their mental health as I believe they are often underserved and as an immigrant myself, I am very familiar with the stressors of immigrating and the cultural factors that come with it.

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, regardless of background or finances. In my practice I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where we can curiously and compassionately explore your concerns. I genuinely believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my goal is to assist you with discovering and deciding how to live your best life. Throughout the pandemic I was specializing in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, isolation, interpersonal conflict, and grief. I have extensive history working with the college-aged population from my doctoral internship at Illinois State University and Spalding University’s counseling centers. I also have experience working in higher levels of care with non-college aged adults at outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient levels of care. While working together we’ll collaboratively explore areas where you may feel stuck and discuss the use of new, more adaptive coping skills to help you move in the direction of your goals. I have many years of experience teaching classes focusing on evidence-based treatments, such as: DBT, ACT, and CBT. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

No matter what is going on right now, you have taken a huge step in seeking out help for yourself and/or your family. It is often very difficult for people to admit that they need help, and now that you have taken the initial step I would be honored to come alongside you and your family and assist you with whatever you are experiencing. I believe in building on your strengths and increasing your resiliency. I specialize in trauma, and utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help you process your trauma. I also enjoy helping families with behavior difficulties, mood disorders, and anxiety. I am able to adapt to you and find a strategy that works best with you. I primarily work from an Internal Family Systems perspective, and incorporate in EMDR as needed.

Welcome! I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes and parenting issues. In my practice, I have worked with families, individuals, and children/teens. As a woman of color, I am especially passionate about working with female BIPOC children, adolescents, and adults. I find it deeply rewarding to work with clients to reach their goals and achieve overall better well-being. I create a strong relationship with my clients by giving them an environment where all of their feelings are welcome.

Hi, I’m Daphne Black — Here to Support You Through Life’s Transitions As a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, and adjunct professor at a prestigious University, I bring over two decades of experience helping individuals—especially college students—navigate anxiety, identity, academic stress, relationship struggles, and major life changes. College is a time of growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re balancing coursework with personal responsibilities, managing grief, or facing uncertainty about your future, I provide a safe, supportive space to help you process, heal, and move forward with clarity and confidence. My clinical work is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the challenges young adults face. With my background in both mental health and higher education, I meet you where you are—with compassion and insight.

Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago focuses on helping clients bridge the gap between insight gained in the therapy room and meaningful action in daily life. Our goal is to create a collaborative space where you can develop practical, evidence-based skills — emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness — and actively practice them outside of sessions. Whether you’re navigating stress at work, deepening relationships, managing ADHD, building resilience after loss, or striving for personal growth, therapy becomes a rehearsal space for real-world living. We work together to translate concepts into concrete strategies you can use in everyday moments — from morning routines to high-stakes meetings, from quiet reflection to important conversations. At Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago, change isn’t limited to our sessions — it’s woven into the way you think, feel, and respond in your daily life.

My practice provides trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care for college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I specialize in working with students who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is grounded in somatic and relational therapies, which means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to how experiences live in the body. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and paced to support safety, choice, and self-trust. I strive to create an affirming space for students of diverse identities and backgrounds, including first-generation students and those balancing multiple cultural expectations. Whether a student is seeking support for trauma, burnout, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, or personal growth, my goal is to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and feel more grounded and empowered in their daily lives.

Andrew Clavijo, PMHNP, is a skilled and compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in the treatment of bipolar disorder. He brings extensive expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation to develop personalized, evidence-based care plans that align with each patient’s unique needs and goals. Through telehealth, Andrew offers accessible and flexible mental health support, ensuring patients can receive expert care from the comfort of their homes. He also partners with major insurance providers to make treatment both affordable and convenient, helping patients focus on their progress without financial concerns. Whether newly diagnosed or managing ongoing challenges, Andrew Clavijo provides empathetic, tailored care designed to improve emotional stability, foster well-being, and support a balanced, fulfilling life.

I’m a licensed therapist (LMHC, LCPC) providing telehealth therapy for college students and young adults navigating life transitions, grief, stress, and identity development. I work with students who feel overwhelmed by academic and life pressures and offer a warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented approach that supports practical growth. My work is well-suited for short- to medium-term therapy, and I accept several major insurance plans to keep care accessible for students.

Empowering Options is one of the most effective counseling approaches because our philosophy is to be uniquely on the side of the client. We concentrate on helping you learn, explore, and create your options. Options are in the perspective – the beliefs that you view yourself and the world through. As children, we believe what the adults in our lives told about the world and especially about ourselves. This profoundly affects us as adults. The way we view ourselves, our level of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and how we act in our lives and in our intimate relationships. The view we are given of ourselves determines our levels of self-esteem, and self–acceptance, and is one of the main reasons for problems in our relationships, with our partners, and in our parenting. Most of us were unintentionally taught, from a very young age, to think and feel against ourselves. So we do not have an objective view of ourselves and little compassion for how we handle the challenges we face. No charge for the first session to make sure it's a good fit. See the website for all other info.

Hello! My name is Dr. Ashly Lawrence. I have been working with college students and young adults for almost twenty years. College is a time of self-exploration, transition, and identity development. It can also bring great stress, existential questions, and family of origin issues. I am here to support it all. I practice from a relational feminist lens and am best suited to support clients struggling with stress, anxiety, identity development, trauma, family of origin issues, relationship stressors, and life transitions. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and often work with folx with one or more marginalized identities.

At our therapy practice, we specialize in supporting those who are navigating challenging life transitions, struggling with anxiety, or facing difficulties in dating and relationships. Many of the individuals we work with share a common experience: they are going through periods of change or uncertainty, whether it’s adjusting to a new environment, managing the pressures of school or work, or trying to understand their emotions in relationships. They often feel stuck, unsure of their next steps, and are seeking a supportive space to sort through their thoughts and feelings. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face these challenges alone, and our goal is to help clients find clarity, build confidence, and take meaningful steps forward. If feeling lost, anxious, or frustrated is part of your current experience, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Together, we can create a path that feels right for you.

I am Dr. Daniella Lang. Being fluent in Spanish and the daughter of Argentine immigrants has instilled in me a passion for working with culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse clients. ​ I find profound meaning in assisting individuals who have experienced trauma. My work has included supporting survivors of domestic abuse and providing critical on-site assistance to those impacted by significant tragedies, such as the Parkland and Highland Park shootings, as well as the Surfside building collapse. ​ I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Psy.D.) in Florida and Illinois. I received my doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I then completed my APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at Miami Dade County, Community Action Human Services Department, and my postdoctoral residency at Nova Southeastern University. I have experience working with clients who have struggled with a wide range of challenges spanning their entire lifetimes. I received clinical training within universities, schools, hospitals, and community-based settings serving individuals, groups, and families. I have served individuals who have experienced anxiety, trauma, depression, adjustment issues, interpersonal deficits, grief, and struggles with acculturation. However, I am especially fond of helping children, adolescents and young adults.

I joined Relational Insight in 2023 to provide affordable therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I apply collaboration within therapy to help clients tell their story to practice new perspectives or behaviors. I aim to help clients find validation, healing, and growth within life struggles and transitions. I have a passion for reaching underserved clients, especially men of color and other members of marginalized groups. Also, I connect easily with adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral concerns. I strive to provide a warm welcome with tangible support for individuals and families who may be new to focusing on their mental health. Looking to assist those struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal conflict, and professional challenges. After transitioning from the professional world as a sales director and consultant, having a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology allows me provided insight for clients facing professional challenges and questions.

Being in college right now is tough. Personal struggles, family issues, and the pressure to keep it all together, plus the chaos of everything going on in the world, it makes sense that you're feeling overwhelmed. If you’re dealing with difficult past experiences, family stress, or just the daily pressure of trying to stay afloat, you don’t have to go through it alone. I specialize in helping people process tough emotions, navigate life transitions, and manage stress in healthy ways. I’ve worked with folks navigating trauma, family dynamics, and anxiety—and I use tools like EMDR and IFS to help you work through what’s weighing you down. Therapy is about giving you the space to deal with what’s hard and find practical ways forward, so you can feel more in control and less stuck. I’m passionate about working with women, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ folks. No judgment. Just real, down-to-earth support to help you move forward.