Therapists for college students near 60637

I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals. I have experience assisting people in working on mood and anxiety disorders, grief and identity exploration.

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.

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.

Welcome! We at The Celestial Life see clients for nutrition counseling and we specialize in folks who struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Are you snapping at others and struggling to find space to breathe? It’s normal to feel like you’re drowning when you have so many moving pieces in life. Life is constantly throwing stressors at us and maybe you find yourself seeking a new approach. Many of my clients are people struggling with stress and anxiety resulting from never-ending changes. I have extensive experience working with young adults and people who are seeking therapy for the first time. As a therapist, I am straight forward in my approach; I will stay with you on your journey toward the answers by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I’ve been described by former clients as “genuine, decisive, and easy to connect with.” I will help you find peace amongst the chaos, prioritize your wellness, and grow closer to your full potential. Reaching out for help is the first, and often the most difficult part of your path toward healing. Only you can do inner work, but there’s absolutely no reason you should do it alone. Together, we will figure out your next steps. Contact me for a consultation. I'm ready when you are!

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!

My approach as a counselor is highly relational, I believe that acceptance, safety, and trust are important aspects of engendering connection with people, particularly in clinical work. I prioritize understanding individuals’ subjective experiences that create their realities and facilitating the exploration of perspective through a variety of expressions. We all have a unique lens through which we view and understand the world, I am passionate about assisting clients to increase their awareness through a biopsychosocial and physiological framework. I am trained in trauma-informed approaches but use an eclectic style of treatment and intervention including person-centered, humanist, and systems theories. I believe we can all find more compassion toward ourselves and others by tapping into our innate healing intelligence to achieve greater coping and balance. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and recently finished my master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Adler University-Chicago. I enjoy working with a diverse range of individuals and I identify as affirming each of our complex cultural experiences including race, sexual orientation, gender identity socioeconomic status, etc.. My interests are in trauma and complex trauma, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and integration of art and somatic interventions from a wellness model. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring nature, and expressing myself through baking, writing, and drawing. I am a proud cat and plant mom!

Hi there! My name is Reese Minshew, and I work almost entirely with transgender (broadly defined) adults who have had traumatic (broadly defined) experiences. I’m licensed in California, Illinois, and New York, and work via telehealth with people located in any of those states. Clinically, I believe that the reactions we have after experiencing trauma and stress are fundamentally adaptive to the trauma, but can disrupt everyday life. In other words, if you had a difficult experience (including chronic exposure to structural stressors such as anti-trans bias, white supremacy, ableism, etc), you might not be able to eat, sleep, focus, calm down, feel excited, or be in relationships in the way you want. Whatever reaction you’re having was very helpful to you at one time, but if it’s no longer serving you then we can work on that. Most of the time we would do this by talking about what’s going on in your life right now, and working to understand it in the context of your past experiences.

I’m Lauren Dircks, a licensed therapist in Illinois and Minnesota, offering immediate openings for Telehealth counseling. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and find healing. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and provide a judgment-free, inclusive environment where you can be your authentic self. I know that seeking support takes courage, and I'm here to help you. Your well-being is my priority, and I'm committed to helping you grow, heal, and become the best version of yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.

I believe in using a holistic, collaborative approach that focuses on client’s strength in order to promote progress and healing. I recognize that facing fears and challenges can be an incredibly difficult process. Therefore, I believe it is imperative to hold a balance of warmth and compassion, as well as honesty and authenticity, to help individuals achieve their goals. In my work I use a myriad of evidence-based treatments to individually tailor care to my clients; yet, additionally I acknowledge there is no “one size fits all” approach. This distinction informs the devotion, care, and time I take to ensure my clients feel empowered in their treatment

I am a graduate of the Wayne State University/DMC General Adult Psychiatry Residency Program and am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. My practice centers on providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. I take a holistic and collaborative approach to care, integrating various treatment modalities such as psychotherapy, behavioral modification techniques, medication management, and lifestyle changes. My goal is to support each patient in achieving lasting wellness by addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of mental health. All sessions are conducted via secure video visits for your convenience. I strive to make scheduling seamless and flexible, so appointments can easily fit into your routine. If you feel this may be a good fit for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you.

I am committed to providing quality mental health services that promote positive change through collaboration, compassion, reflection, and direction. I like to help patients explore and carve innovative changes and opportunities in one's life. Through the provision of confidential psychotherapy that integrates sensitivity and warmth, I integrate the latest approaches on how lasting improvements in overall wellbeing and our relationships with others can be achieved. I realize that patient needs are not one-size fits-all and I aim to provide personalized mental health services that empower a process directed at meeting personal and professional aspirations. I'm experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral challenges, ADHD, substance use issues, Depressive and Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, trauma experiences, as well as providing psychoeducational services related to major life transitions, such as assimilation to the demands of college from high school, among other areas of interest. In addition, I maintain competencies related to a multitude of psychological assessment and evaluation contexts, including neuropsychological assessment, personality assessment, therapeutic assessment, substance use assessment, among others. Lastly, I am a fully bilingual clinician in English and Spanish.

Hi, I’m Payton Smith, and I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, pressure, or expectations. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe enough to explore your experiences, process what’s been weighing on you, and begin to make sense of your story. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths while building the tools needed to navigate life with more confidence. I use a flexible, collaborative approach that allows me to meet you where you are and adapt to what you need in each moment. I value going beyond surface-level conversations and creating space for meaningful, honest work.

Hi there! My name is Rachel and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work primarily with teens and young adults experiencing ADHD, anxiety, perfectionism, self esteem issues, life transitions and family conflict. I see clients both virtually and in person in Naperville.

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.

I hope to offer my clients a safe and positive place to address concerns, gain awareness and strength for the current stressors that bring them to counseling. Clients have said they feel comfortable in therapy with me, and gain a sense of hope and knowledge they did not have before seeking therapy. My approach is person-centered using CBT, strength-based and mindfulness as some of the empirically proven strategies to guide my clients to success.

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.

Are you feeling stuck in patterns that seem impossible to break? Do relationship issues, leave you feeling disconnected or unsure of your worth? Are you constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety, or battling feelings of depression that make it hard to move forward? Maybe you’ve been pushing yourself to the limit as an overachiever, yet deep down you feel unfulfilled or burned out. Are procrastination and anxiety holding you back in college, making you feel like you’re falling behind? Or perhaps your traumatic childhood still impact your life today. Do you want to rebuild your confidence? Are you hoping to let go of the past? I am multicultural competent and will always keep your values in mind. My goal is to make sure that you are safe and equipped to handle life's ever changing circumstances. I pride myself on being personable and do not consider myself to be your average therapist. I will laugh with you, be silent with you and whatever you need to feel comfortable. I do offer free consultations to make sure we are a good fit, let's connect. A sense of connection, safety, honesty & open-mindedness are the values that I strive for. Clients can expect a relaxed environment coupled with passion & non-judgement. I do accept multiple different insurances.