Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
Growing From Within
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.
Mindy Rader
Mindy Rader is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2015. She has an AND from Lincolnland Community College, a BSN from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, an MSN from University of Phoenix, and a Post-graduate PMHNP certification from Saint Louis University. Mindy offers medication management with a supportive and collaborative attitude. She has a non-judgmental manner and spends the time needed to get to know each of her clients so that she can understand each person?s unique history and needs. This allows her to create a plan focusing on results in the present and in the future. Mindy often intermixes psychotherapy interventions such as CBT into our appointments. Outside of work, Mindy enjoys flower gardening, traveling, and beekeeping.
Mental Health Moments Counseling
Mental Health Moments Counseling provides a safe space for you to have a moment to yourself to comfortably process life's obstacles and demands. Congratulations on taking a moment to start caring for your mental health. You are important! Your journey starts now! Welcome! I provide in person and telehealth therapy services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families that experience deep pain. I have experience working with a number of issues including: anxiety, depression, anger management, stress, life transitions, trauma, family conflict, self-esteem, identity, and more. I help my clients grow to be able to live a healthy life and be the best version of themselves! Although I work with all racial and ethnic backgrounds, I am particularly passionate about educating and removing the stigma of mental health and therapy in communities of color. My treatment approach varies with each individual, as everyone is unique. I believe that the relationship is a vital component in a successful counseling experience. I want to understand and get to know your world. You are the expert of your life. I am here to provide you with support and a safe space for you to explore your authentic self. Therapy is a very sacred space and I am honored to walk alongside you throughout this journey. I believe that each individual I work with has the power to create change within themselves and their lives if given the space and opportunity to learn how to use it. I am here to help my clients discover that power, so that they can live their best life!
Trailside Therapy
College life can feel like a whirlwind—full of change, pressure, expectations, and questions about who you are and where you’re headed. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or struggling with self-medicating behaviors like drinking too much, you’re not alone. At Trailside Therapy, I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can talk through the challenges you’re facing—whether it’s stress, relationships, identity, academic pressure, trauma, or navigating major life transitions. My approach is person-centered, empathetic, and focused on meeting you right where you are. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or intimidating. It can be a place where you feel safe to explore, process, and find hope again.
TINA MAVALANKAR
Are you exhausted? Is your anxiety running the show? Do you feel burnt out from your classes, your responsibilities, or living through a pandemic? Maybe you know what you want but need assistance getting started. Maybe you're unsure of what you want, but know that something feels off and your current situation isn’t serving you. The good news is things CAN get better. Together we’ll talk about where you are, where you want to be, and create a plan to get you there. I have experience in a number of concerns including burnout, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions.
Dr Ed Muldrow
Welcome! My name is "Dr. Ed." I'm a Ph.D.-Diplomate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Houston and Governors State. In our multicultural world, therapy is a safe place to respect your values and honor your strengths! √ I'm 4.6 rated with 60+ reviews on HealthGrades, United Health, Aetna and Cigna. My treatment philosophy is built on respect and appreciation of the dignity for each person I work with. Let me emphasize this one more time, YOU don't have to settle for a poor self-image from negative experiences nor settle with poor relationships with your family, spouse, kids and yourself. Let's figure it out..together.. My therapy specialty is working with adults, couples, families, and pre-teens who are dealing with feelings of rejection, grief, and situation anxiousness-including balancing family and work-life stressors. I greatly appreciate listening to the adult male voice in relationships and families. Learning ways to bridge the gap in communication styles between men and women, parents and children, is important work! Prior to becoming a therapist, I was a core faculty member for nine years at Capella University-graduate and doctoral programs in Social Work and Public Service Leadership. Outside of work, Dr. Ed enjoys traveling to Barbados, Cancun, Houston Rodeo, is active in the KAY fraternity, and is an Astros and Cubs fan. "If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me"- Maya Angelou
Patty Zacharias
Hello! As a mental health therapist, I'm here to offer a supportive and confidential space for you to navigate the unique challenges of college life. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, social changes, and the process of figuring out your future. My goal is to work with you to develop effective coping strategies and build confidence so you can thrive during this important chapter. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or just need someone to talk to, please know that reaching out is a sign of strength. I look forward to connecting with you.
susan morlock
I work with college students and young adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, performance pressure, and emotional shutdown — even when they are capable and motivated. Many of the students I support struggle with test anxiety, presentations, interviews, perfectionism, panic symptoms, or the sense that their nervous system goes into “fight or flight” under pressure. Others experience anxiety and depression together, which can affect motivation, focus, and connection. My approach is neuroscience-informed and practical. I use evidence-based therapies including EMDR, ACT, CBT, Polyvagal-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients regulate their nervous system, reduce reactivity, and build confidence in real-world situations. I provide a supportive, structured space where students can develop tools to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience
Wholeness Behavioral Health LLC
I strive to help people find Wholeness. Strength in Mind, Body and Spirit. Sometimes we feel broken or weak. Sometimes we need a helping hand to rebuild an area in our lives. I have assisted many clients who have difficulty adjusting to life's stress or a loss. Some may struggle with chronic mental illness. Some may want more from their relationships, and everything in between. We can start where you are! I believe you are the expert of your life, yet might need encouragement to find the tools to rebuild. I strive to edify my clients and focus on their innate strengths. Are you ready to meet in-person? Are you more comfortable connecting via Video? Whatever your comfort level, We can do either!
April Lacey, LCPC
Hi, I’m April! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and work with clients statewide via telehealth. Often the clients I see are adults that are working through life transition concerns, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, depression, relationship concerns, grief, and work stress. I have experience working with a wide range of populations and in therapeutic settings treating a variety of mental health concerns. I would describe my communication style as welcoming, calm, and encouraging. I focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering space for clients to share their experiences and thoughts in session. I want my clients to feel comfortable being their authentic selves as I believe this is an important element of our work together. Sessions often look like a collaborative effort to assist clients with their goals. I work alongside clients to identify goals that they believe are the most important for them to achieve during our time together. This starts with us building trust and rapport with one another in our sessions so that we can create a strong team environment to assist with goal achievement. I also pride myself on being flexible as I understand goals can shift as clients begin exploring other areas of their lives in session. Please visit my website for additional information on session cost, accepted insurance plans or to schedule a therapy appointment.
Maria Osmanski
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing individual therapy to a diverse population of adults ages 18 years and older. I have speciality in Anxiety, Depression, and provided support for those who have experienced trauma. I started EmpathicPath to help those through difficult times. I combine cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance, and solution focused therapy based an each individual client’s needs through talk therapy. I provide a nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and respected. My goal is to help you gain deeper insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck or causing distress.
Melissa Zielinski
🫶🌿🌹 Welcome!! Are you ready to feel different? The RIGHT therapist can change your life! I can provide a safe place to explore your innermost thoughts and help you cope with the emotions that can feel overwhelming. I provide insight oriented talk therapy with a focus on nervous system regulation. What does that mean? It means I strive to help you heal through insights that we learn TOGETHER, and I teach you about your nervous system and how to regain control of the emotions that threaten to take over. Most of my practice is young adult/college age individuals and I help people with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, skill building, assertiveness, improving communication and emotional intelligence. I've spent many years working with crisis clients in an emergency department setting and have experience with clients in crisis, self injury, bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts. Today CAN be better than yesterday but the first step is to GET CONNECTED!
Rachel Kaufman
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.
YourVoice withPurpose PLLC
Hi, I'm Dr. Taliah, When you need someone to process recent life events, I would be happy to support you in returning to your best self. Let's talk.
Candace Chavers, LCSW
can look like everyone else has it together while you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, money stress, and figuring out who you even are right now—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone. I work with college students who are navigating stress, burnout, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the weight of life transitions. Many of the students I support are high-achieving, first-generation, or carrying responsibilities that others don’t see. Some are trying to heal from past experiences while still showing up every day and getting things done. My approach is supportive, honest, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn’t about being “fixed” or told what to do—it’s about having a space where you can be real, ask hard questions, and build tools that actually work for your life. We’ll move at your pace, focus on what matters to you, and work toward feeling more grounded, confident, and in control. You don’t have to do college—or life—on your own. If you’re ready for support that feels human, not clinical, I’d love to work with you.
Scott Michael Herman, MSW, LCSW
Hello, I am a huge advocate for school and I am so glad you want to better your life! I offer a welcoming environment for students and encourage you to be open. This is a judgment-free zone. I specialize with clients whom are experiencing depression, anxiety, school stressors, life stressors, and in many other areas.
Haley Bichsel
I believe that everyone deserves a safe, compassionate space to be heard, understood, and supported. My work is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. I am especially passionate about supporting teens, young adults, and individuals seeking trauma-informed care. My approach is evidence-based, yet flexible—focused on empowering you with practical tools while honoring your story and strengths.
Orren Reeves
My approach to therapy Together, we’ll untangle the stress, overthinking, and self-doubt that keep you feeling stuck. I help you build practical tools to manage anxiety, set boundaries, improve communication, and make decisions with more confidence. Our work is collaborative, honest, and focused on real-life changes you can apply outside of sessions.
Aspire Intervention, PLLC
Life post-high school can feel both exciting and uncertain. With that comes potential for opportunity and new experiences, coupled with pressure to achieve a level of independence you may not feel ready for or feel confident navigating. It might seem like everyone around you has a plan or perhaps you're struggling to build connection and find your place. Or perhaps you have past experiences that have followed you and are impeding your journey. Whatever is it, I'm here to help you gain clarity, and know that you're not alone. AREAS OF SPECIALTY SPECIFIC TO STUDENTS: Trauma, Anxiety/Depression, ADHD & Executive Functioning strategies, Relationships/Social Pressure, and Self-Identity & the Transition to Adulthood.
Michele Artunduaga
Michele Artunduaga specializes in supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, and challenges with future planning. Michele is dedicated to helping clients recognize that meaningful changes to their goals stem from their unique needs and what they are able to accomplish in the present moment. By focusing on practical solutions that can be applied today, Michele empowers clients to make real-life changes and move forward with confidence. Micheleâs approach centers on building trust and engagement, ensuring that each client feels heard and supported throughout their journey.