Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Main character energy is something that you deserve to give off. Why? Because this is your life and everyone deserves to live the life that they want to live (yes, including you), and I deeply believe this. Since this is something I am passionate about, I will work with you to help make sure that you are able to live life fully and happily. I do this through active listening, patience, open mindedness, kindness, and support. I ensure that you will have a space that is welcoming to be who you are, as you are, safe and judgment free. I know that college is a whole new world, with new fun experiences and stress. I will partner with you to navigate the unique challenges of adjusting to school, friends, independence, and this stage of life. Whether you are experiencing; stress, anxiety, depression, or any unpleasant emotion. You are not alone, and together we will make sure that you are living a life aligned with your goals! Together, we will identify strategies to help you achieve those goals. As the expert of your own experiences, feel free to provide feedback and actively participate in the therapeutic process. It's a team effort, and my goal is to ensure that you get the most out of our sessions, so you can live a life aligned with your goals. Remember, you are not alone, and together we will navigate and overcome any challenges you may face. As an African American woman living in Chicago, I understand the pressure to ‘have it together’ or the need to be emotionally and mentally strong at all times. Life is extreme and when you add in the pressures to conform to the way of the world, life can be unbearable. Growing up on the west side of Chicago, I was able to see the inequities faced by brown and black people. I was able to see the negative impact of the injustices placed on the brown and black people. I was able to see the clear segregation of people, resources, and support and I am able to understand the pain the world has caused. My goal is to remind people of color that they are powerful, that their voices should be loud and clear, and that their presence is necessary. My passion is to be and create a safe space for those who struggle with just being. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community, the houseless community, and with Black Lives Matter to create a movement for equity, not just equality.

Charissa Simon-Wright earned her BA in Criminal and Social Justice from the University of Arizona (formerly Ashford University), MS in Psychology with a Specialization in Addictions from Perdue University (formerly Kaplan University). Charissa has received a doctoral degree at Walden University- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology. She is a member of Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, since June of 2019. Charissa has also obtained certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP-I), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Charissa has worked passionately in the behavioral health field for over fifteen years with children and families in multiple roles such as a case manager, housing specialist, family preservation worker, and counselor. While working at the second largest health department in Illinois, Charissa gained vast knowledge and skills that encompasses group counseling, individual counseling, clinical assessments, crisis counseling, addiction counseling, and trauma counseling. Charissa believes in treating the whole person. This means that she takes into consideration the underlying factors that can inhibit a person’s ability to practice healthy habits, so that she and the client can address the root of the issue and not just the symptoms in a collaborative manner. Charissa believes that the client is in charge of their own treatment which creates a sense of autonomy and empowerment that enables the client to move towards identified goals.

English & Conversational Korean/영어 & 일상 회화 한국어 *More availability coming Sep 2025/2025년 9월부터 상담 가능 시간이 더 많아집니다 English & Conversational Korean/영어 & 일상 회화 한국어 “What does it feel like to take up space?” Space can mean the way you walk into a room, how loud your voice is, or how tall you are. But what about emotional space? In relationships, at work, and in yourself? Maybe you’re the one others rely on, the ‘strong one’. Maybe you tend to hold things to yourself because it feels too vulnerable to share and it might burden someone else. Or you’re navigating systems that have made it hard to feel like you belong in a room. I believe healing happens in spaces where you feel safe enough to feel joy and connection. My role is to offer steady attention and help you reconnect with parts of yourself that you might have had to ignore. I’ve seen how cultural misunderstanding in mental health care can lead to misdiagnosis, minimized experiences, or emotional labor to explain yourself. I aim to reduce that burden, so you don’t have to translate your experience just to be understood. Sessions might include moments of light humor and comfort alongside serious work. “공간을 차지한다”는 건 어떤 기분일까요? 공간은 내가 방에 들어올 때의 모습, 목소리 크기, 키 같은 걸 말할 수 있습니다. 그런데 마음의 공간은 어떨까요? 관계 속에서, 직장에서, 그리고 나 자신 안에서요. 혹시 다른 사람들이 의지하는 ‘강한 사람’인가요? 힘든 마음을 혼자 참고, 다른 사람에게 짐이 될까 봐 말하지 못한 적이 있나요? 아니면 내가 있는 자리가 편하게 느껴지지 않는 환경 속에 있나요? 저는 안전하다고 느낄 수 있는 공간에서 치유가 시작된다고 믿습니다. 저는 문화 차이 때문에 잘못 이해받거나, 경험이 작게 여겨지거나, 나를 설명하느라 힘들어하는 경우를 많이 봤습니다. 그래서 있는 그대로 이해받을 수 있도록 그 부담을 줄이고 싶습니다. 상담 안에서는 진지한 이야기뿐 아니라 가벼운 웃음과 편안함도 함께 할 수 있습니다. What is Art Therapy?/미술치료는 뭔가요? As a practicing visual artist, I have a diverse understanding of art materials and techniques that can be incorporated into our sessions. Art therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes art-making and visual expression to deepen or facilitate the therapeutic process. It’s open to everyone, no artistic experience is necessary and the goal is not the end product, but the creative process. Trained in both art and talk therapy, I’m equipped to guide you through both the creative and verbal aspects of therapy. I practice art therapy as a collaborative process where we explore the meaning of your work together. Instead of reading or interpreting your art, we explore what you felt and thought while creating your piece. Kind of like an artist interview! Whether you’re interested in exploring new materials, want to try an activity catered to a particular challenge, something to fidget with during sessions, or using art as a medium to express yourself, I’m here to facilitate a safe, non judgemental space. 저는 현재 활동하는 예술가로서, 다양한 미술 재료와 기법을 알고 있습니다. 미술치료는 누구나 참여할 수 있고, 미술 경험이 전혀 없어도 괜찮습니다. 목표는 완성된 작품이 아니라 만드는 과정입니다. 저는 미술치료와 대화 상담 둘 다 훈련을 받았기 때문에, 두 가지를 함께 진행할 수 있습니다. 미술치료는 함께 의미를 찾아가는 과정입니다. 작품을 만들면서 어떤 생각과 감정을 느꼈는지 같이 나눕니다. 새로운 재료를 써 보고 싶거나, 고민에 맞춘 활동을 해보고 싶거나, 상담 중에 손으로 만질 수 있는 것을 원하거나, 말로 하기 어려운 마음을 표현하고 싶을 때, 안전하고 편안한 공간에서 함께 할 수 있습니다. Experience/경험 In 2020, several experiences pointed me to become an art therapist and counselor alongside my path as an artist. Beginning with the gap in mental health services I witnessed at the time, I saw how many people with marginalized identities were struggling to access affirming, inclusive care. A pivotal moment was when someone I cared about shared the depth of their pain as a way to ask for help, which led to the decision to become a therapist. My own experience of therapy helped me understand how essential representation and cultural understanding are in mental health care. I went on to earn my MA in Art Therapy and Counseling and BFA in Studio Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My training includes art therapy, DBT, and narrative therapy, grounded in strengths-based, relational, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approaches. I also bring LGBTQ+ and disability allyship into my work. In my work as a therapist, I’ve supported clients across both clinical and community settings. This has included leading teen wellness groups through UChicago Medicine, facilitating art therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation programs for adults with chronic mental health and intellectual disability diagnoses, and organizing community art workshops. I’ve also worked with immigrants, refugees, neurodivergent adults, and BIPOC/ALAANA communities. These experiences helped me cultivate a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. 2020년에 여러 경험을 통해 미술치료/상담사가 되기로 했습니다. 미국에서 정신 건강 서비스에 다양한 정체성을 가진 사람들이 안전하고 더 깊은 상담을 받기 어렵다는 것을 보았고, 제가 아끼는 사람이 힘든 마음을 나누며 도움을 요청한 순간이 큰 계기가 되었습니다. 상담을 받으며 문화적 이해와 대표성의 중요성도 깨달았습니다. 저는 시카고예술대학(SAIC)에서 미술치료와 상담 석사, 그리고 순수미술 학사를 받았습니다. 미술치료, DBT, 내러티브 치료를 배웠고, 사람의 강점을 살리고, 관계를 중요하게 생각하며, 트라우마를 이해하는 방법으로 상담합니다. LGBTQ+와 장애 인식에 대한 지지도 중요하게 생각합니다. 그동안 청소년 그룹, 성인 프로그램, 그리고 커뮤니티 워크숍을 진행했습니다. 이민자, 난민, 신경다양성, BIPOC 커뮤니티와도 함께 하며, 각자의 문화와 경험을 존중하는 상담을 해왔습니다. Languages/언어 한국어를 가볍게 사용하는 것은 환영합니다! 저는 한국어와 영어를 섞어서 대화하는 것이 편한 클라이언트와 잘 맞습니다. 제가 한국어로 일상적인 대화는 할 수 있지만, 심도 있는 대화 주제나 위기 상황, 진단, 치료 계획과 같은 중요한 치료 논의에서는 모든 내용을 명확하게 표현하기 어려울 수 있습니다. 이상적으로는 번역하거나 언어에 적응하는 부담이 클라이언트에게 있어서는 안 됩니다. 이 정도의 언어 능력이 괜찮으시다면, 편하게 연락 주세요! Speaking Korean lightly is welcome! I am a good fit for clients who are comfortable mixing Korean and English. While I can engage in everyday conversations in Korean, it may be difficult to clearly express everything in in-depth conversations, crisis situations, diagnoses, and treatment planning, as well as other important therapeutic discussions. Ideally, the burden of translation or language adaptation should not fall on the client. If this sounds like a fit for you, feel free to reach out!

Flourish Counseling and Wellness is a large group psychotherapy and medication management practice, seeing clients both virtually and in person in the Chicagoland area. Our dedicated providers are skilled in working with young adults needing support around college and other life transitions, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, trauma, and much, much more. If you are looking for a warm, skilled therapist or psychiatric medication provider, Flourish would love to welcome you to our family! We are in network with BCBS PPO, Cigna, and Aetna.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in working with college and university students struggling with ADHD. Whether it’s trouble starting tasks, managing time, or staying organized, I help clients find practical strategies while also holding space for the emotional toll that struggle can bring. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, offering support that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in evidence-based care. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and skills training. Together, we’ll identify patterns that aren’t serving you and build tools that support focus, regulation, and self-confidence both in the moment and over time. Therapy with me is collaborative and encouraging. We’ll work side by side to break down what feels impossible and create new pathways forward - grounded in your strengths, values, and capacity for change

My name is Mary Clare, and I am a dedicated mental health clinician with experience providing therapy to children, adults, and families. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. I provide a supportive space to address issues like anxiety, stress, transitions, and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based modalities to help clients build resilience, increase self-awareness, and achieve their goals. I am confident we can cultivate an environment for you to heal and reach your goals, and I would love the opportunity to see if we are a good fit. I am currently accepting new clients in-person and virtually.

Across all therapeutic modalities I aim to maintain a safe space, which allows both therapist and client to collaborate and engage in natural conversation. I believe it is through these interactions where a relationship can be developed and certain insights come to light. In our work together, clients are able to learn more about their relational patterns, both through the experience of retelling their stories as well as firsthand within therapeutic interactions. As these insights provide opportunity for better understanding of current difficulties, ultimately, meaningful and empowered change can be pursued. I utilize a variety of therapeutic styles in my treatment approach including humanistic, relational and psychodynamic based approaches. I also make use of emotion-focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral-based approaches when working with couples and symptomatic issues, respectively.

I specialize in assisting adults with relationship and family concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and identity exploration and development. I also have a passion for working with young adults, university students, and developing professionals as they navigate life transitions. I provide individualized, collaborative, evidence-based treatment. Body-image concerns and sports performance are also areas I am well-versed within.

A fulfilling life is not about the absence of problems, but about how you choose to deal with them. We utilize a systemic, respectful, client-centered, and inclusive approach to therapy focused on social justice and shared humanity. Therapy is both an art and a science. Our therapists are trained in effective, evidence-based therapies carried out in a compassionate, personalized way. We always prioritize the relationship with our clients, in combination with skillful interventions that strive to meet your goals. Our practice is culturally competent, anti-racist, LGBTQ+, sex worker, kink, and poly affirming. We believe that human beings are wired for connection. We strive to help you heal yourself and your relationships through honest assessment, courageous communication, self-improvement, and authentic connection. We provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy to the communities of Oak Park and the Chicagoland area. Our therapists are able to see clients virtually anywhere in the state of Illinois, as well as Wisconsin and Florida.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Cira Center for Behavioral Health (CCBH) is a group practice that has a Team of Psychologists, Social Workers, Professional Counselors, Doctoral Level Therapists, and Post Doctoral Fellows that serve the age and gender spectrum and specialize in Trauma and Women’s Issues/Health.. Therapy is based on research and science, both of which are incredibly important, but at CCBH, we believe that nothing is more important than feeling heard and understood without any judgment. When a strong, supportive relationship is combined with direct feedback and skill-building, people change, and lives improve CCBH specializes in treating trauma. Trauma includes things that you would typically think of as trauma (war veterans, car accidents, rape, physical assault, etc.) as well as difficult childhoods that may have included: physical, sexual, verbal, and/or emotional abuse; divorce/separation; a caretaker who struggled with their own physical/mental illness; a caretaker who suffered from addiction, etc. CCBH also focuses on treating women’s health issues such as perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders and/or disordered eating, body image struggles, etc

Hi! I am a clinical social worker with about 15 years of experience working across the lifespan and really enjoy working with young adults. I am in Lakeview/Lincoln Park above the Core Yoga building, and in network with BCBS PPO plans.

Our mission at Center Focused Therapy is to provide the highest level of ethical, competent and intentional treatment to our clients. We appreciate how difficult it can be to start therapy and do not take this decision lightly. Whether you have a clear idea of what you hope to address in therapy or are unsure of where to begin, our therapists are determined to meet you where you are in your own journey of healing and growth. Interested in learning more? Email or call us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

I am a trauma therapist who is passionate about supporting people navigating life’s challenges. My role as a therapist is to support my clients uncover their most loving, powerful, and compassionate self. I like to invite clients to explore and resolve thoughts and behaviors that impact their life experience by acquiring self-leadership skills, new ways of coping and exploring long lasting change. I am passionate about trauma-informed care and particularly find meaning in working with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety or depression, life transitions, have complex family dynamics, those balancing multiple roles or adjusting to parenting, complex relationship issues, and those who are in high pressure/stress jobs. I consider my therapeutic style to be conversational, compassionate, and gently challenging.

LifePath Therapy Associates is excited to have an art therapist, Jessica Walters, that graduated from SAIC! We also have many other clinicians with a wide range of experience and training to meet your needs. We are a psychotherapy practice in the heart of the Chicago's loop at Washington and Wabash. We believe in embracing each individual’s unique strengths and celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Our therapists are warm and compassionate and believe in collaborating with each person who walks through the door to help them build the life that they wish to live.

Hi! I’m Matthew Boltz and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I provide therapy for children, adolescents/teenagers, and adults in Chicago. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, autism, behavioral disorders, depression, executive functioning difficulties, family stress, life change & transitions, school/work stress, stress, and self-esteem. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of social work and providing behavioral/mental health services. I began my career working in inpatient and outpatient hospitalization programs and then spent five years working within the education system to provide mental health services as a social worker in elementary, middle, and high schools across the state of Illinois. I have extensive experience working with many subject matters in regard to the education system such as school functioning, special education law, IEPs and 504’s, coordination of care between support staff, and advocacy within the school setting. While working in the school, I also began working in private practice providing therapy to a variety of people with different presenting issues and concerns as mentioned above. I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-based therapy to support treatment goals through skill-building, gaining insights, and clarifying values. I employ a person-centered and strengths-based approach when working with my clients to honor each of their own individual wants and needs during the therapeutic process. I am an affirming and accepting therapist that provides a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive therapeutic environment. My goal is to empower each client with the coping strategies and skills necessary to make the desired changes in their own life. If you have any other questions, would like to schedule a brief phone consultation, or want to schedule your first appointment, please feel free to call or email me. I look forward to talking with you.

Hello! My name is Kalea Abernathy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling from Colorado State University and my Master of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I believe that the key aspects of counseling are empathy, collaboration, and unconditional positive regard. With these foundational pieces, I work with my clients to create a trusting therapeutic relationship where individuals feel safe to process their past and present and feel empowered to achieve their goals.I have experience helping individuals address complex trauma, post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and ODD. I integrate multiple lenses such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, person-centered, and psychodynamic to better help and understand my clients. Before working at Hartman Counseling and Consulting, I worked with adults at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, helping individuals work through grief and loss and mood disorders, and at The Bridge Youth and Family Services where I worked with children, adolescents, and their families who were experiencing anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and behavioral difficulties

Our boutique Lincoln Park counseling practice works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and to attain the personal growth they are seeking. This is accomplished by adhering to our practice’s central values: compassion, empathy, and courage. We work with teens, emerging adults, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds who experience a wide range of anxiety and depressive disorders. Our areas of expertise include treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Our therapists have specialized training to treat relationship issues, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulties in emotion regulation, and men’s issues.

I meet clients where they are at. My goal is that my clients feel heard, seen, and validated when coming to therapy. I am always actively learning and studying through Somatic work, continuing education classes, reading, and attending conferences. I am in the process of earning my Somatic Experiencing Practitioner credentials. I’ve started my second year of a three year training (Intermediate I) and I deeply enjoy integrating somatic therapy into my work with clients. Meeting people where they are is essential because we want to create safe spaces to discuss their concerns. Whether talk therapy or Somatic, lets give you the space. I’ve started my second year of a three year training (Intermediate I) and I deeply enjoy integrating somatic therapy into my work with clients. Meeting people where they are is essential because we want to create safe spaces to discuss their concerns. Whether talk therapy or Somatic, lets give you the space to explore. Somatic work can help release the stored energy that is stuck, recurrent, or rising to the surface. If interested in Somatic work, consent is key and asked constantly throughout sessions. If either talk therapy or Somatic interests you, please contact Astute.