Therapists for college students near 60637

Alexandra (she/hers) specializes in the treatment of adults, marital and pre-marital couples, college aged individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, experiences of trauma, problematic drug and alcohol use, and relational difficulties. Additional specialties include: complicated family systems, emerging adulthood, significant life transitions, disordered eating patterns, and building self confidence. Alex’s approach to therapy is collaborative and she incorporates ACT/ DBT, mindfulness, Imago relational work, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, and narrative therapies into her practice.

Alissa (she/hers) specializes in the treatment of a mood, identity, and relationship struggles with adolescents and adults in their 20s and 30s. Alissa works with her clients to help them resolve difficulties with connection, build insight, and establish healthier relationship patterns. She helps her clients find meaning in their struggles, understand their symptoms, and find ways to get development back on track. She believes that the process of growth and healing is deeply connected to the relationship between the therapist and the individual seeking therapy. Alissa is trained in EMDR and has completed the Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Thought program of study at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.

Practice Information: Astute Counseling & Wellness Services Located in Lakeview, Chicago At Astute Counseling & Wellness Services, we are a comprehensive mental health and wellness practice offering integrative care to support the whole person—mind and body. Our team includes over 20 experienced and compassionate therapists, allowing patients to find the right fit for their unique needs, goals, and preferences. We provide evidence-based therapy and support for a wide range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to: • Anxiety and Panic Disorders • Depression and Mood Disorders •. Sports Psychology for athletes • Trauma and PTSD • Grief and Loss • Life Transitions • Relationship, Couples and Family Issues • Neurodivergence (Autism/ADHD) • OCD • Eating Disorders • LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Care • Stress-Related Disorders • Substance Use • EMDR Astute proudly accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO and United Healthcare PPO insurance plans (including UMR student plans) to make care more accessible. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, we are home to a full wellness center that embraces a holistic approach to healing. We integrate mindfulness, somatic practices, and body-based therapies to help individuals reconnect with themselves and regulate their nervous systems. Our offerings include: • Yoga (including trauma-informed and restorative classes) • Sound Bath Healing • Reiki and Energy Work • Acupuncture & Cupping • Massage Therapy and Bodywork • Infrared Sauna & Light Therapy • Breathwork and Meditation • Somatic Movement Classes • Group Workshops and Community Wellness Events Whether you are starting therapy for the first time or deepening your wellness journey, Astute Counseling & Wellness Services provides a supportive, inclusive, and personalized space to grow and heal. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit us online or stop by our Lakeview location.

Inclusive Insight celebrates the intersectionality and variety of identity. We are a safe and welcoming space for all individuals, inclusive of those from diverse backgrounds, including gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, age, ability, and all other identities. Our therapists reflect the diverse backgrounds of the clients we serve and bring their own unique experiences and expertise to broaden the perspective of IIPC.

At our practice we have clinicians that specialize in working with 18-25 year olds. We understand the constant stress and pressure of college life. You don't have to shoulder the burden alone. We provide a safe space to process emotions, develop new skills, build resilience, & create lasting change. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Healing is never a straight line, there will be ups and downs, and sometimes moments where one can feel stuck. Counseling is an important component of our healing journey and I hope to be of service to my clients to walk along their healing path. Looking deep inside can make one nervous and scared, but to look deeply inside is a very courageous step. Creating a safe space where my clients can feel seen and heard is very important to me. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology in 2011 and my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. I provide services in both English and Spanish. I actively engage in ongoing research on ADHD and neurodivergence and draw on both professional knowledge and personal insights and lived experience, as I have ADHD, along with my husband and one of my children, to support clients working through ADHD related concerns.

My practice is guided by curiosity and nonjudgment. Therapy is a place to let go of shame, where all topics can be brought to the table. My goal is to provide a safe space where we can question, cry, laugh, and feel it all together. My style is deeply empathetic and introspective with a sense of playfulness and lightheartedness. I practice from an emotions-focused, attachment, and psychodynamic lens. My approach also includes existential, narrative, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction frameworks. As a Certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) who has trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE), I enjoy incorporating somatic work to deepen the therapeutic process via movement, breath work, and somatic mindfulness. I work with folks with ADHD/neurodivergence.

Welcome! Taking the step towards therapy can feel daunting, but I'm here to make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Whether we're meeting online or face-to-face, my aim is to create an environment where you can truly be yourself. Therapy shouldn't feel like a formal interrogation. I strive to bring warmth and ease into our sessions, fostering a conversational atmosphere where you don't have to watch your words. Being authentic is key to our work together, and I encourage clients to express themselves freely, expletives and all. My approach is grounded in non-judgment and empathy. There's no need to worry about censoring yourself with me – I'm here to listen, support, and guide you through whatever challenges you're facing. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, and I'm passionate about building therapeutic relationships that empower my clients to explore, grow, and heal. If you're ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and transformation, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

I offer treatment for formally diagnosed eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, and binge eating disorder, as well as support for anyone with a challenging relationship to food or body image concerns. Additionally, I love supporting individuals with anxiety, helping them to live more and worry less. My approach is deeply relational, fostering a space where clients can feel seen, valued, and understood.

Intersectionality and social justice are central in my practice and philosophy; in other words, I view you within the context of your identities and environment and consider what in those spheres may be helping or hurting you. My clinical specialties and interests include trauma, gender & sexuality exploration, depression & anxiety, and life transitions. I also have experience working with community college students, immigrants & refugees, and survivors of intimate partner violence. As a queer person, I understand the challenges of navigating systems that often cause harm. I aim to provide you with a safe, empathetic, and inclusive environment that embraces vulnerability, fosters empowerment, and welcomes the parts of you that you have been told to hide

Therapy is a unique opportunity to find peace within ourselves. While it may be difficult to find the right therapist to work with, I find my warm, empathetic, friendly, straight-forward approach helps my clients work through issues to find transformation and purpose in their life, as we collaboratively work to find the right approach that fits for you. I work with different types of clients. Some may struggle with challenges of anxiety, depression or mood disorders and the impact it has on their lives, or perhaps not feeling good enough. Others may be working through different life transitions, career struggles or relationship issues. We will work together to help you find self-acceptance of who you are. I also enjoy working with clients trying to navigtate different challenges unique to the LGBTQ+ population. Additionally, I have a special interest and experience working with athletes during different phase-of-life transitions with the uncertainty that comes when having to carve out a new path while struggling the loss of identity of being an athlete.

It's exhausting when your inner critic never seems to quiet down. Maybe you're constantly second-guessing yourself, struggling with body image, feeling anxious about the future, or wondering why it's so hard to show yourself the same compassion you give everyone else. Therapy can help you step out of those patterns and build a healthier relationship with yourself. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Together, we'll explore what's contributing to your distress while building practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and rooted in the connection between mind and body. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and somatic approaches to help you better understand your emotions, strengthen self-compassion, and create lasting change. Rather than striving for perfection, we'll work toward building a life that feels balanced, authentic, and aligned with your values. I have a special passion for supporting clients healing their relationship with food and their bodies. Together, we'll work toward reducing shame, building body neutrality, developing healthier coping strategies, and strengthening trust in yourself. I also support individuals navigating the perinatal journey, including pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and infertility. My hope is that therapy helps you reconnect with your strengths, treat yourself with greater compassion, and move through life with more confidence and self-acceptance.

College and young adulthood can bring excitement, uncertainty, and a lot of pressure. You may be navigating a major life transition, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, processing trauma, exploring your identity, or learning how to set healthier boundaries. Wherever you are, you do not have to move through it alone. Therapy can be a place to slow down, feel heard, and better understand what you are carrying. My goal is to create a space where you feel welcomed, respected, and accepted just as you are. Together, we will explore what is contributing to your current challenges, build on your strengths, and develop tools to help you manage stress, emotions, relationships, and change with more confidence and self-compassion. My approach is relational, client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I tailor our work to your needs and goals, drawing from CBT, mindfulness, mind-body practices, motivational interviewing, art therapy, and psychodynamic and intersectional feminist perspectives. I strive to offer therapy that is LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally responsive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive. I welcome conversations about identity, belonging, discrimination, marginalization, and the systems that may impact your mental health and well-being. My hope is that our work together helps you better understand yourself, honor your emotions, build healthy boundaries, and cultivate a deeper sense of resilience, safety, and peace within yourself.

Nora Khani, LCPC utilizes a trauma-focused lens, as well as the bio-psychosocial model which allows her to get a deeper understanding of clients' presenting issues and how they are interrelated with many different aspects of the clients' life. She is focused on understanding and exploring the root cause of presenting issues to assist the client in optimal growth, confidence, and happiness in their life as well as parents. Nora uses client-centered counseling, unconditional positive regard, validation, utilizing the biopsychosocial model to assess client issues, psychodynamic approach, talking therapy, play therapy, CBT to help client's accomplish their goals.

Liz Casaclang Melo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She graduated from Argosy University with an MA in Clinical Psychology. Liz is a very open and empathetic person who values having a therapeutic relationship with her patients. Liz has had the opportunity to work with patients from different backgrounds, ethnicity, and BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Outside of work, Liz enjoys the outdoors, especially biking and swimming. She loves hanging out with her family and their 3 dogs, and barbeques. She admits she is a foodie.

Steve Schreiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2008. He has a BS in Education from De Paul University and an MA in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Steve helps his clients by assisting them in identifying goals, as well as potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil. Steve seeks to improve communication and teaches practical coping mechanisms which can help the client immediately to deal with their specific symptoms. Steve promotes behavioral change and optimal mental health. Outside of work, Steve enjoys running, writing, reading, theater, movies, playing and watching sports, fitness and nutrition, and outdoor activities.

Cara McGhee, LPC takes a holistic eclectic approach to therapy. With the holistic aspect, Cara addresses symptoms as one way an individual's cognizance can convey consideration to an individual's advance perception. In the eclectic aspect, Cara uses various theoretical approaches to meet client's needs. Cara also addresses the therapeutic relationship with the belief that a stable relationship incorporates trust, authenticity, autonomy and optimistic outcomes. Cara has experience with survivors and offenders of domestic violence, substance use, parenting, and ran a court ordered anger management program. Mood disorders, anxiety, and depression are some of the main areas Cara treats. Cara earner her M. A. in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Veronica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. There are joys of being a parent and there are also the difficult, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting moments where you might feel like you don't know what to do to help your child. Kids struggling with behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem sometimes need an extra hand to help them navigate the difficulties in life. Veronica understands both childhood development and the complexities of parental struggles, and she can help your child have a better experience of their life. Veronica utilizes play therapy interventions with children ages 3-12 years old that allow them to develop and practice skills to cope with difficult experiences and emotions, have a better understanding of themselves, and tune into their natural resilience. Veronica tailors her approach based on the needs of the child, teen, or family - truly meeting them where they're at. Starting therapy can be difficult and vulnerable for anyone, and with the right therapist and approach, positive change is possible. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys painting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Andy Benson, LCSW and CADC, offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients in Illinois, providing individualized and effective evidence-based treatment. Specializing in the treatment of substance abuse, PTSD/trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Andy has extensive experience working with first responders, older adults, and other diverse populations. His approach involves deep listening and understanding, meeting clients where they are to facilitate their healing and growth. At LifeStance Health, Andy Benson is dedicated to helping adults and seniors navigate the complexities of their mental health. He employs a range of interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address various mental health concerns. His expertise includes dealing with midlife and later life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and men's issues, ensuring that each client receives tailored care that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. Andy is particularly passionate about addressing alcohol and drug use.

Layla Byrnes is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Layla provides a safe space to authentically learn and grow, to feel capable within one's own autonomy and community. Layla offers time and space to consider suspending beliefs that are no longer serving you, and to do so within your boundaries. It can be hard to see the "forest for the trees," and it can be helpful to have some assistance. Outside of work, Layla enjoys simple things like a feel-good yoga stretch or her tea light candles. She also loves big moments like Madonna's Blond Ambition tour in the 90s, and graduation ceremonies. Her close friends and family are her everything, not to mention her beloved cat, Athena.