Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I am a queer mental health professional who uses trauma-informed care to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all clients of any background. I often work with adults who typically present cPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), perfectionism, and identity/self-esteem issues. Many come to me seeking help for their religious trauma, betrayal/abandonment trauma, complex relationship dynamics, grief work, somatic work and exploring sex therapy issues. I take a client-centered, anti-harm approach using my training in psychoanalysis. I find it the most helpful to explore attachment trauma and stress responses in the nervous system. The mind and body are connected, exploring healing beyond talk therapy can provide significant insight into a person’s identity and personal needs. It can be difficult finding a clinician who is a good fit, which is understandable, and it can result in feelings of discouragement. I encourage you to reach out anyway to give yourself a chance to experience something new. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me to discuss your needs and goals regarding treatment, then proceed from there.

Many of the students I work with are navigating major life transitions while carrying the weight of stress, anxiety, trauma, family expectations, relationship challenges, or feelings of not quite belonging. I especially enjoy working with first-generation college students, students from immigrant families, women, and neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD. Together, we create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can better understand yourself, build practical coping skills, strengthen relationships, and move toward a life that feels more aligned with your values. You don't have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy—we can start exactly where you are.

Are you carrying pain that feels too heavy to name, let alone heal? Do the things you’ve lived through feel like a weight you can’t put down, or old wounds that echo into the present? Do you struggle to trust your emotions, or feel like they run the show? Or maybe you feel disconnected from others? Yet, even in the midst of all that, there’s a part of you longing for something different? Hello and welcome! I work with folks navigating complex trauma, deep emotional pain, and unjust systems. Through the use of collaborative, non-judgmental, and anti-oppressive frameworks, we center your resistance, healing, and self-determination. I integrate a variety of therapeutic interventions including Internal Family Systems (IFS)/ parts work, DBT, grounding techniques, and mindfulness to help you accomplish your goals and move through shame, guilt, depression, loneliness, anxiety, overwhelm, anger, trauma/c-PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-hatred, interpersonal distress, and emotion regulation. Here, healing is not a linear path or a checklist to complete. It is a remembering, a reclamation, radical act, it is relational. As an autistic, queer, trans non-binary therapist, I believe that you are inherently worthy as you are, and still, you deserve to carry heavy burdens more lightly. If you're ready to begin, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Some things are hard to put into words, which is why I draw on art-making, body-awareness, and other expressive tools alongside traditional talk therapy. Based in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood and available throughout Illinois via telehealth, I work with children, teens, and adults at a pace that allows them to fully express themselves, understand their stories, develop self-compassion, regulate their nervous systems, and build coping skills that work for them. In our early sessions, I spend time getting to know you, what brings you in, what has and hasn't worked before, and what you most want from this process. I specialize in walking with those navigating childhood trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, and depression. My approach to therapy is relational and grounded in an understanding of trauma, while drawing techniques from many approaches, including ACT, parts work, play therapy, and expressive arts. Faith integration is also welcome in our work upon request. My goal is to create a nonjudgmental space for you to honestly and authentically share the funny, uncomfortable, confusing, and painful parts of life. If you’re looking for a therapist who will slow down, listen deeply, and truly value your story, please send a message, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

I’m a bilingual (Tagalog/Filipino) psychotherapist who creates a culturally responsive, trauma-informed space where you feel seen and empowered. I use CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and expressive arts to support anxiety, depression, identity, and life transitions. My experience as an Asian American daughter of immigrants informs my inclusive approach. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and build a sense of belonging. My pronouns are she/her.

I work with driven achievers who find themselves feeling stuck with rumination, overthinking, unwanted and intrusive thoughts, or are overwhelmed with uncertainty. You may find yourself wanting to feel confident at work or school, in relationships, and in going about your daily tasks, but that doubt keeps you second guessing and avoiding. Together we will explore the challenges you are facing, utilize methods to recognize what keeps you stuck in the anxiety cycle, and learn how to respond to and face fears with self-compassion, and confidence. Building trust is central to the therapeutic relationship and I seek to meet individuals where they are in their process. I believe clients are the experts in their own lives and I use a style that is collaborative, goal-oriented, supportive, and nonjudgmental. I am trained in evidence-based practices for the treatment of OCD, anxiety, panic disorder and phobias, hair pulling and skin picking (BFRBs), and athlete mental health. I offer the space to cope with uncertainty, develop new skills, and make meaningful adjustments, and am licensed in IL, WI and FL.

Will is a psychoanalytic candidate with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis and practices an integrative approach to therapy that is rooted in psychoanalysis, drawing from experiences of working in residential therapy and community mental health. He is also trained in Child and Parent Psychotherapy, an evidence-based practice that works to mitigate the negative effects of trauma by strengthening the parent-child bond for young children aged 0-6 and their caregivers. Will believes we all make sacrifices to try and fit it; he believes this to be the origin of many of our symptoms which he understands to the be the reasons and experiences that bring clients to therapy. We try to be good workers, family members, and citizens, but oftentimes, in our struggles to fit it, belong, or be good human beings, we lose sight of something inherent in ourselves. “Fitting in” has a price. If you’re coming to therapy, the price probably feels too costly. No matter how hard we try, sometimes we don’t fit in or we feel like an outsider or an imposter. We might feel like there’s something we’ve lost or something we’ve never had. People who hear voices, live through anxiety and fear, think or experience the world differently, and are in mourning have a place in my practice. Will offers a place to relationally understand these sacrifices and symptoms; to discover where they come from and make space for something new. Through a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and collaboration, we’ll work to understand the choices we unknowingly make and look to untangle the knots that oftentimes get in the way of living the life we want.

Pronouns: he/him I’m a queer therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals through difficult life transitions. My clients often feel overwhelmed dealing with the challenges that accompany change, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family dynamics, grief, and exploration of identity, sexuality, and gender. I am here to openly explore your experiences, while honoring your unique story and the complexities of your intersecting identities. I use a person-centered, individualized approach, focusing on understanding you and identifying the interventions that will work best for your specific needs. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals, address challenges along the way, and move through this time of transformation with respect and curiosity, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Starting (or restarting) therapy can feel daunting, and finding the right therapist is key. Let’s schedule a simple consultation call to see if I’m a good fit to support you on your journey.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who values creating a space of agency and collaboration between myself and my clients. I apply evidence-based behavioral therapy approaches to help teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and/or depression. I place a strong emphasis on providing gender/LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally conscious, and sex-positive care. I am committed to creating a safe & inclusive space for clients to be able to show up authentically and feel understood. I aim to empower clients by meeting them where they are at on their journey. I strive to maintain a compassionate therapeutic environment that fosters growth and healing. I provide clients with practical skills and tools they need to reclaim control and find freedom from anxiety.

Whether you are seeking therapy to process life stressors, learn new coping skills, or to address your relationship with food and your body, I am here to help. Located in the heart of Roscoe Village, I offer in-person sessions as well as virtual sessions to folks living in the Chicagoland area. In our sessions, I offer individualized, compassionate, and evidence-based care to help you achieve your goals. I will be your partner in guiding you toward deeper self-reflection and helping you reconnect with your self-worth.

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Life can sometimes move too fast, too slow, or just become a bit too much. You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated or discouraged as you try to keep up, while the world around you continues to change. Your thoughts run on overdrive, you feel stuck moving through the motions but no closer to where you’d like to go. In our darkest moments, we often need someone else to shine a light on our capabilities. I believe there’s strength in every person, even when it feels out of reach. Wherever you are on your path, I hope to honor your lived experience while also noticing the glimmers of change as they come. Together, we will identify the root of what’s holding you back, strengthen intrinsic motivation, and take steps toward meaningful, lasting change. Drawing from an integrative, holistic and affirming approach, I work with individuals and couples from all walks of life. With training in Somatic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming practice, I weave experiential methods of therapy with evidence-based interventions. I love supporting people to gain self-insight, and build better communication skills that support fulfilling and intentional relationships. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. If you feel that my approach may be a good fit for you, I invite you to reach out. Whether with me or another counselor, it would be a privilege to witness you on your new path.

I absolutely love working with young folks who feel stuck, anxious, or alone in dealing with the stressors that life brings. I am a relational therapist that holds space for young adults to build connection, develop mindfulness, and explore what values will be motivating for their life choices. This work is rooted in prioritizing self-acceptance: one of the best gifts we can give ourselves in individual talk therapy. In a group therapy setting, I aim to create freedom for individuals to get better at feeling emotions and communicating them to others, as a way to navigate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Let’s talk more about how I can help you explore self-doubt, dysregulated emotions, academic anxiety, peer conflict, grief, apathy, anger, addiction, shame, or sadness. The experience of emerging adults today is not hopeless; there is ample opportunity to build resources for connection. This connection creates confidence in your ability to cope, grow, and heal on the journey towards a meaningful life!

My areas of expertise include the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, self-esteem deficits, academic underachievement, perfectionism, family of origin issues, LGBT concerns, and women's issues. I also specialize in working with college students and emerging adults.

Life’s journey may bring times of challenge, uncertainty, and pain. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or powerless at times. Facing these moments alone can make them even harder. In therapy, I hope to collaborate with you to build a compassionate and empathetic relationship where it is safe to be curious, observe, reflect and grow. Together we’ll understand the sources of distress in the context of your identities and experiences, try out different coping skills and identify what works best for you. We will also explore ways to navigate difficult situations in your life to support you in being your most authentic self. As a therapist holding marginalized identities, I’m passionate about working with folks in the immigrant, BIPOC, neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. My training focused on anxiety, depression, trauma, relational concerns, navigating oppression and discrimination, self-esteem, and grief. I enjoy helping clients find ways to live the life they envision. I provide therapy in both English and Mandarin.

I am an individual and sex therapist specializing in working with clients exploring sexuality, gender, life transitions, and anxiety.

We are dedicated to offering Mental Health Services which are easily adaptable and low-stress and that combine strategies for assisting with the many difficult aspects and challenges that have become normal in our daily lives. Clients are encouraged and taught to actively learn about themselves and are challenged to explore new ways of being and thinking, all in a safe and comforting environment.

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First of all, I appreciate your time reviewing my profile. Here's what you can expect from our work together: I deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent treatment for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. In every session, I aim to empower clients with mental health education, acknowledge strengths, and bring compassion and honesty to vulnerable moments in therapy. It is my hope that we can spend time understanding how past experiences are influencing the present and work towards more authenticity and self-led actions in the future. Skilled in Acceptance and Commitment, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy techniques, I assist clients to develop deeper self-awareness and mindfulness, process underlying feelings and beliefs, improve psychological flexibility, and strengthen coping skills as clients work towards their specific goals. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with an additional certifications in trauma, sex-informed counseling, substance use counseling, and grief and loss. I use an integrated, person-centered approach to treat a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic, life/education/career transitions, trauma, struggles with interpersonal relationships and attachment, ADHD, self-esteem, chronic mental health issues, and less healthy coping mechanisms such as substance use, people-pleasing, self-criticism, and other self-punishing behaviors. Please reach out if you have any specific questions/concerns, I would be happy to address them with you. Certifications: LCPC, CADC, ADHD-CCPS, CCTP, CAGCS, CSTIP

Nicole Barone MA, LCPC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist College where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and person-centered care. She has worked with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and is passionate about helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, and interpersonal difficulties. Her clinical work focuses on helping individuals gain insight and better understand themselves, build coping skills, and improve their overall quality of life. She believes therapy is most effective when clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard. Her goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where clients can be themselves and explore what’s most important to them. Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. She incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing, tailoring each session to the unique needs of the individual. She strives to bring curiosity, empathy, and authenticity into each session.