Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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.

I offer a warm and affirming space for you to move away from shame or past traumatic harms toward self-compassion and a stronger sense of agency in your life. My approach to therapy centers the therapeutic relationship and honors the ways that people heal alongside one another. I aim to be nonjudgmental, exploratory, and compassionate in my work with you. In my work, I draw largely from relational, psychodynamic, somatic, and trauma-centered frameworks to help individuals strengthen their relationships to themselves, their bodies, and those near them. Further, I take a social justice approach to therapy that acknowledges the role that power and oppressive systems have in shaping mental health. I have special interest in working with people seeking support for complex trauma, grief, burnout, significant life transitions, or relationship challenges. I welcome all communities but bring lived experience to work with LGBTQ+ and Latine individuals as a queer Mexican-American therapist.

Whether you’re seeking clarity around a current challenge or hoping to create deeper, lasting change, therapy offers an opportunity to understand and rework patterns that affect your relationships or hold you back. With advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, I view the therapeutic relationship as central to growth and healing. I bring empathy, openness, humor, and genuine curiosity to our work. Most importantly, I believe therapy should feel collaborative—a partnership where we deepen understanding, create new possibilities, and support meaningful change.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Our focus is on helping our clients create a life of presence, passion and purpose. We are a practice of 58 diverse, authentic and skilled therapists. Having a large team of therapists allows us to cover many specialties and treat most mental health disorders. We serve over 1500 clients each week, many of whom are students struggling with adjusting to college life, "adulting", anxiety, stress, OCD, trauma, depression, eating disorders, body image and identity development. Our therapists are LGBTQIA+ affirming and consistently work on anti-racism. As therapists we are both creative and collaborative in helping you become the best and most authentic version of yourself.

I enjoy working with college students and young adults seeking balance in work, personal life, and social relationships, including friendships, boundaries, and family dynamics. I specialize in anxiety/social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and identity issues. I support clients in exploring their childhood experiences, attachment patterns, and the balance between self and others. With a gentle and encouraging presence, I help clients reconnect with their authentic selves, cultivate inner growth, and define personal meaning as they move forward in therapy. As a Registered Art Therapist as well, I also welcome you to work with me through art. By using art as a second tool, I support clients in finding their voices and meanings. I’m now accepting virtual, in-person, and mixed sessions. There’s no pressure to know exactly what to say or do in our session. You might begin by sharing what you’re curious or concerned about, or you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation call with me. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to support you.

As therapists, we work to build a genuine relationship with each client, create a safe space for discovery, and aim to understand that individual. This allows clients to safely explore alongside the therapist, and begin to see themselves with greater clarity, depth, and honesty. Good, effective therapy will likely not happen overnight (though exciting and wonderful eureka moments certainly occur along the way), and trust, honesty, and humor are invaluable to a beneficial therapeutic relationship. We believe that laughter and tears are equally powerful but that therapeutic change is measured in neither. We believe the act and effort of genuinely and non-judgmentally understanding each client allows for lasting therapeutic change to take place. While each clinician at Dr. Blehart & Associates has a unique method and skillset, we believe it is the underlying interpersonal style and ability to connect and understand that rests at the heart of our work. Dr. Blehart & Associates offers the highest level of expertise, care, and access for adults and adolescents in Chicago. Services are available in English, Spanish, German, and Somali.

Hi, I am Emily (she/her), LCSW! It’s no secret that life can have its ups and downs. Whether it be transitions, endings, or new beginnings, it is important to have people who can walk alongside you throughout all these changes; people who can see the good in you, who can be your biggest cheerleader, and who can be a place for you to lean on when you need it the most. My goal as a therapist is to provide that space for you, and to provide you with a place where you can come as you are and become who you want to be. I am passionate about working with teenagers and emerging adults, specifically those who may be experiencing a life transition, have experienced trauma in their lifetime, or who cope with anxiety or depression symptoms and disorders. I thrive when working with individuals who are seeking to build skills in emotional regulation and who want to strengthen their social skills and interpersonal relationships. I have significant experience working within the child and adolescent therapeutic space and believe that providing mental healthcare to the next generation is vital for moving society forward. I believe that the relational aspect between a therapist and client is vital to seeing progress in the areas a client desires, and I strive to be a compassionate, affirming, and honest therapist. My approach often includes humor, and I am not afraid to challenge clients when necessary. I seek to learn what makes an individual tick, what brings them joy, and to develop a deep understanding of their personality, goals, and values so they can achieve what they want from therapy. I draw from a variety of different modalities, including trauma–focused cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Each of these modalities brought together allows me to cater an environment toward each individual I work with; what may work for one person may not work for another, and it is my goal to make therapy a space that you enjoy coming to and that you feel you are able to get the most out of. I believe that each person has value and something to offer this world- it can just be hard to see that sometimes. It would be my greatest joy to walk alongside you in discovering what that might look like for you.

Your grades are declining. You nap because it's the only way to shut your brain off. You're reviewing everything you said in that last conversation because you're sure you said something embarrassing. You feel like something is wrong, but you don't want anyone to know. You've come to the right place! We will explore your challenges from a non-judgmental and self-compassionate place. Believe me- I've heard and seen it all, and I can still honestly say my clients are the most amazing people. You are not lazy or weird or any of the other negative things your brain is telling you. My clients often struggle with challenges related to anxiety, depression, social anxiety, autism, and perfectionism. I will help you learn to manage your anxious or depressive thoughts differently so that you can function and succeed. You've struggled long enough. Let's work together to get you unstuck.

Ami Goetz received her Masters from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (Top-Ranked). She is a compassionate and motivated therapist who strives to create a safe, accepting environment to help clients overcome obstacles, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals. Ami has extensive experience partnering with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. She has high interest in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, sexual assault, life transitions, grief, disabilities, executive functioning, and relationships. Ami also works well with patients who struggle with executive functioning and time management as a part of her disability background. She utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed approaches, Mindfulness, and Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to foster self-acceptance and build resilience. Ami applies a strengths-based, holistic approach that tailors treatment to each individual’s particular needs. She is certified in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), is a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), and practices cultural competency, attunement, and humility to cultivate a nonjudgmental, safe space where the therapeutic relationship can continue to evolve and progress. Ami values transparency, equity, loyalty, and unconditional acceptance which she emulates in each session. She is passionate about partnering with clients to improve their daily lives and achieve their desired outcomes.

School can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of change. For many students, being in a campus environment can also bring increased body image pressures, stress, and challenges with eating, making this a time when eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns often show up or become more intense. I've spent years specializing in eating disorders and OCD across higher levels of care and outpatient private practice, giving me the experience to support you wherever you are in your recovery. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you can build practical tools, feel more like yourself, and spend less time stuck in symptoms and more time living the life you want.

Chicago Clinical Associates is an outpatient psychotherapy practice committed to improving the social and emotional well-being of individuals in the Chicagoland area. Our experienced psychotherapists offer individual, couples, and family therapy services tailored towards each party’s unique needs. Conveniently located near Millennium Park in the heart of the Chicago metropolitan area, our offices are easily accessible by public transit or private transportation.

Ignite Counseling is trauma-focused private practice located in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods of Chicago, with options for in-person or virtual appointments. We provide therapeutic services with a commitment to compassionate, relational, and authentic treatment in a culturally-sensitive and inclusive environment. Our therapists have a specialized focus in trauma along with the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship distress, family issues, identity struggles, racial/cultural issues, and challenges with life transitions, and we approach all clients through a trauma-informed lens. We are a close knit and highly intentional team of clinicians, and value safety and authenticity in all that we do.

We are an inclusive Therapy Practice that utilizes not just mental health but also emotional wellness activities within our services. Visit www.chitherapywell.com to find out more information and book an appointment.

Hi, I'm Sierra! I'm a licensed therapist in Chicago offering therapy virtually and in-person in downtown Chicago. I am experienced in helping people heal from trauma, manage anxiety, and navigate relationships, and explore their identity. Working with a new therapist can sometimes feel daunting, so I get to know each person on a human level with a bit of humor. I accept all major insurance plans and can work with anyone living in Illinois. If you'd like to see if we'd be a good fit, feel free to email me and we can set up a time to chat!

Cloud Nine Counseling specializes in helping college students and young adults navigate anxiety, relationships, body image concerns, life transitions, and spirituality. Balancing school, work, friendships, and personal growth can be overwhelming, but therapy can provide clarity and support. Using evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—Cloud Nine Counseling helps clients reduce anxiety, build meaningful relationships, improve self-image, adjust to life changes, and explore faith and spirituality. For those seeking faith-based guidance, Christian counseling is available upon request. Cloud Nine Counseling offers a nonjudgmental, strengths-based approach to help clients gain confidence, heal from past experiences, and create a fulfilling future. Looking for support during college and beyond? Reach out to learn more about how therapy can help.

Grey Area Therapy is a small, private practice conveniently located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and an emphasis on building meaningful, authentic connections with clients. As a therapist with Grey Area Therapy, I work with clients on needs related to anxiety, major life transitions, chronic illness, and depression. With individualized approaches to empathetic therapy, we will work to help slow things down, become more intentional, and build awareness of our life experiences. I offer both in-person and virtual appointments. I accept Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurance and offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you find a therapist that works for you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College and grad school can bring a lot of pressure—and for many students, that can show up in their relationship with food and their body. Between academic stress, social comparison, changing routines, and campus culture, it's common for body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms to become more intense. As an eating disorder registered dietitian, I provide compassionate, trauma-informed nutrition counseling from a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) and All Foods Fit approach. Whether you're struggling with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, body image, or simply want to feel more at peace with food, I'm here to help you build a healthier, more flexible relationship with eating and with yourself. I also lead Yoga for Embodiment and offer virtual sessions for Illinois and Oregon residents.

E.M. Branch & Associates is a Black woman-owned and led mental health and wellness practice serving individuals, couples, and families throughout the Chicago area. With more than 40 years of experience, our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their healing journey. We work well with students who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed, or simply trying to manage everything happening in their lives. Many of our clients are navigating school pressure, relationships, family concerns, major life changes, past experiences, or challenges with finding balance. We also understand that asking for help can feel uncomfortable, especially if therapy is new to you. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and supportive space where you can be yourself, talk openly, and feel heard without judgment. Whether you are going through a difficult time or just want extra support, we are here to meet you where you are. Our team provides individual, family, and group therapy, along with services such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and holistic wellness services. We support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress, and other emotional wellness needs. At our South Loop location, we are especially interested in supporting college students and young adults who may be navigating academic stress, relationships, identity, major life changes, or simply need additional emotional support. We welcome referrals and strive to make connecting with care a comfortable and supportive experience. At E.M. Branch & Associates, we believe mental health care should meet people where they are while honoring their individual experiences, culture, strengths, and goals.