Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Maybe you’ve been telling yourself you should be able to handle this by now. But lately, everything feels heavier. Your energy is low, motivation is hard to find, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming. You may notice yourself pulling away from people, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break. At times, you might find yourself reaching for something—whether it’s substances, distractions, or numbing behaviors—to get through the moment, even when it doesn’t bring lasting relief. For some, this shows up as persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. For others, it may look like anxiety, burnout, or being caught in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. These experiences can also show up in relationships pulling away, avoiding hard conversations, or finding yourself in the same painful dynamics again and again. You may notice that your inner voice is harsh or unforgiving, making it even harder to find a way forward. Together, we will gently identify and address these patterns while building more compassion, stability, and connection—both within yourself and in your relationships I work with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, traumatic experiences, and life transitions. I provide LGBTQAI+-affirming therapy grounded in cultural humility, creating a safe and validating space to explore identity, relationships, and lived experiences. I also support individuals who are exploring their relationship with substances, whether that means reducing use, understanding patterns, or working toward recovery. I have completed training toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and am CADC-eligible, which allows me to integrate evidence-based approaches for substance use into our work. My practice is trauma-informed and guided by phase-oriented treatment approaches. In our early work, we focus on safety, stabilization, and building self-regulation skills to help you feel more grounded—even when things feel heavy or overwhelming. As you begin to feel more supported and resourced, we may shift toward processing more difficult experiences and understanding the roots of depressive patterns or substance use. Therapy is always paced according to your readiness. I prioritize transparency throughout therapy, ensuring you understand each step of the process and why certain approaches are used. My goal is to create a space that feels collaborative, supportive, and grounded—so you can move from feeling stuck and depleted toward feeling more engaged, connected, and able to experience meaning in your life again.

Increment Therapy provides mental health services for individuals facing obstacles that have been difficult to process and get through on their own. With the world full of challenges that are difficult to navigate, Increment Therapy is the compass that helps guide you to find the courage and strength to help you process and continue moving forward into a life you want to lead. Throughout the process of therapy, we provide a safe and non-judgmental space to share your story. In your sessions, our therapist’s will help guide you through taking back your narrative and finding your core self. With an incremental approach, we meet you where you are and cultivate a real and strong relationship so that we take on this journey together. You are in the drivers seat and we will help you along the way. Through every hardship, challenge, or obstacle we will support you and provide a space where you can feel understood with unconditional acceptance, affirmation, and positive reflection.

PsycHealth Services team of mental health therapists would work with you side by side to get you on track. Founded in 2016 with the intention of providing an authentic, trustworthy and professional therapy for people ready to grow and heal in a safe space.

You can be externally successful in life but internally worried you are going to have a total meltdown. I want to help you get better at taking care of yourself so you can achieve whatever awesome things you are here to contribute to the world. My career spans decades but for some reason the majority of women working with me are in their 20s and 30s. I help clients get some new perspective and stop beating themselves up. You may need to make some very real changes. It can be hard work but you don’t need to do it alone. Maybe you need to get better at speaking up for yourself, making decisions, managing your time. Maybe your relationship with substances needs to change. I help clients process their stress and add coping skills to build a personal routine that improves daily life. Many women I work with have gone through traumatic experiences in the past. It is important to me that the woman I am working with directs when and if we discuss the actual traumatic events. What I have learned is that adding better coping is possible with or without dredging details. Healing is possible but it takes work and support. I am also dedicated to helping clients expand their supports even if it's just a little bit at a time. I know it's tough to ask for help. I'd rather DIY everything but I know how useful it is to have therapy while you're in school. It saved my sanity when I went to therapy the first time when I was in college. For those wanting online therapy I use Google Meet for telehealth. It is completely HIPAA compliant. I also meet with clients for Walk and Talk therapy sessions when it seems useful and appropriate. North side of Chicago along the lake.

InTouch and Motion is a creative arts therapies practice that provides psychotherapy and wellness services for children, adults, families, and couples in person in Chicago and throughout Illinois via telehealth. Are you struggling with the many changes that come as you move through school, a new social landscape, and a looming career on the horizon? Do you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, or alone? Know that you are more than your thoughts, more than all these worries. Your emotions, physical body, spiritual connections, purpose, and relationships make you who you are and give you your identity. At InTouch & Motion, we strive to create an open, healing environment for you to explore, grow, and nurture different all parts of yourself to become an integrated whole. Our therapies include counseling and psychotherapy, art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, expressive arts therapy, and dance/movement therapy. Reach out for a free consultation today!

Lieser Counseling Services assists in discovering your true self, allowing you to live in ways that bring peace, meaning, and deep joy to daily life. Within the space we work to create trust and good rapport which allows for authentic growth and transformation. In this safe space we can tackle and heal wounds from trauma, eradicate unhealthy self talk, improve relationships, as well as re-frame depressive and anxious mindsets that prevent you from flourishing. No matter your gender identity, sexual orientation, or ideology I believe that we can create a healthy connection that will serve you in your day to day interactions.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello, I Am KeAnn, a ALMFT! As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I embrace the transformative power of systemic therapy, recognizing that individuals and families exist within deeply interconnected social, cultural, and relational contexts. My work is rooted in cultural competence—understanding that unique identities, values, and traditions shape every client's lived experience. Through an inclusive and collaborative approach, I help clients navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and foster meaningful change, all while honoring their cultural backgrounds. By addressing patterns and dynamics with sensitivity and respect, I empower individuals and families to create lasting transformation in their lives and relationships! Please check out the practice I'm housed with, Grace Therapy and Wellness Center, website below for more details on our mission and therapy inquiries.

Struggling is a natural part of being human—something everyone faces at different points in life. You might be navigating relationship challenges, managing stress, or dealing with the effects of past traumas. Perhaps you feel lost, want to understand yourself better, or are searching for a way to heal and move forward. You deserve to feel more grounded, build stronger connections, and regain clarity and control. When life feels overwhelming, having a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood can make all the difference. If this resonates, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help.

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.

Allie Wills is a relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed therapist for adults and adolescents. She works from an intersectional, social justice perspective. In therapy, she focuses on providing a safe space and joining you to help you explore who you want to be and how you want to live. She is compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative. Allie is passionate about working with LGBTQI+ people, adolescents, and survivors of complex trauma. She has significant experience working with people with dissociative identity disorder and other dissociative disorders. She takes special interest in exploring spiritual elements with those who are interested and has training in pastoral counseling. Allie has experience and training working with people with depression, bipolar disorder, self-injury, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and psychosis. She works with people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, faiths, and disabilities.

Do you feel trapped by your thoughts, overwhelmed by emotions, or burdened by past experiences? It's easy to feel stuck when life's challenges become too much to handle alone. These struggles can make it hard to live in the moment, pursue your goals, or even enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or just feeling lost, it is possible to find a path forward. I'm here to help. As a trained therapist specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help you break free from the patterns holding you back.

In my practice, I am particularly passionate about working with young adults as they navigate the unique pressures and transitions that are present during this stage of life. Whether you are adjusting to a new phase, questioning purpose or direction, experiencing self-doubt, or feeling overwhelmed, you do not need to figure it out alone. My approach is grounded in building a collaborative relationship that focuses on understanding your unique goals. I aim to build a partnership that feels safe and allows you to openly explore what you are experiencing and feeling with curiosity and honesty. Together, we can determine what is working for you and where you might feel stuck. Many clients work with me in order to shift something about their relationship with themselves or with others. This may mean building self-confidence; clarifying values; or quieting self-criticism. We may also work through navigating conflict; setting boundaries; or healing from past trauma. Please visit my profile on psychologytoday.com or my website to learn more about me and my practice, and feel free to reach out to see if we might be a good fit!

Welcome to LifeSpan Counseling and Psychological Services. We are a group practice of Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, and Clinical Therapists dedicated to assisting the general population find ways of living more fully satisfying lives. We are committed to helping clients develop strategies and learn skills that will help them manage through major and everyday life events. What sets us apart is our commitment to diversity. Our professional staff reflects the diversity of the surrounding community. Each therapist is well trained to work with the general population and each brings unique strengths and areas of specialization which helps us serve the many unique needs of our clients.

Parkside Therapy offers in person and telehealth therapy to people struggling with a variety of issues. We work with those that are coping with academic stress, identity discernment, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. College is stressful, and you deserve some help! Reach out to us and we'll help you schedule a free phone consultation or an initial appointment.

Therapeutically, we approach each client differently, and pick our tools according to your needs and preferences. We are looking to help you find acceptance, success, meaning, and/or anything else on your terms, as you define it. We share a commitment to practicing in anti-oppressive, harm reductive, and relational ways, but each clinician has their own eclectic approach. Our clinicians have deep experience working with LGBTQ+ and especially trans/non-binary/gender expansive clients — from childhood through adulthood. As an organization founded by queer folks, we’re here to provide a space where you can feel safe and brave all at once. Our clinicians also focus on chronic illness or disability, and neurodivergence.

We are a group practice with experienced clinicians who are passionate about supporting college students through the challenges of academic, personal, and emotional life. Our team offers compassionate, culturally responsive care tailored to each individual's unique needs. We provide both in-person and virtual therapy sessions, with services available in English and Arabic to ensure accessible and inclusive care.

Jefferson Park Counseling offers individual and couples therapy both in person and through telehealth, helping those working on anxiety and mood disorders. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Mental health is often minimized, yet can cause severe difficulties in life. Therapy can help you find the steps to find relief and peace. We have therapists available now to help you address what you need to in order to feel like your best self. At Jefferson Park Counseling, we offer both individual and couples therapy. We have extensive experience addressing many different concerns, including: -Depression -Anxiety -Anger management -Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -Stress management -Relationship issues -Bipolar Disorder -Life Transitions -Grief/Loss -Young adulthood

My clients are people who often feel stuck in their thoughts, whether those thoughts are anxious, self-critical, perfectionistic, or filled with doubt. They might be struggling with OCD, social anxiety, phobias, trauma, or just the overwhelming pressure to always get things “right.” My clients come from a variety of background and identities. They want relief, but not just a quick fix. They’re looking to better understand themselves, break free from rigid patterns, and move toward a life that feels more connected, meaningful, and aligned.

I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with New Insights Behavioral Health Services in Chicago, IL. If you feel you are ready to take that first step in starting your therapy journey, feel free to email me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.