Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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I'm a licensed therapist who works with children (4+), adolescents, adults, and couples. I provide support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, etc.) in a strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming way. I specialize in working with teens, college students, and emerging adults, as well as neurodiverse individuals of all ages. I see you as the author of your own life and myself as an editor. I’ll help you revise and reshape your thought patterns, self-talk, and communication strategies to move your story forward in a way that aligns with your goals and values. My approach is affirming, playful, and practical, creating a space for you (or you and your partner) to gain insight and build resilience. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet your unique needs, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), the Gottman Method, play therapy, narrative therapy, and brain-based approaches. I earned my BA from Washington University in St. Louis and my MSW from Loyola University Chicago. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in K–12 education as a tutor and executive functioning coach. I'm committed to lifelong learning and am always expanding my therapeutic toolkit through continuing education.

I am a compassionate therapist who values my relationship with clients and who works hard to effectively provide education, feedback, and a variety of strategies to address presenting issues. I work with my clients to enhance their self-awareness, understand sources of stress, discover their inner strengths and resilience, and improve their effectiveness. Therapeutic Approach: I believe in empowering people to work through life's challenging experiences. I am dedicated to working with my clients to identify the source of distress or difficulty and develop strategies to improve their lives. My ideal client is an adult, young or old, who is navigating the challenges of life, starting a family, parenting, family or peer relationships, or personal performance issues. My extensive experience working with adults and adolescents on issues related to mood and behavior, and current and past trauma, has informed many of my treatment approaches. Additionally, I have experience providing fertility support, treating postpartum depression/anxiety, and enjoy my work with teens and young adults navigating their developmental challenges, and athletes on performance enhancement and improvement. I have the E. Passport from PSYPACT, which grants me the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) in 41 US States. Programs Offered: Currently I provide initial, extensive consultations, ongoing trauma-focused therapy, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), psychedelic preparation and harm reduction support, and individual and group psychedelic integration support. ***Join us on a 4-6 week Journey of KAP this summer! As a client, you will receive your own individualized KAP services and be part of a larger group of peers on this journey. It is our hope to build a community of personal and collective growth and mutual support in this process.*** Contact us for more information at renew.mhim@gmail.com

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I am passionate about walking alongside clients in therapy. We each have our own challenges and hardships, but we also have unique and amazing strengths! My goal in therapy is to help you understand what is and what is not working for you and find ways to connect, grow, and thrive. I have a particular interest in clients working through life transitions, spiritual struggles, and burnout.

College can be an exciting yet challenging time, filled with transitions, academic pressures, and personal growth. Whether you're navigating stress, adjusting to campus life, managing anxiety, depression, or ADHD, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a supportive space where you can develop effective coping strategies, process your experiences, and build the skills needed to feel more balanced and in control. My goal is to help you feel empowered and equipped to manage life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

College can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming seasons of your life. You may be adjusting to being away from home, navigating new relationships, questioning your major, managing academic pressure, or quietly carrying anxiety, depression, or past trauma that hasn’t had space to heal. On the outside, it can look like everyone else is handling it just fine — but inside, you might feel stuck, exhausted, unmotivated, or unsure of who you’re becoming. If you’re in that space, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to work through it by yourself. I work with college students who are in the middle of real life transitions — identity shifts, relationship changes, academic stress, family expectations, grief, trauma, and the quiet weight of self-doubt. Depression during college often doesn’t look like “sad all the time.” It can show up as procrastination, isolation, low motivation, difficulty focusing, or feeling disconnected from the person you used to be. Trauma can show up in relationships, in trust, in sleep, or in how hard you are on yourself. Together, we slow things down. We make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns that are keeping you stuck and build practical tools that help you feel more steady, confident, and grounded. My approach is collaborative and straightforward. I don’t believe in sitting back silently while you struggle to find words. We talk. We process. We challenge unhelpful thoughts. We work through emotional blocks. I integrate approaches such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based strategies to help you build resilience while honoring your story. My goal is not just symptom relief — it’s helping you understand yourself better so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. College is a time of growth — but growth can feel uncomfortable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, stuck, or unsure about your direction, therapy can be a space to reset and regain momentum. You deserve support as you figure out who you are and who you want to become. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to Request an Initial Appointment and begin therapy. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Let’s work together to help you regain balance, rebuild confidence, and move through this season with strength.

Hello, I'm Kashara Allen, a licensed social worker therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and expertise. With a focus on anxiety, depression, sports performance, stress, PTSD, and trauma. I provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, I'm here to collaborate with you on a journey towards healing and resilience. Together, we can work towards achieving your goals and fostering a greater sense of well-being.

About me I approach therapy from an existential worldview with a psychodynamic approach to help clients better understand their distress. I tailor therapeutic interventions to the specific needs of each client with the goal of empowering my clients to make meaningful decisions regarding their well-being and safety. Therapy is often difficult, and I work to create a safe space for each client to allow for authenticity and genuineness. Specialties Multicultural concerns, college/graduate student mental health, international student concerns, religion/spirituality, trauma, sexuality, LGBTQIA+, relationship issues, identity development, intersections of identities across race, culture, religion, and/or sexuality.

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To me, therapy is about meeting you where you are at. We can 'sit in the suck' and commiserate but from there we will build up! This is a collaborative relationship; we are colleagues working towards the same goal. I won’t try to impress you with fancy medical jargon or bore you with a lecture. I am a simple person with humble beginnings. I started my career in healthcare at 17 years old as a CNA (Certified nursing assistant) working nights at a tiny rural hospital. I moved into the Chicago suburbs to continue my education but maintained my CNA certificate by working afternoons and nights at a long-term care facility. I graduated with my Master’s in Social work in 2016 from Aurora University. During my initial years as a social worker I worked in mental health case management and hospice. Two years later I received my Licensed Clinical Social Work for the state of Illinois. Not even a month later in 2019 I moved to North Texas where it took me several more year of training before I received my clinical licensure for Texas. During that time I took several different positions to gain a better understanding of all the kinds of work a social worker is capable of. Those positions were intensive outpatient for mental health and addictions, intake, utilization review for a psychiatric hospital and home health. After gaining clinical licensure in Texas, I concentrated my focus to one on one telehealth with adults while they navigate difficult life changes. When I am not working I enjoy cooking, hiking, competing in dog sports, and tending to my plants and home with my spouse, 7 dogs, and one very old rabbit. I volunteer with the local animal shelter working with animals at risk of euthanasia due to behavior issues or medical concerns and in rescue rehabilitating struggling pets. As a clinician I use aspects of cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy and am considered person centered. I regularly provide handouts, suggest videos, or give homework to encourage therapeutic thought and action outside of our sessions. I look forward to meeting you and being part of the healing chapter of your story!

My first question to any new client is, "How will you know when therapy is over?" Our discussion of the questions will help us both to define the goals of individual psychotherapy. Together we'll focus on solutions to problems, and build on the strength already there.

In the complex journey of life, we all encounter obstacles that challenge us. When these obstacles involve mental health, it’s essential to have a guide by your side. Alicia Covington, LCSW, is passionate about accompanying children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their families, on this journey. She helps them skillfully navigate and overcome their unique challenges. Imagine yourself or your loved one as the central character in a tale of transformation and growth, with Alicia as a supportive, understanding, and skilled ally. She specializes in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and behavioral challenges. Through a relational, strengths-based approach, Alicia helps her clients harness their unique abilities, enhance their skills, and foster healthier interpersonal relationships. Embracing diversity and individuality, Alicia provides affirmative therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth. She is experienced in aiding young people as they bravely tackle issues of homophobia, discrimination, coming out, and building supportive peer networks. Alicia’s educational background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Her professional journey, spanning several years, has allowed her to serve clients aged 3-22 in many settings. Her internship at Hearts and Homes for Youth and Adventist Behavioral Health Hospital has further equipped her with the tools to help young individuals grappling with chronic mental illness and behavioral challenges. In her downtime, Alicia enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like spending quality time with family, cooking, and running. Her diverse taste in music, including artists like Billie Eilish, Carrie Underwood, Adele, John Legend, Beyoncé, and a fondness for film soundtracks, makes her relatable to clients of varying age groups. An avid fan of TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, House, This is Us, and The Office, Alicia appreciates the power of storytelling, its capacity for teaching empathy, and its ability to shed light on the intricacies of the human condition. With Alicia, you’re gaining more than a therapist; you’re gaining a patient and compassionate guide who believes in you and your capacity for growth, healing, and triumph. Remember, you’re the hero of your story, and Alicia is there to help you write the chapters of your journey to better mental health.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Are you snapping at others and struggling to find space to breathe? It’s normal to feel like you’re drowning when you have so many moving pieces in life. Life is constantly throwing stressors at us and maybe you find yourself seeking a new approach. Many of my clients are people struggling with stress and anxiety resulting from never-ending changes. I have extensive experience working with young adults and people who are seeking therapy for the first time. As a therapist, I am straight forward in my approach; I will stay with you on your journey toward the answers by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I’ve been described by former clients as “genuine, decisive, and easy to connect with.” I will help you find peace amongst the chaos, prioritize your wellness, and grow closer to your full potential. Reaching out for help is the first, and often the most difficult part of your path toward healing. Only you can do inner work, but there’s absolutely no reason you should do it alone. Together, we will figure out your next steps. Contact me for a consultation. I'm ready when you are!

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing services in Illinois, Florida, and Tennessee. I've been working with children and adults since I received my Master's in Social Work in Iowa. I enjoy working with children, teenagers, and adults, and have worked with clients through private mental health agencies and within the school system. I have worked with clients as young as 5 to middle aged individuals helping with a variety of concerns, including those associated with depression, anxiety, self-doubt, family conflicts, relationship stressors, ADHD, and Autism. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am trained to help clients take a look at all aspects of their lives and where a client can start to make positive changes towards long term success. I enjoy empowering my clients, so that they can take the steps they need towards overcoming current obstacles they are encountering.

Are you a resilient person who is struggling? Have you lived through a recent traumatic event or had a stressful childhood, and find yourself frequently stuck in self-destructive patterns and relationships? Is adjusting to college life causing you to feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed and just plain burnt out? Or have you experienced a sexual assault and don't know how to deal with it? Adjusting to college is a significant life transition and it's not always clear what to do next. Finding confidence in your own voice and abilities, and clarity about your own needs can be difficult when you've been through stressful experiences. I'm here to guide you back to yourself, offer you some coping skills, help you clarify your life direction and reach your goals. I specialize in working with professionals in the performing arts and other creative fields, as well as those who want to enter them. I also work frequently with people in the helping professions and social justice oriented fields. My approach is informed by my own life experience as a former professional dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, and by the study of meditation and yoga. I have been in the social work field since graduating from Hunter College School of Social work 2004. In addition to talk therapy, I use mindfulness techniques like meditation, guided visualizations, as well as attention to body sensations to help you identify and begin to move through where you get blocked. I am also trained in EMDR and utilize that technique to help people heal from trauma and other stressful experiences. **Will be out of office July 11-.**

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Now accepting new clients ages 12-25 with immediate availability! It is exhausting to navigate the challenging waters of young adult anxiety or depression with all of the effort that comes along with college and the transition into or out of it. We understand. That’s why you can count on our clinicians and every single care coordinator on our team. We are ready to equip you with the tools, resources, support, and the best therapy for teens and young adults.

I want to help those facing day to day challenges and in need of extra support. I am committed to being apart of that journey by offering faith-based counseling that combines the pillars of Christian faith with the knowledge of mental health and psychosocial functioning. This will assist with your overall wellness and freedom to change. I understand that reaching out for help can feel intimidating, and it takes a lot of courage to take that first step. If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or any challenges that feel overwhelming, know that you're not alone. I’m here to listen without judgment and to help guide you through the process of Healing and growth.

Create Balance Counseling is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to creating change by bringing awareness, creativity, movement, and well-being into balance. We provide talk therapy, art therapy, and yoga therapy for all ages, available through telehealth and in-person at our Hinsdale, IL location. At Create Balance Counseling, we are committed to our clients' overall well-being. Using a dynamic approach, we work to create a safe space for connection and healing using a combination of art, movement, and talk therapy. Our team adapts treatment plans to meet clients where they’re at in their journey, factoring in individual needs. Whether you've had experience with therapy or you're completely new to it, we collaborate to establish a comfortable space that promotes personal growth and lasting change. Our practice welcomes everyone, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.