Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Rick McEwan's guiding philosophy is to be a "friend in healthcare," recognizing that seeking help is a courageous act. He recognizes that the healthcare system is a bit broken, and that it can be an overwhelming place for many individuals. Always meeting patients where they are in their journey, Rick focuses on individualized care plans that support mental and emotional well-being. He brings a wealth of expertise in a comprehensive patient-centered approach. Adopting a therapeutic framework that emphasizes trust, collaboration, and empathy, Rick strives to create a therapeutic alliance where patients feel empowered to engage in their healing process. He integrates the latest in psychopharmacology and therapeutic modalities, using technology to offer convenient and comfortable interactions. Rick is especially passionate about working with marginalized communities, fostering an affirming space where care is free from judgment and bias. His approach is deeply rooted in integrative care, leveraging a biopsychosocial model to address both physical and mental health needs.

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.

I create a space where you are encouraged to express your most authentic self without the fear of judgment or the need to appear in a certain light, all while being witnessed, supported, and challenged. I tend to work best with individuals who possess some insight into their behavior and have a sense of curiosity about themselves and the world around them. At a certain point, reoccurring struggles lead us to look for a therapy to not just lessen the effects of mental health symptoms, but that engages us in a collaborative and authentic experience to produce long-term growth and self-understanding. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, I help individuals understand how past experiences shape current thoughts and behaviors, allowing them to take agency and confront/change what is problematic with greater clarity, intention, and effectivity. I have formal training in psychodynamic therapy and often see individuals multiple times per week. Searching for a therapist is difficult, and oftentimes it's hard to tell who might be a good fit from reading profiles alone. I am happy to speak with perspective patients/clients over the phone before scheduling anything concrete. This way, we can both get a better sense for whether or not we feel that we'd be a good fit to work together. I tend to be laid-back and relaxed, mixing in humor often. I draw primarily from my psychoanalytic training, which emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, as well as developmental and childhood experiences. Additionally, I have experience with cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and mindfulness therapies.

Throughout our lives, we go through events that change us, often permanently. I consider therapy to be a sacred and compassionate space of exploration. It can be exhausting having to explain your story over and over again. Oftentimes we might feel unheard in our daily lives or get fixated on who we “should be” instead of exploring who we already are. Your story has meaning and it deserves to be heard. You are the expert on your own life experiences and identities. You deserve to feel empowered, validated, and safe. When meeting with a potential client I consider you in the context of your relationships, experiences, and culture. When working together we can move through difficult therapeutic concepts in an accessible and warm way. With your permission, I hope to guide you through challenging life transitions and support you in creating a life that you feel is worth living. I work from a collaborative, person-centered, relational, and strengths-based approach. This means I will use non-judgment to consider all aspects of your life and identity— while remaining open to things that cannot be changed. I utilize an intersectional feminist lens and I specialize in trauma, anxiety, boundaries, relationships, abuse, sexuality, gender exploration, life transitions, disability, memory loss, identity exploration, and resiliency work. MORE INFO ABOUT THE PRACTICE: We accept BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, and United PPO Plans, as well as, Sliding Scale rates. Currently, I have a variety of morning, early afternoon, and evening spots open! Please feel free to reach out.

I understand life can be stressful. We all struggle at times and need someone to help us through. In my work with clients and families, I firmly believe in building on the strengths and resilience you already possess to help you get through more difficult moments. My attitude and approach to treatment is that while we all have our struggles, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

SHFT is Chicago’s first mental health urgent care created specifically for young people and their families. Designed to bridge a long-standing gap in the behavioral health landscape, SHFT offers a full spectrum of services, including crisis assessments, one-time “chat” sessions with licensed clinicians, routine therapy, and medication management. Our clinical team brings deep expertise in adolescent and young adult mental health, with backgrounds across higher levels of care that allow us to respond to a wide range of needs quickly, safely, and compassionately. Open seven days a week, SHFT supports both walk-ins and scheduled appointments. Guided by a “come as you are” philosophy, our space is intentionally warm, contemporary, and non-clinical - created to help young people feel safe, welcomed, and understood from the moment they arrive.

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.

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.

Therapy can seem overwhelming when seeking guidance for very personal problems. Sometimes just seeking the “right fit” can be the hardest part. My hope is that therapy becomes one of the best investments in yourSELF. I work to make sure that therapy is a safe and healing environment in which you can explore your past traumas, fears, deepest desires, and biggest needs. Therapy can be a place to bring awareness to internal beliefs, thought processes, and behaviors. Here is where can change occurs. We will work from a holistic-integrative model that includes the healing the whole SELF, mind-body-soul. Whether you have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, experienced trauma, bi-polar, mood disorders, or having relationship issues, YOU are worthy of the time and attention it takes for healing and change.

I am committed to coaching you towards a more fulfilling life. Counseling can help you embrace happiness, manage stress, boost joy in relationships, increase motivation, and unleash creativity. I tailor my approach to your unique goals, using cognitive, behavioral, and other motivational strategies. We will focus on your strengths and amplify them. I will coach you to implement the tools from positive psychology to help you thrive. Through the use of imagination and the discovery of new skills, we will identify solutions and reclaim a sense of control. I will demonstrate my personal values of kindness, courtesy, and mutual respect throughout counseling. I provide individual counseling in a nurturing environment. My areas of expertise include Personal Challenges (anxiety, depression, eating disorders), Relationships (communication, conflict resolution, dating, social skills), and Life Skills (stress management, mindfulness, assertiveness, life transition, goal-setting, time management). I bring a sense of humor and a practical approach to counseling. Recommendations are geared towards acceptance of what you cannot control and commitment to action. They may include awareness of your strengths, attention to cognition, and creation of an outcome picture. Sessions are available in person, by phone, and by telehealth for your convenience.

At HumanKind Psych we specialize in anxiety and eating concerns, but we also work with a variety of different struggles, from mood and panic to relationship difficulties, addiction, and trauma. We are passionate about helping high-achieving young adults let go of perfectionistic tendencies, treat themselves with more compassion, and stop being so hard on themselves. We also offer ADHD evaluations. We are not here to tell you what to do-- we believe YOU are the expert on yourself and we will help you build trust in yourself to move forward toward the things that matter most to you. We use the Intuitive Eating framework and the Health at Every Size approach when working with food and body image concerns. We work hard to ensure you feel safe and understood, and we welcome your feedback along the way. We're always learning and growing, so if something doesn't land quite right, we encourage you to tell us so that we can move through it together and help you get the support you need. Our therapists are warm and authentic, and it's important to us to keep it real. We don't sugarcoat or tiptoe around things (even the difficult things!) because we truly want to help you live your best life.

Hi there, welcome! My name is Stefani. I specialize in maternal mental health/women's wellness. I have a strong passion for working with new moms/moms as they navigate through the many transitional periods of motherhood. I have spent a majority of my professional career working with women as they navigate through the perinatal and postnatal periods of motherhood. While working with moms is my specialty, I too enjoy working with women to help them cope with various life stressors and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mood disturbances. I enjoy teaching and helping clients incorporate concepts of self-love, self-empowerment, self-advocacy, healthy boundaries, self-care, and self-celebration into their lives. Additionally, I enjoy discussing concepts related to one’s purpose, life passions, and personal goals contributing to heightened peace and wellness. My therapeutic style is what I would consider to be team based. I work alongside my clients to help them establish treatment goals, offer guidance, support, and accountability in accomplishing identified goals. I work to create a safe space welcoming enough for my clients to feel comfortable to explore vulnerable emotions. I provide education, tools, and language to enhance concepts of self-love and self-empowerment. I encourage celebrations for personal and therapeutic victories and accomplishments.

Coffee Chat Counseling is a Chicago, IL based counseling practice that strives to make therapy approachable by providing a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for our clients. We specialize in services for individuals who are aged 13 and older. Coffee Chat Counseling was developed to provide approachable and sustainable mental health care to its clients, while also advocating for change in the mental health care system. We want to improve access to services, as well as seek to de-stigmatize mental health on a societal level. We recognize the connections between mental health and experiences of systemic oppression and are committed to social justice work, anti-racism, and the decolonization of mental health practices. Our therapists work to ensure that we maintain a safe and affirming space for clients who identify as BIPOC and those who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Coffee Chat Counseling believes that therapy should not have a one-size-fits-all approach. Our counselors have training in Art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) modalities to ensure they are able to tailor sessions to their clients' unique needs. We know that taking the first step in your therapy journey can be daunting - our goal is to be here to support you through this process so that we can work together to access your strengths, establish safe boundaries, explore different directions, heal from trauma, and instill confidence in your decision-making.

Life can be challenging. I believe psychotherapy with a therapist who is a good match can help one more successfully navigate those challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients. I aim to create a nonjudgmental and supportive environment to explore difficult issues together -- to better understand what one is currently facing, to help manage those difficulties, and to ultimately make life more rewarding and meaningful. I have over 30 years of clinical experience and have worked in a variety of settings including university counseling centers (Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Michigan, Northwestern Univ., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago), and LGBTQ and feminist services (Howard Brown Health Center, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Women's Health Center). I maintain a general practice where I see a wide diversity of men and women for issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and identity.

We offer a strength-based, holistic, and highly collaborative approach to therapy. Specializing in relationships, trauma, racial identity and mood disorders, our clinicians provide culturally-sensitive trauma-informed care.

I approach my work grounded in the belief that understanding the deeper layers of your experience can create meaningful and lasting change. I work collaboratively to explore how past relationships, unconscious patterns, and emotional experiences shape your present life. I often work with individuals who are navigating challenges related to self-esteem, anxiety, life transitions, relationship stressors, grief, and trauma. Through a consistent, attuned, and compassionate therapeutic relationship, I aim to create a space where you can feel understood, reflect more deeply, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Do you ever feel like you’re on top of the world one day, and then completely lost and unsure of yourself the next? Are you unsure of what direction to take in life and with your healing? All of these things can feel overwhelming- which is where I come in as a therapist to provide grounding and organization to your thoughts so we can move forward together towards your goals. I specialize in working with couples and individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and perinatal or postpartum issues. I take a narrative and strengths-based approach, helping individuals and couples reclaim their stories and feel empowered to live authentically. With a background in HR, I specialize in helping you with strategies to advocate for yourself in the workplace and manage stress that are based on research and teachable skills. Together, we will build trust and empathy in our therapeutic relationship and hopefully even share some laughs!

At Neuroworks, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Rooted in innovation and a commitment to wellness, our practice is dedicated to enhancing cognitive functioning, mood, and overall brain performance. We provide high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to help individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater focus, resilience, and effectiveness. Whether you're a student striving for academic success, a professional seeking balance, or someone looking to optimize mental clarity, our mission is to support you in achieving your full potential. At Neuroworks, we don’t just treat symptoms—we empower lives.

Therapy can be many things and is different for each person. Whether you are new to therapy or returning, my hope is to meet you where you’re at, explore what may feel stuck, painful, or challenging, and support you in living a life aligned with what is most important to you. Throughout my career I have really enjoyed working with college students and I know that this time of life can bring unique challenges, both in concerns that arise now and in reflecting on what has brought you to this point. No situation is too big or too small to explore and work to understand how to navigate together.