Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Ellie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing begins within safe, trusting relationships. She works to create a warm and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. Her work is informed by psychodynamic and attachment theories, and an understanding of nervous system regulation. She is attentive to how early relationships and life experiences shape emotional patterns, self-perception, and how we relate to others. Ellie also helps clients recognize how their nervous system responds to stress, supporting them in becoming more grounded, connected, and in control. Her approach invites greater self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and lasting change. Ellie is passionate about working with individuals who have dealt with various forms of overwhelming stress and trauma, focusing in particular on work with children and adolescents. She incorporates a range of modalities including play, talk, and art therapy, recognizing the unique ways children express themselves and explore their worlds. She meets each child where they are at and allows play and the relationship to serve as powerful tools for healing, growth, and connection. Ellie also strives to support parents and caregivers in understanding their child more deeply and fostering strong and healthy family relationships. Whether working with a child, teen, or adult, Ellie brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s story. ​

I am passionate about providing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for older adolescents, young adults and adults with OCD, depression, anxiety and related disorders. Over the past 5+ years, I have deepened my commitment to providing effective therapy through a personalized and strengths-based approach. I work collaboratively and flexibly with my clients to help develop goals in line with living a more meaningful and values-driven life. I strive to form a supportive therapeutic bond through compassion, warmth, empathy and humor. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, one of the top training institutions in the field of social work. Prior to that, I graduated cum laude from Northwestern University, with a double major in Psychology and Science in Human Culture. I have provided individualized treatment across outpatient and school settings, serving patients of all ages. Additionally, I gained extensive training and experience providing evidence-based treatment across outpatient clinics specializing in OCD, anxiety and related disorders. I enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants as well as spending quality time with my family, friends, and Sylvester (my toothless, senior rescue dog).

Belle Counseling and Wellness provides individual therapy for adults 18+. We offer a safe and confidential space to explore yourself, your values, process your past and heal. As a trauma informed practice, we realize the widespread impact of trauma and seek to help our clients and the community find their path to recovery and holistic wellness. We recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in our clients, their families, our staff and our community. Our response to trauma seeks to fully integrate the trauma informed values into our policies, procedures and practices in order to actively resist re-traumatization. Our values include safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, and acknowledging the historical barriers to wellness for women, communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. All services are currently being offered online for the health and safety of our staff and clients. We utilize a secure HIPAA compliant video platform – just click the link in your appointment confirmation text message or email to connect with us from any device.

Everyone seeks support for different reasons, and I’m here to honor yours. In a world of constant connection, the present moment can still feel distant. As a daughter of Polish immigrants, I value cultural heritage and offer support in both English and conversational Polish. I’m especially passionate about working with people navigating family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, and the journey of reconnecting with younger parts of themselves. I believe healing happens through empathy, humor, and collaboration. I specialize in working with teens and adults experiencing: Identity exploration and cultural stress Trauma and intergenerational wounds Relationship challenges and attachment concerns Anxiety, self-esteem, and perfectionism Queerness and LGBTQIA+ identities Life transitions and emerging adulthood Neurodivergence, including ADHD and sensory sensitivities I am DBT-Certified and I co-facilitate the Thursday Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Class at Mind Body Co-op. Alongside DBT, I integrate somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support a compassionate, body-aware, and client-centered process. Whether you’re facing long-standing patterns or new changes, therapy offers space for clarity and growth. Through gentle challenge, curiosity, and affirmation, we’ll explore what helps you move forward with confidence. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University, where I learned to value presence and acceptance. A favorite quote of mine is by Eckhart Tolle: “How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.” Your experience matters—and I’d be honored to support you in making meaning of it.

Hi there, my name is Juan Contreras, and I'm a therapist at Mindful Therapy Services in Chicago. We have no waitlist at this time and currently accepting new clients. Clients often come see us because they're looking for a down-to-earth therapist. We offer therapy services for most issues including anxiety, depression, relationships issues, college navigation/transition, first generation college students, immigrant background, LGBTQ+, ADHD, suicide ideation, emotion regulation and expression, and more. We do accept insurance (most PPO plans like BCBS, Aetna, USHIP, UnitedHealthCare, and Cigna) and can verify your benefits before getting started. For convenience, we offer online therapy allowing for more flexible scheduling for during the day or later in the afternoon. Why wait? Get started with a free 15-minute introduction call by emailing us at info@mindfultherapyservices.net

At Holding Space our mission is to empathically walk alongside our patients providing a safe and stable “holding space” that promotes acceptance, confidence, healing, and growth. Beyond our training and education, respect and authentic care is at the heart of all our work. The therapeutic journey isn’t always easy, and sometimes it can get messy. Our commitment to our patients is that we are here to help you hold the weight of your pain, and inspire hope in moments that feel hopeless. We’re here to help make sense of the absurd and confusing moments and hopefully make you laugh from time to time. We trust that our patients feel our genuine care as we work together toward the shared goals of living healthier, fuller, more empowered lives.

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!

I am both a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). I work exclusively with athletes and performing artists, I also worked as the Director of Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) at DePaul for nine years. I LOVE DePaul students and have vast knowledge of DePaul.

We specialize in working with clients who are struggling with transitions, like new living situations, shifting relationships, job changes, and striking out on a new path. We especially love supporting recent college and graduate school graduates in figuring out their next steps to create a life they love. Please check out our website to learn more about our team! We'd love to meet you.

There is no denying that we live in a world steeped in struggles with food and body image. Whether these issues are severely impacting your life or simply hard for you to manage right now, I’m here to help. I have been a registered dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating for almost 10 years. I’d love to work with you on your journey to heal your relationship with food, no matter your diagnosis or lack thereof. I have experience treating a wide variety of eating disorders, including EDNOS, AN, BN, BED, ARFID etc. I work with all ages, all sizes, all ability levels, all genders, all races, all religious backgrounds, and all cultures because eating disorders do not discriminate and neither does treatment for them. We can do this together. I didn’t always know this was my passion. Having studied Psychology as an undergraduate at Central Michigan University and obtaining my first Bachelor’s degree in 2004, I was unsure what my calling was. I took some time to gain some real-world experience and it wasn’t until several years later that I realized my passion for food and nutrition. In 2010, I went back to school to study nutrition and dietetics at Michigan State University. It was there that I learned about Health at Every Size for the first time, and I knew exactly how I was going to perfectly blend my newfound passion for nutrition, my psychology background, and my years of experience working service jobs – I decided then that I would be part of a revolution to break the self-hatred cycle that diet culture feeds us all and that we unwittingly pass on to each other by helping people learn food freedom, and I have never looked back. After obtaining a Bachelors in Nutrition, I went on to participate in an eating disorder-specialized dietetic internship and graduate program at Northern Illinois University, where I received my Masters in Nutrition. I have since worked in all levels of eating disorder treatment and have become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist/ Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and I am a Supervisor for other professionals treating eating disorders. This is what I do and I’d love to do it with you.

I can work with a variety of clients who are looking for an empathic connection which allows them to understand themselves better and solve problems. Students I have seen are dealing with academic pressures, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, transitions, self esteem etc. Each situation is unique.

As a queer, sex-positive therapist, I specialize in trauma informed care providing support for the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, complex and religious trauma, grief, neurodiversity, systemic oppression, substance use, HIV/AIDS, GNC, kink, CNM, and identity-based marginalization. Our work together will be a process of learning and unlearning. My approach is relational and strengths-based. We will explore transgenerational patterns and observational behaviors generated from a place of survival. It is my goal to promote the process of healing by creating a safe and affirming space for you to cultivate an understanding within yourself that will unveil the deeper meaning your struggle is pointing towards. I will help you recognize the effects of the larger societal and cultural environment that have shaped how you move through the world. I believe there is no limit to human capacity. There is wisdom and truth to be found within the struggles that we face. You have the ability to develop profound knowledge and acceptance of these conflicts and the strength to move forward in your life. The road ahead is often a vulnerable one, and I am grateful for the trust that you may bring to the process.

Who I am as a psychologist is deeply tied to who I am as a person. I am a cis Black man. I am heterosexual. I am from rural Arkansas. I was raised in low-income family. I’m first generation. My background taught me the value of community and resourcefulness. These are the things that shape how I see the world and how I serve in this role. I help my clients create sustainable change by working with them to combine knowledge and skills into purposeful action. A cornerstone of my approach involves "me-search". I believe self-knowledge is essential to insight (our ability to identify, understand, and take steps toward our goals). My goal is offering a brave and empowering space to facilitate that transformation. I look forward to helping you explore how your concerns relate to you, your body, social world, and worldview. My ideal clients are folks who are curious, open to ask themselves really hard questions, and have a willingness to approach change in an honest way. I ideally like to work with clients navigating a life transition (academic, work, identity or relationship based), anxiety, and/or healing from traumatic experience. Overall, I enjoy work that’s depth-based and clients who are interested in therapy that focuses the source and solutions. I draw on my clinical-research expertise exploring meaning in life and liberation to approach healing as an integrative process. I believe there is great value in establishing a brave and affirming therapeutic relationship and space to identify, make sense of, and take action to work toward my client’s goals. Overall, I consider myself a “fellow traveler” and practice from a strength-based approach where I invite collaboration, courage, and trust in the process from those with whom I work.

I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families looking to strengthen relationships with themselves and each other. My approach is guided by systems thinking which places clients in a context acknowledging and exploring the myriad of factors that shape who we are as people and how we experience the world. I have experience working with diverse populations with a variety of concerns including relational conflict, identity exploration, trauma, grief, and sexuality. My wish is to walk with clients in identifying strengths and gaining insight while looking for patterns that no longer serve them to make room for new experiences. As an integrative therapist, I draw upon a variety of models while always maintaining a social justice lens. Trained as a relational therapist, I see connection to ourselves and each other as paramount to the human experience and have a particular passion in working with young adults in fostering healthy relationships. I have also completed a certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work which has deepened my knowledge of working with people struggling with issues related to sexuality including functioning concerns. I am a curious, compassionate, and direct clinician who places emphasis on feedback and collaboration to ensure clients get their needs met throughout treatment. My hope is for clients to leave our sessions feeling more empowered and self-aware. The therapeutic relationship is a key factor in determining the success of therapy. Please contact me if you have any questions about how I practice to determine if I would be a good fit for you. I would love the opportunity to connect with you!

Hi, I’m Daphne Black — Here to Support You Through Life’s Transitions As a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, and adjunct professor at a prestigious University, I bring over two decades of experience helping individuals—especially college students—navigate anxiety, identity, academic stress, relationship struggles, and major life changes. College is a time of growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re balancing coursework with personal responsibilities, managing grief, or facing uncertainty about your future, I provide a safe, supportive space to help you process, heal, and move forward with clarity and confidence. My clinical work is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the challenges young adults face. With my background in both mental health and higher education, I meet you where you are—with compassion and insight.

My therapeutic process is rooted in the values of openness, acceptance, and collaboration. I believe that accessing what genuinely exists inside ourselves helps us to know who we really are. I draw from various therapeutic approaches, focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection, to illuminate underlying issues, free up blocks, and heal old wounds. My goal is supporting clients in their efforts to discover and become more fully the person they were created to be. Being a recreational triathlete and endurance sports participant has drawn my focus towards the biopsychosocial approach to one’s overall health and wellbeing.

I am currently accepting new clients! Seeking therapy and finding a professional you trust can be difficult, even overwhelming. I aim to ease this transition by creating a nonjudgmental, flexible, and supportive space for our sessions- one that promotes your growth and healing. I believe meaningful change starts with meaningful relationships. As such, I will partner with you to build an alliance that fosters curiosity, strength, and resilience. I value depth-based work and use an integrative, individualized approach to therapy. Inherent in this approach is diligently staying attuned to your goals and what you need from our sessions. I work with individuals (16+ years old) and couples who are struggling with problems related to life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationships. I also have experience exploring gender and sexuality, LGBTQ+ issues, problematic eating patterns, and sexual/relational trauma. I am honored to work with individuals holding many identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. I especially enjoy working with students, creative minds, or anyone trying to untangle the meaning of life. If you think we may be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out and look forward to hearing from you.

I am a firm believer that making the decision to address your issues takes a great deal of courage and bravery. Many of us come from circumstances or environments that encourage us to push through pain by burying it, outworking it, or avoiding it. While these coping skills help us to survive, they don't necessarily encourage us to thrive. As a therapist with psychodynamic training and extensive life coaching experience, it is important to me that our sessions focus on identifying where core issues are coming from, encourage collaborative problem solving, as well as create space for intentional goal setting. I have a great deal of experience helping young adults and professionals with life transitions. Building an authentic sense of self is the first step to cultivating a sense of purpose, empathetic relationships, and healthy boundaries. I approach therapy from a multi-modal lense and take great care to address and honor differences in lived experiences. If anything above resonates please contact me! Being a first-generation Arab American myself, I know how difficult it can be to move past the stigma of pursuing mental health services. That being said, I also know that the most difficult things in life also tend to be the most rewarding. You should be proud of yourself for taking this first step!

We are here to support you. Life Aligned Counseling offers individual, couples, and family counseling services. Our team of therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-concept, emerging adult issues, family conflict, stress management, spirituality, significant life transitions, men's issues, etc. We are committed to providing empathetic, affirming, and culturally sound care that creates a safe space for healing and transformation. Visit our WEBSITE at lifealignedcounseling.com to get scheduled.

Daniel Lovan, LPC (He/Him) is an LGBTQIA+ therapist specializing in trauma-informed therapy for adolescents and adults. Daniel earned his MA in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that informs his use of other evidence-based practices such as CBT, ACT, and Exposure Therapy. Daniel is also trained in and utilizes Written Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and DBT Prolonged Exposures as discreet trauma protocols for clients suffering from acute trauma symptoms. Due to his history and love of teaching in group therapy settings, Daniel emphasizes psychoeducation and a mindful, non-judgmental approach to help his clients see themselves in a more understanding and self-compassionate way that allows them to strip away the shame, guilt, and fear preventing them from curating their desired life worth living. Daniel prioritizes teaching DBT Skills, Polyvagal Theory, and Somatic experiences in his work with individuals, couples, and family systems. “If you’ve ever felt like you needed someone who just gets it, or if you’ve ever wanted a therapist who feels like a “real person” then you’ve come to the right place. How can I ask you to be your true, vulnerable self without also being vulnerable myself? I want to be on your journey of highs and lows with you and to teach you concrete skills along the way that will help you break free from patterns that you feel powerless to change. I’m looking forward to working with you and teaching you to see yourself, the world, and others, in totally new ways!”