Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

College is often described as “the best years of your life,” but in reality, it can be stressful, uncertain, and even isolating. You’re juggling academic pressures, social dynamics, independence, and the constant question of what’s next? If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not like yourself, therapy can help. Therapy that fits into college life: - convenient meeting options - flexible scheduling - no long term commitment - privacy outside the campus bubble - therapy wherever you are - therapy that grows with you ready to ace your mental health? get started today!

Healing looks different for everyone. That's why our team of diverse, bilingual therapists offers personalized care for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, trauma, addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, or major life changes, we're here to help. Through evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, we provide support in both English and Spanish to meet you where you are.

Hi, I’m Dan (they/them). Life can feel heavy sometimes, and we all reach moments when we need support. Mistakes, falling back into old habits, and difficult periods are often seen as signs of failure, but in mental health, these moments are often part of the process rather than the end of it. During these times, it can become easy to feel disconnected from yourself, your progress, or the direction you once had. Therapy can become a space to explore your experiences, make sense of them, and reflect on how you want to move forward. Because everyone brings different experiences, needs, and goals into therapy, I approach the process collaboratively and individually. I believe your insight, lived experiences, and understanding of yourself should remain central to the work we do together. I utilize a holistic, harm-reduction-based approach to create a non-judgmental space where you can feel free to be yourself while recognizing that you are not defined by the difficulties you face. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. Many of the ways we respond to stress, relationships, emotions, and uncertainty are shaped by earlier experiences and coping strategies that may no longer fully serve us in the present. Moreover, there are aspects of life and our circumstances that we may not be able to change. Therapy can provide space to better understand those patterns while exploring new ways of coping, relating, and responding to those experiences with greater awareness, flexibility, and intention. I work with individuals navigating trauma, substance use, LGBTQIA+ related experiences, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported throughout the therapeutic process. If you feel ready to begin exploring these experiences more deeply, I would be honored to support you through that process.

Welcome to my practice! I am a licensed psychologist located in Chicago, IL. I have an office at 155 N. Michigan Ave and also see clients online. I am certified through Psypact, and therefore I can meet with clients located in other states. I have been in private practice for over 15 years and I am also faculty member in the Counseling Program at DePaul University. I work with young adults who are collage age and getting started with their careers. I am very familiar helping individuals navigate the stressors of college life as well as the transition to the workforce. I have experience in treating mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, and work/school related difficulties. I help clients understand, manage, and reduce their symptoms so that they can feel satisfied and productive in their everyday lives. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, and I also use integrative and insight oriented therapy modalities.

I specialize in working with college and university students struggling with ADHD. Whether it’s trouble starting tasks, managing time, or staying organized, I help clients find practical strategies while also holding space for the emotional toll that struggle can bring. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, offering support that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in evidence-based care. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and skills training. Together, we’ll identify patterns that aren’t serving you and build tools that support focus, regulation, and self-confidence both in the moment and over time. Therapy with me is collaborative and encouraging. We’ll work side by side to break down what feels impossible and create new pathways forward - grounded in your strengths, values, and capacity for change

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.

Welcome! Taking the first step to start therapy can sometimes feel scary, and beginning your journey to healing is something to be proud of. I am honored to walk alongside you and help you navigate throughout this experience. My role as a therapist is to create a safe environment that helps you feel heard, understood, and valued. I bring empathy, authenticity, and genuineness to the therapeutic relationship and I value the inner strength and empowerment of every individual. I embrace the importance of working collaboratively with you to identify and achieve your therapeutic goals. I strive to facilitate a welcoming and non-judgmental space so you can be the truest form of yourself. I am particularly passionate about working with students. This phase of life comes with a unique set of challenges such as adjusting to life transitions, working through school and career stressors, managing relationship and family challenges, and exploring one’s developing identity. I aim to help you navigate stress management, prevent burnout, and set a healthy work/life balance. I also specialize in working with clients with body image issues and eating concerns, and have extensively researched ADHD and concentration difficulties in young adults. As a clinician, I integrate numerous techniques and work from a culturally-sensitive framework utilizing cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and strengths-based approaches. I also have specific training in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and the Gottman method. Experience My prior clinical experiences include providing individual, group, couples, and family therapy at a private practice and in numerous college counseling centers. I most recently completed my doctoral internship at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Counseling Center. I have supported clients from a wide array of racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds with many unique presenting concerns. I have been fortunate to work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults throughout my training. I am passionate about empowering my clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

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.

When looking for a therapist, it can often be a challenge to figure out who will be a good fit based on a bio and a picture. Sometimes there is something very specific that we know we need from therapy, sometimes we are just going in with a vague sense, and it can often feel vulnerable. There is a quote that I often return to in my work: “healing happens at the speed of trust”. When we start our work together, we will be figuring out how to build that trust and communication so that you can do the work and exploration that you need to do to get the most out of therapy. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating addiction and substance use. I also enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, and effects of trauma. My work is grounded in a harm reduction philosophy that aims to meet people exactly where they are and recognizes that we are all experts in our own lives. I won’t have all of the answers, but hope to work alongside you. I approach therapy with deep curiosity and a relational lens, believing that meaningful change grows from genuine connection and collaboration. I like getting to know people and find one of the most profound things to come from therapy is a feeling of being understood.

As an experienced clinician specializing in anxiety and depression, I work with individuals to reduce symptoms, increase resilience and interrupt unhelpful thought patterns. I believe a supportive therapeutic relationship is essential for meaningful change, and I work collaboratively with clients to create a space to explore the parts of you that feel overwhelmed, identify triggers and build skills to manage anxious and depressive thoughts and physical symptoms. My practice is IFS-informed and strengths-based, helping clients feel more grounded, in control and confident in their daily lives.

I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago with a specialization in clinical mental health, and hold certifications in alcohol and drug counseling (CADC) and in the assessment and treatment of trauma (NMT Phase I). In my training, I have worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, including community youth programming, community mental health centers, and private practice. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based, and integrative approach in which I am able to tailor therapy to the individual client’s needs. I believe in the power of utilizing attachment and psychodynamic theories to better understand the origins of symptoms along with implementing cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques to relieve symptoms. Because I believe that connection is fundamental to the healing process, I aim to create a warm and accepting therapeutic relationship that allows me to understand the challenges you face, help you determine the goals you hope to work toward, and empower you to create significant and lasting change. My areas of specialization include anxiety, trauma, substance use, relational conflict, self-esteem, and life transitions. When I’m not working, you can find me going to yoga classes, working through a long bucket list of Chicago restaurants, and planning my next travel adventure.

I believe the human experience is beautifully complex, with our emotions serving as both a compass and catalyst for growth and healing. When those feelings become overwhelming, it’s easy to feel isolated or stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or hopelessness—but you don’t have to navigate this alone. My passion is creating a space of warmth, understanding, and compassionate curiosity where we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface, make room for your full emotional experience, and discover new ways of thinking, relating, and healing. Gender Identity & Sexuality: Exploring your gender identity or sexuality can be deeply personal and, at times, isolating. Whether you're early in your journey or further along, I provide affirming, compassionate support in a space where you can be fully and authentically yourself—without judgment. You deserve to be seen, understood, and empowered as you embrace who you are. Relationship Challenges: Relationships can be both life-giving and deeply challenging. If you’re feeling stuck in painful cycles, navigating conflict, or longing for deeper connection, I’ll work with you to untangle patterns and build stronger, healthier relationships—rooted in mutual respect, communication, and emotional safety. Family Dynamics: Family systems often shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. I help clients unpack generational patterns, unspoken expectations, and relational roles that may no longer serve them. Together, we’ll work to foster clarity, establish healthy boundaries, and nurture meaningful, sustainable relationships. Anxiety: Anxiety can feel all-consuming, quietly infiltrating every area of life. I offer both practical strategies and gentle exploration to help you better understand your anxiety, manage its impact, and regain a sense of calm, confidence, and agency—especially when life feels out of control. Do I work with struggles not on this list? Maybe what you’re going through doesn’t fall neatly into one of these categories, or perhaps you’re looking to approach it from a different angle. If my approach resonates with you, I’d love to talk more. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your story and supports your unique process of healing and growth.!

I absolutely love working with young folks who feel stuck, anxious, or alone in dealing with the stressors that life brings. I am a relational therapist that holds space for young adults to build connection, develop mindfulness, and explore what values will be motivating for their life choices. This work is rooted in prioritizing self-acceptance: one of the best gifts we can give ourselves in individual talk therapy. In a group therapy setting, I aim to create freedom for individuals to get better at feeling emotions and communicating them to others, as a way to navigate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Let’s talk more about how I can help you explore self-doubt, dysregulated emotions, academic anxiety, peer conflict, grief, apathy, anger, addiction, shame, or sadness. The experience of emerging adults today is not hopeless; there is ample opportunity to build resources for connection. This connection creates confidence in your ability to cope, grow, and heal on the journey towards a meaningful life!

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.

Hi, I’m Laura Let’s Explore Who You Are and Who You Can Become I’m here to help you navigate the journey of understanding yourself, especially when it comes to your gender identity. With a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling and a background in Fine Arts and Psychology, I use a creative and thoughtful approach to guide you through this process. At Thrive Ahead Co., I offer a space where you can safely explore your feelings, process your thoughts, and find the clarity and confidence to move forward. Who I Work With You might be feeling anxious or unsure about your identity, and that’s okay. I work with people who, like you, are ready to dive deep into understanding themselves. Maybe you feel like there’s a lot to figure out, and you need a place where you can reflect and explore without judgment. You want to grow, to feel more secure in who you are, and maybe even discover new ways to experience joy and fulfillment. You might not have all the answers right now, but you’re curious. You’re looking for someone who can guide you through this—someone you can trust, who will collaborate with you, and who can bring a little humor into the process when needed. If you’re open to change, even when it feels a little scary, we’ll make progress together. How We’ll Work Together Our sessions will be a mix of traditional therapy and creative exploration, depending on what feels right for you. I believe that growth happens when you have the space to be yourself, explore your thoughts, and express your emotions—whether through conversation, art, or a bit of both. I’ve worked with people in all kinds of settings, helping them unpack what’s going on inside and move toward a clearer, more confident version of themselves. In our work together, I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll go from there at your pace. Are You Ready? If you’re ready to take a closer look at who you are and where you want to go, I’m here to walk that path with you. This process is about discovering more of yourself, finding your strengths, and moving toward a life where you feel secure and true to who you are. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here to support you on your journey.

Resilience Counseling LLC is a diverse group practice that adheres to the following values when working with clients: Anti-Racism, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Health At Every Size (HAES), Cultural Awareness, Trauma-Informed, Sex Positive, and Harm Reduction. We prioritize creating a truly safe space for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities to understand and improve their mental health within the capacity of an out-patient setting. Together, we work with our clients to navigate challenging times and cultivate hope for the future. The capacity to heal lives within us all- and we all deserve acceptance and feeling valid in the care that helps us find it. Interested new clients can scheduled an Initial Consultation for free through our website. Many of the therapists at Resilience Counseling LLC have prior experience working in college settings and with college students. We hope to hear from you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Everyone deserves to feel heard, empowered, and respected, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Therapy provides a safe space for healing, and I would be honored to support you in your journey toward self-empowerment. As a collaborative and non-judgmental therapist in Chicago, my goal is to work with you to find the best path to healing that aligns with your unique needs. With personal experience navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions, I understand the emotional and relational challenges that many face. I have had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life, helping them process difficult emotions and navigate major transitions—whether in relationships, work, or health. I specialize in supporting folks as they manage the pressures of life, relationships, and mental health. Together, we will address anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles, develop strategies for managing overwhelming feelings, and create practical plans to face challenges with confidence. I approach therapy with humor, thoughtfulness, and a focus on affirmations, believing that trust and respect are the foundation of any therapeutic relationship. During our sessions, I will bring my genuine and authentic self to create a warm and empowering environment. A phone consultation is available to explore your treatment intentions and schedule an initial session, where we will discuss your goals and begin to shape your healing journey. My modalities include: Trauma-Informed Therapy Play Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Strength-Based Therapy Mindfulness-Based Therapy My specialities: Anxiety Depression ADHD LGBTQ+ Issues Academic Stress Parenting Support Trauma

At CFC Therapy Group, we believe in possibilities—and we empower you to realize yours. Working with our team of experienced therapists, you’ll gain the strength to navigate life’s challenges, confront what’s holding you back, and achieve your fullest potential. We are Relationship Experts. Whether you’re looking to create a more positive dynamic with family and friends, a significant other, or simply with yourself, we’ll help you get there. At CFC Therapy Group, we’re committed to your possibility. Contact us today to book an appointment

Jennifer Harris PsyD & Associates is a group of warm, down-to-earth therapists offering both in-person and telehealth psychotherapy. We’re based in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, just a few blocks south of DePaul University, and provide telehealth services throughout Illinois and other PSYPACT states. Our therapists work well with students navigating big transitions, questions about identity, or simply looking for someone real to talk to. We aim to create a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. We’re not afraid to use humor or have honest conversations about what’s really going on. We offer a diverse team of therapists, including those who speak Mandarin and Arabic, and we welcome clients from all backgrounds. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, lonely, or just stuck, we’re here to help you sort through it. Our therapists have specialized training in treating the following areas: Anxiety, Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Family & Relationship Issues Identity Development and Life Transitions International Students Acculturation Depression, Self-Esteem Concerns Trauma & PTSD Get to know us and our different specialties at www.jhpsyd.com