Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Ascension Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights has been serving the needs of the community since 1962. We offer an array of outpatient mental health services including psychiatry, therapy, employment, residential treatment, Medicaid day programs and intensive outpatient programs. We accept all major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. We have an amazing staff of professionals who care about helping the clients we serve and do our best to manage their care.

Hi, thank you for taking the time to visit this page! It is understandable and valid to feel overwhelmed, unfulfilled, and upset as we navigate our lives. We do not have unlimited amounts of time, resources, or energy, and it is natural that life will bring challenges and experiences that cannot be addressed alone. I believe it is a sign of strength and self-love to know when to seek support, and I am committed to giving space and support to concerns throughout all ages and areas of life. I also strive to continually learn and grow in order to best support and accommodate your preferences, goals, and needs. When working with me, you can expect an empathetic, attentive, authentic, advocating, and safe space. I am passionate about helping people foster and find their happiness and peace. I also believe your personal experiences are important, and I am dedicated to understanding and respecting your background and perspectives. To best assist you, I use an integrative style that applies various approaches, as no two situations, people, or solutions are the exact same. I also utilize a holistic view of health that supports mindfulness, self-fulfillment, and the well-being of the whole person. Regardless of the issue or concern, I believe in your strengths and inherent abilities, and that therapy is a collaborative journey. Everyone struggles with their feelings and I believe it is a sign of strength to know when to seek support! I am grateful and excited about the opportunity to work with you! Adolescents and Young Adults Growing up can be exciting and fun at times, but it also brings new responsibilities, expectations, and unknowns. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate your individuality and growth while also balancing all the other areas of your life, and there were plenty of times when I felt overwhelmed and unsure. As someone who experienced racism and bullying for being and looking different, I can also relate to how the messages and comments you receive growing up, both positive and unsupportive, can be impactful. I will work hard to foster a safe and understanding space that empowers your voice, strengths, identity, perspectives, and self-love! Adults Contrary to what we might have expected or been told growing up, life usually does not get “figured out” in adulthood, and new challenges, stressors, dynamics, and unknowns continue to arise. I am dedicated to supporting people of all ages, and I have worked with adults across the lifespan. I also have a deep understanding and experience regarding family planning, grief, housing dynamics, terminal illness, neurocognitive disorders (Alzheimer’s and Dementia), cancer, and hospice care. However, with any person, there will be areas or concerns that I lack direct experience with, and I will strive to respect, offer space, empathize, and continually educate myself regarding these areas! LGBTQIA+, Identity, and Culture My therapeutic approach and values are also deeply rooted in affirming and supporting individuals from all diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. As an adopted Korean American who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I empathize with and understand that identity and social messaging can impact one’s life and concerns. Respecting and holding space for people’s unique narratives and perspectives is very important to me, and I strive to be creative and open-minded. I was given the Distingushed Graduate Award at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology due to my commitment to diversity, multicultural competence, and social advocacy. Education and Career After graduating from Loyola University of Chicago, I attended the University of Chicago in a doctoral program where I studied and researched cancer immunology. However, I decided to leave the program after my first year due to feeling unfulfilled and unaligned. While this choice allowed for personal growth and helped me find my dream career, I deeply understand how daunting, challenging, and stressful the process can be. I also have experience regarding study habits, focus, performance anxiety (educational or athletic), mindfulness strategies, and holistic support. Regardless of where you are in your educational and/or occupational journey, I am here to work with you and offer support! Couples and Families While couple and family dynamics can be navigated and supported in individual therapy, it is natural that there are also times when concerns are better addressed and navigated with multiple people coming and collaborating in session. During my time in grad school, internship, and as a therapist, I have gained experience and education with couples and families support, and I have empathy and direct knowledge regarding the importance of these areas. I work hard to foster a welcoming, understanding, respectful, advocating, and open-minded space for everyone coming to the session! About Me While I was born in South Korea, I was adopted and raised in Fargo, ND for most of my childhood. When I was 18, I moved to Chicago to attend Loyola University of Chicago, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology. After graduating and entering the biomedical research field, I went through a career change and decided to attend The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology. In my free time, I love trying new things and have a bunch of different hobbies! I enjoy basketball, football, baseball, rollerblading, skiing, playing or listening to music and drawing. I also love exploring the city and hanging out with friends! When it’s time to relax, I’ll be at home playing with my cat Momo and watching Abbott Elementary

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Hi, I’m Payton Smith, and I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, pressure, or expectations. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe enough to explore your experiences, process what’s been weighing on you, and begin to make sense of your story. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths while building the tools needed to navigate life with more confidence. I use a flexible, collaborative approach that allows me to meet you where you are and adapt to what you need in each moment. I value going beyond surface-level conversations and creating space for meaningful, honest work.

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Hi! I'm Sumin (she/her). Who said therapy cannot be fun? With me, you’ll find yourself laughing, creating, realizing, and sometimes sharing good tears. Maybe you’re starting school, adjusting to a new country or community, exploring your identity, or trying to balance creativity, responsibility, and perfectionism. Together, we’ll explore who you are, practice self-love, and work through challenges with compassion. I specialize in supporting college students, especially underrepresented students, including international, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and First-Generation students. I am also passionate about helping adults working through childhood trauma, teens who have experienced bullying, artists, single parents, and individuals who are navigating academic or career stress, transitions, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. As a bilingual immigrant therapist and formerly international student, I understand how hard it is to adjust to new systems while trying to stay true to yourself. My approach is grounded, approachable, and evidence-informed: as a certified art therapist, I blend art therapy, talk therapy, and somatic tools (like breathwork and grounding practices) tailored to your needs. You won't need to bring the “right” words—I’ll help you access insight through images, movement, and your own embodied experience. Together, we’ll explore what feels stuck and what feels possible for you. I’ll help you reconnect with your creativity, soothe anxiety, build self-compassion, and feel more firmly rooted in your values and identity. If you’re still reading this, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Reaching this point is no small thing. By exploring support, you’ve already begun your healing journey, and I’m proud of you for honoring yourself in this way. I’ll be with you to create a safe space as you explore your identity, memories, and the emotions they carry. I would love to be part of your journey, toward celebrating your identity, honoring your story, and discovering that what makes you different is, in fact, your greatest strength. If something in this profile resonates with you, I’d love to connect. I accept BCBS, Aetna, University of Chicago Student Insurance, and Out-of-Network plans. Please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation call to see if we're a good fit! 미국 보험에 대해 잘 모르시거나, 심리 상담이 정확히 무엇인지 낯설게 느껴지시나요? 제가 차근차근 안내해드리고, 보험 적용 여부 확인과 처리도 함께 도와드리니 부담 없이 연락 주세요.

Julia is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her MA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Julia has spent her career serving youth and families in a variety of agency settings. She has experience working with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, ODD, school/behavioral issues, parenting and substance use. She works from a variety of therapeutic approaches, but comes at each case with a strength-based approach that is individually tailored to each client. Julia believes in meeting each client where they are at and helping them build from what they are already doing well.

We are excited about the opportunity to work with you as you journey through a major part of your life. You are an emerging adult and that comes with a lot of life transitions. Let us support you as you navigate change, disappointment, hurt, and pain, but let us also celebrate you when you achieve a goal or new milestone in life. At Of Vineyards and Canopies Therapy Services, we want to be one of your supports, so that you do not feel alone. Do not be afraid to reach out to us, so that we can get you scheduled as soon as we can. You will be met with kind and compassionate therapists, who want to provide a safe space for you to process through whatever may be bothering you or stressing you out.

Before coming to the US, I graduated from the top medical school in China and have a background in internal medicine. After 10 years of practicing in the field of medicine, I had the opportunity to train as a psychiatrist at University of Tennessee and became a board certified general psychiatrist. My training in the field of internal medicine has helped my psychiatry practice, especially in the care of the geriatric patients, who often have chronic medical conditions. I am very conscious of the side effects of the medications commonly used in the treatment of mental illness, some which may affect a patient's physical health. I have been practicing psychiatry for about 12 years in the Chicagoland area, treating a diverse population of patients. My approach includes listening to a patient's story and concerns, evaluating patients’ cultural, social, mental and physical status, their support system, and treating the patient as a whole person. I then generate a treatment plan that can include psychotherapy and other supportive therapy, not only the prescription of medication. I speak Mandarin fluently and can support patients with that language need. Schedule your session easily through our online booking link. Click "Website" to find a time that works for you.

D. Joel Marquart has several years of clinical work specializing in ADHD, relationships, major life transitions, and inner-child work. He especially enjoys helping clients integrate childhood wounds, build self-compassion, and foster a stronger sense of self and purpose. He firmly believes healing only occurs when safety and trust are established enough to risk vulnerability. SPECIALTIES: Life transitions Perfectionism/Procrastination Personal growth and self-esteem Marriage and partnerships ADD/ADHD LGBTQIA+

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the Roosevelt University and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adolescents, families and adults struggling with big feelings or barriers that are not allowing them to live their happiest, healthiest life. I help individuals better understanding their feelings and offer support in making meaningful change and identify ways to problem-solve and move forward. I practice from a behavioral perspective and believe that every behavior has a purpose even if that purpose is not obvious. With the help of my clients, I work to understand the function of the behavior and then help my clients to acquire the necessary skills to have their needs met more appropriately. I believe that rapport and the therapeutic relationship are critical to be successful in providing support to my clients. I thrive on incorporating creative, unique, and idiosyncratic interventions to make the therapeutic process meaningful for the individual client. Through compassion, empathy, and understanding, I help my clients be the best version of themselves and thrive!

Welcome Illinois, Indiana, and New Mexico college students! I offer virtual only sessions. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for 20+ years and have had a variety of different roles in the behavioral health field. I believe my personal and employment experiences over the years help to inform the way I am with clients today. Of note, I'm only working with adult individuals at this time. I help clients in a number of areas including those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, adjusting to college life, self-esteem, self-harming behaviors, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship issues, and identifying healthy coping skills.

Theraviv Wellness seeks to work with individuals and couples to learn to love themselves and each other through boundaries, communication and education. Amanda specializes in sex therapy and maternal mental health.

You’re tired of: - Overthinking - Feeling overwhelmed - A heightened sense of worry - Your mental energy being depleted - Thinking about the worst case scenario - Being critical of yourself - All-or-nothing thinking - Feeling like an imposter - Worrying about disappointing others - Avoiding things that make you anxious - Comparing yourself to others - Unsubstantiated fear - Procrastinating - Being unable to set boundaries - Having difficulty identifying or communicating what you need - Feeling like you “should” be doing certain things, even if you don’t want to - Neglecting self-care You have a simmering undercurrent of anxiety, and your entire life feels like a list of obligations. You feel weighed down, overwhelmed, and stressed. You’re pathologically helpful and a self-proclaimed people pleaser, so you find yourself gritting your teeth to make it through the day……but you paste a smile on your face and fake it. From the outside you’re successful, high-achieving, respected, and known for going above and beyond, but internally, you know your truth. You’re overly self-critical, procrastinate often, script conversations in your head, and worry about everyone else’s expectations of you. What if you could feel confident saying no to things that don’t serve you? What if you could learn how to put yourself first without feeling selfish? What if you could live a more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling life? Let me help you get clarity on what you’re feeling, why, and how to fix it. We all have “blind spots” that hold us back in some way, and it takes an outside perspective to help identify these. Even if you think… - you’ll let others down - you’re not as smart or capable as your colleagues - you need to have a clear plan - mediocrity is unacceptable - you have to maintain this facade in order to be successful I will show you how to shift your thoughts and behavior in ways that will pave a clear path to joy and confidence. There is no greater investment in life than discovering your full potential, and that comes through insight and self-awareness. Visit my website and schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today!

Are you ready to talk about the stress that has been building up? Therapy is such a great virtual tool to access anywhere these days! If you’re trying to juggle college life while learning to adult, it can be overwhelming. We can work on stress reduction, time management and self care to improve functioning. We can identify parts that struggle to feel joy or peace. We can get you on track to finally starting to understand, love and accept yourself. Email me and let’s get started!

I am a Chicago area Licensed Professional Counselor at Obsidian Counseling Wellness. I specialize in life transitions, including the transitions into and out of college. My approach is eclectic and centers around your specific needs. My therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental and accepting of your whole self. Approaches that I draw from include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With these theories I will help you acquire tools for dealing with the stressors of daily life, while exploring your identity and values. Being a student is hard enough, figuring our how to navigate life alongside school can be a difficult balance. The individuals that I see are often facing major life transitions. These transitions include moving to a new place, the end of a relationship, the shifting of friendships, transitioning into and out of college, the loss of a loved one, and other major transitions.In addition to major life transitions, the individuals that I work with are often experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and working on figuring out who they are and where they fit in.

College life can feel like a whirlwind—full of change, pressure, expectations, and questions about who you are and where you’re headed. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or struggling with self-medicating behaviors like drinking too much, you’re not alone. At Trailside Therapy, I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can talk through the challenges you’re facing—whether it’s stress, relationships, identity, academic pressure, trauma, or navigating major life transitions. My approach is person-centered, empathetic, and focused on meeting you right where you are. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or intimidating. It can be a place where you feel safe to explore, process, and find hope again.

I’m Christine Askeland, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I provide compassionate psychiatric care and have a special focus on women’s mental health, pregnancy and postpartum support, and addiction treatment. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and truly heard. I’m known for my warm, nonjudgmental approach and for meeting people where they are. I believe mental health care should feel collaborative and personalized, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Together, we’ll focus on your goals, preferences, and what matters most to you, so your care feels meaningful and supportive. My approach combines psychotherapy with thoughtful, evidence-based medication management while also looking at the bigger picture of wellness. I value the role of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and daily routines in emotional health, and I work with you to create a balanced, realistic treatment plan that supports long-term healing and stability.

Prior to full-time clinical practice I was a tenured faculty member for many years. Most of my patients are trying to come to terms with their own histories, to feel more vital, and to chart an authentic path forward. I help people who find that they are stuck in their lives, and are perplexed by their reactions and those of others. I form a facilitating partnership that helps people reflect on their experiences and to make sense of them. This naturally opens new possibilities to live a more satisfying life. To my mind, finding one’s way requires a relationship with a thoughtful, genuinely caring, experienced person who is deeply engaged in helping. I strive to be that person.

I am committed to fostering a compassionate, empathetic, collaborative therapeutic environment. I’m particularly interested in understanding your unique experience of yourself, others, and the world. People often seek help to expand their self-development and personal growth in addition to feeling better. I strive to help people by widening self-awareness through a balance of emotional experience and insight. I believe people should feel heard and understood, and I do my best to understand what it’s like for you in your unique subjective experience. Having a secure, stable place will allow you to freely explore your internal world and take risks in the outside world. Part of the process includes finding integration between emotions and thoughts, memory, consciousness, narrative, attachment relationships, and identity. I aim to help you deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so you can move towards what you care about in life, live more fully with greater passion and vitality, increase your curiosity, and be more present.