Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I help everyday people struggling with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression find the root of their troubles & take back control of their lives. I treat conditions such as: PTSD, anxiety, trauma, phobias, OCD, depression, addictions, & related symptoms. I take a Solution-Focused & evidence-based therapeutic approach for creating solutions rather than focusing on problems. You may request a for 15 minute consultation today, just visit the Alma website at the link below.

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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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.

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I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in Illinois, and I’m passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. I strive to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable sharing your concerns openly. People often describe my style as calm and respectful. I believe clear communication and patient education are essential, so I make sure you feel informed, confident, and supported throughout your care. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative. I recognize that everyone’s experiences, needs, and goals are unique, and I enjoy working closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports both your mental health and overall well-being. I provide care for anxiety, depression, and ADHD, including comprehensive evaluations and medication management. My focus is on accessibility, meaningful symptom improvement, and helping you build lasting emotional stability.

Kris Kirilova provides psychotherapy and career counseling for students navigating academic and career concerns, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety or inner turmoil. I specialize in helping students adjust to college life, clarify work and life goals, manage relationship difficulties, overcome self-doubt, and find balance in your adult life as a student. My practice serves a diverse range of students, from those in college to those pursuing doctoral studies.

As a therapist, my goal is to walk alongside my clients in their path towards growth and healing. I specialize in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image and sexuality related issues. I am also a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and I'm passionate about supporting clients in combatting the influence of diet culture on their relationship to food. I am sex-positive and HAES-aligned. I believe that therapy is an incredible opportunity to learn about yourself and your life story in a safe, accepting and non-judgemental environment. Together, we will work towards meeting your goals and developing the life and relationships you strive for.

Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life. Megan approaches her work with empathy, thoughtfulness, and dedication. She has extensive experience working with people who have experienced trauma, neglect, and abuse, including domestic violence and sexual assault. Megan has experience and training in supporting clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and substance use, ADHD, identity exploration, college stress, burnout, and life transitions. Megan approaches therapy through a psychodynamic and relational lens and incorporates narrative therapy, ACT, and EMDR in her work.

Caitlin is dedicated Licensed Social Worker with extensive experience working with children and adolescents, including in school settings, where she has provided support to children and teenagers with Anxiety, Depression, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD. She is passionate about providing empathetic support to youth as they navigate life’s challenges. In her role, she creates a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and develop resilience. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health issues in young people, she is committed to tailoring her interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual she serves. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns while developing healthier coping mechanisms. She also has experience teaching executive functioning skills, emotional regulation skills, and social skills, equipping her clients with valuable tools for success. Whether through individual counseling, or collaboration with families, she remains devoted in her mission to empower her clients to thrive. Please contact me by phone number or email to set up an appointment! Email: canderlik21@gmail.com Phone number: 2243307175

My practice includes work with children, adolescents, and adults related to issues of depression, anxiety, trauma, sexuality, relational stress, identity, religion, and existential despair. I have experience working with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood dysregulation, trauma responses, adverse childhood experiences, sexuality, gender, youths exhibiting sexualized symptoms, painful life transitions, and strained family relationships. In working with adults, I am interested in delving into concerns of relational health, religious trauma, sexuality, and the impacts of society and systems on an individual. I work from a relational, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive framework. I build from a CBT and client-centered approach to therapy while being attentive to the impact of the past as it relates to the present. I also have a collaborative approach to child therapy and believe in creativity and play as primary components of expression. I aim to foster an environment of safety, creativity, and collaboration where individuals can feel empowered to grow and flourish.

Our experienced therapists deliver evidence-based treatments to adolescents and adults suffering from eating disorders, anxiety, and related disorders. Our approach is largely behavioral and we offer tailored treatment approaches based on a thorough assessment of client’s presenting concerns. To target anxiety and OCD, I use a range of ERP, ACT, CBT, and solution focused interventions, as well as HRT for body focused repetitive behaviors (skin picking and hair pulling).

I believe in using a holistic, collaborative approach that focuses on client’s strength in order to promote progress and healing. I recognize that facing fears and challenges can be an incredibly difficult process. Therefore, I believe it is imperative to hold a balance of warmth and compassion, as well as honesty and authenticity, to help individuals achieve their goals. In my work I use a myriad of evidence-based treatments to individually tailor care to my clients; yet, additionally I acknowledge there is no “one size fits all” approach. This distinction informs the devotion, care, and time I take to ensure my clients feel empowered in their treatment

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

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.

Melissa is an LCPC in Illinois. As an Aud_HD therapist, she offers individual therapy, family therapy, and parenting support. She has lived experience, and has received neuro-affirming training in supporting the neurodivergent community, specifically Autism, ADHD, PDA, CPTSD, OCD and Giftedness, with a particular interest in providing acknowledgement and support for the misattunement and trauma that often is a part of our lived experience. She is passionate about supporting clients in their journeys of understanding themselves internally with authenticity and acceptance, including those who are exploring their gender and/or sexual identities. She uses different modalities as a way of giving clients options that fit them. Melissa loves somatic based approaches, including Transformative Touch Therapy, where the work is to support the client through pre-verbal attachment wounding, eventually working through integrating primitive reflexes. It is her passion to connect with her clients and give them a space to explore their intrinsic experience with curiosity, compassion, and understanding. When she is not in the therapy room, Melissa enjoys presenting to private practices and facilitating groups to build community for those supporting autistic clients and families. You can work with Melissa in the state of Illinois through telehealth or in person in Hinsdale.

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At Nafs Harmony, our goal is to prioritize your mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, I believe prioritizing your self is the key to happiness and stability. Taking the step to seek help is the most important step. I have been practicing for the past 8 years, but in the last half, I have shifted my main focus to female clients aged 14-55 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and prenatal/postpartum life. We will begin our journey together with an introductory session, where you will have the opportunity to share your story and goals for therapy. Together, we will explore these objectives with the goal of empowering you to achieve them. I am to create a warm and welcoming environment that encourages you to feel comfortable sharing and being vulnerable while also providing a sense of security. As a South-Asian therapist, I understand the cultural nuances and stigma that can surround mental health in diverse communities. I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment where you can embrace your diversity and work toward finding joy, peace, and fulfillment. Once we choose to work together, we'll function as partners in your therapeutic journey. It is essential to me that we maintain open communication and that you feel respected in our relationship. I will be there to listen to you, challenge you, and support you throughout the process.

At Sohail Counseling & Care, we specialize in supporting emerging adults as they navigate the transitions of college life, relationships, identity, and the pressures of “figuring it all out.” Our practice offers a warm, culturally-aware space where students and young adults can slow down, be real, and find their way forward. We understand that college can bring both excitement and overwhelm. Whether you’re adjusting to a new environment, managing academic stress, navigating family or cultural expectations, or working through anxiety, depression, or self-doubt; you don’t have to do it alone. What makes us different: Culturally-aware & trauma-informed care- we honor the unique stories, values, and identities you carry. Specialized clinicians- our team includes therapists who focus on first generation mental health, men’s mental health, Latino mental health, identity transitions, and relationship stress. Flexible & accessible; telehealth sessions available across Illinois and Michigan; evening and weekend options to fit your schedule. Relational approach- therapy with us feels like talking with a trusted guide who listens deeply and challenges you with care. Who we help: ◦ College students and emerging adults (17+) ◦ Young professionals navigating stress and transition ◦ Couples and partners building strong foundations If you’re looking for a space where you can feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow, we would be honored to walk alongside you.

Do you often ask yourself what is my life's purpose, is and struggle with emptiness each day? Are you struggling to make life decisions amid feelings of uncertainty, that you are always going to make a wrong decision? Do you question your current relationships, but struggle with relational patterns such as manipulations, attachment issues, co-dependency, problems setting boundaries, narcissism-controlled environments, and emotional abuse? At Inspired Beginnings Counseling Services, PLLC we understand the pressures of life at these transition stages. Specializing with young and middle-aged adults, navigating through a journey toward empowerment, self-discovery, and self-love. Specialized experience in life transitions, narcissistic abuse syndrome, and co-dependency. The first step in change is reaching out and exploring what could be different. Together we can work towards a life of more freedom and change and overcome the barriers that hold you back. I look forward to working with you!