Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Hello and welcome! I'm Kammy Brown, a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, here to support you in reaching your mental health goals. My practice focuses on providing personalized and compassionate care through a blend of evidence-based therapies and medication management. I am committed to creating a warm, inviting environment where you feel safe and empowered to take charge of your mental wellness. My approach is rooted in understanding your unique experiences and needs. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, I am here to help guide you on your journey to healing and growth. Together, we will develop a tailored plan that equips you with the tools and strategies needed to overcome challenges and enhance your well-being. In our work together, you can expect a collaborative and supportive relationship. I believe in the power of partnership and open communication, ensuring that you are an active participant in your care. My goal is to help you build resilience, find balance, and achieve a more fulfilling and joyful life. I am excited to be part of your journey and look forward to working with you to create positive, lasting change. If you're ready to take the first step towards better mental health, please feel free to reach out. Let’s embark on this journey together, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way!

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Life can be hard and the idea of starting the process of therapy can add to that stress and anxiety. You've already taken the first step by being here. If you are constantly feeling frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, I am here to help you figure out what's going on and move towards the life you want to live. I will support you on your journey towards positive change and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, engaging, collaborative and sometimes even humorous. I have a strengths-based and non-judgemental mindset to assist you in creating goals for therapy that fit your needs in order to cope with the curve balls life has thrown. Whether those curve balls are long-last anxiety, depression, self-esteem, etc. or new stressors such as grief, life transitions, general life or work, we will come up with a plan. It is my top priority to make sure you feel comfortable. Whether it is your first time in therapy or you are looking for a fresh start with a new therapist, new is uncomfortable and sometimes that stops us from following through with this. I genuinely hope you find the strength to reach out and begin this journey because you deserve to feel content in life.

When you're surrounded by expectations, it can be hard to know what's actually yours. Maybe you're trying to meet your family's expectations, questioning your identity, navigating anxiety, or wondering why everyday tasks feel so much harder than they seem for everyone else. Therapy can help you quiet the outside noise and reconnect with the person you want to become. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, identity development, neurodivergence, executive functioning challenges, family relationships, and major life transitions. Together, we'll explore what's getting in your way while building practical tools that help you manage overwhelm, navigate change, and feel more confident in your daily life. I'm especially passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ students, individuals exploring queer identity, and those processing religious trauma or family expectations. You don't have to choose between honoring your authentic self and honoring your experiences. Therapy offers space to explore both with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment. My approach is relational, somatic, and trauma-informed. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and evidence-based behavioral strategies to help you reconnect with your values, strengthen self-trust, and create lasting change. My hope is that therapy helps you hear your own voice more clearly, trust yourself more fully, and build a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and aligned with who you are.

I am a strengths-based, relational therapist who works primarily with trans, queer, and neurodivergent adults. Our sessions will focus on interpersonal growth, rather than finding a cure for symptoms. I want to understand your challenges and celebrate your successes. Together, we will explore the ways in which you are affected by societal systems and help you develop skills to advocate for your wants and needs. I strive to lead by example in showing that it is okay to make mistakes, to always be learning about oneself, and to continue growing and developing your identity as you move through different life experiences. When we are through with our work together, I hope you will have the tools you need to live a sustainable, satisfying, and ever-evolving life.

College life can be exciting, but it can also bring stress, change, and uncertainty. My goal is to help you navigate these experiences with care and curiosity. I believe our identities and life experiences shape how we see the world, and therapy is a space to explore that. Since becoming licensed in 2018, I’ve supported college students, Black and Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQIA+ communities, military/veteran populations, and first-generation students. My approach centers cultural awareness, social justice, and emotional healing. I’ll meet you where you are and help you uncover the tools within yourself to create balance, confidence, and clarity.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I use a culturally-responsive approach to therapy. We will work together to understand personal and societal factors that contribute to your everyday well-being. Through self-exploration of personal narratives (Constructivism), analysis of interpersonal experiences (Dialectical), and understanding of the intersections between our past and present (Psychodynamic), we become more in charge of our future and aware of how we occupy and share spaces with others. My goal is to guide you towards healthier mental habits that can alleviate your suffering and enable a life-long journey of fulfillment. I obtained my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the APA-Accredited program at the University of Puerto Rico and completed my masters degree in Psychological Research at the University of Guadalajara. I specialized in psychodynamic psychotherapy, studying Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Quebec at the GIFRIC Institute. I believe that therapy is a co-creation of a shared vulnerable space, therefore my role as a therapist requires intellectual humility, transparency, and empathy. I have helped clients understand how to communicate and regulate their emotions through interpersonal skills, acknowledgement of unhealthy attachment patterns, and self-regulating practices. I have worked with a wide range of clients including adolescents, young adults, women, couples, families, and people who are incarcerated. As a former Montessori educator, I am aware of the importance of recognizing the needs of each developmental stage, and I strive to meet everyone where they are. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you! Types of Therapy Attachment-based Culturally Sensitive Gottman Method Multicultural Psychoanalytic Psychodynamic Relational

Hello and welcome! I am a therapist at Chicago Counseling Collective. I take a collaborative approach to therapy and want to provide a space that meets your unique needs and goals. Together we can explore relationships, emotions, and identity; process events from the past; and build skills and tools for making meaningful changes in the present. I am intentional about attending to the roles that systems of oppression, power, and privilege play both in and out of the therapy room. I use a relational-cultural and interpersonal approach in therapy meaning that one of my top priorities is getting to know you as a whole person. This includes the many layers of your identity and experiences; and your joys, sorrows, and sense of humor! I love working with young adults, undergraduate and graduate students, international students, non-traditional students, and early career professionals. I am passionate about working with survivors of sexual trauma. Finding a therapist who is a good fit is important. If you think we could make a good team, let's chat!

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.

Maribeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with adolescents and adults to help find flexibility and ease in their lives. She specializes in addressing trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, and family of origin challenges. Additionally, Maribeth works with couples to enhance emotional connection and strengthen relationship satisfaction. As an immigrant herself, she is passionate about supporting fellow immigrants and members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. Maribeth is bilingual and provides counseling in both English and Tagalog. Maribeth is known for her gentle yet directive approach that creates a space for clients to foster curiosity about their fears, build insight and understanding with themselves, and feel empowered to make changes. She believes that when we approach all parts of ourselves with compassion and curiosity, we can live a more authentic, fulfilling, and joyful life. Using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems, Shame-Informed Therapy, and ACT, she helps clients process their emotions and develop skills for their personal growth journey. When she’s not sitting in the therapist chair, Maribeth enjoys traveling, collecting pens and stationery supplies, and spending time with her family and their dog.

I’m here to support college students and young adults as they figure out who they are and where they’re going. My approach is all about creating a space where you feel genuinely safe, heard, and never judged. With a background in schools and working with families, I’ve spent years helping teens and young adults navigate the tough stuff—like transitioning into adulthood, managing ADHD and executive functioning challenges, or understanding learning differences. I love helping people build confidence, work through relationship challenges, and grow into themselves with curiosity and self-compassion. I’m LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive, and support body liberation. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure, therapy can be a great place to start finding your way.

Tonya Vander, LCSW, understands what trauma and grief look like when life is severely altered, and she offers a strong, empathic ear and tools to guide clients through healing. She creates safe spaces for individuals to feel heard, encouraged, and accepted. She supports clients age six and up struggling with depression, family conflict, mood disorders, stress, and is especially skilled at treating: Trauma/PTSD: Tonya is highly skilled at treating trauma and supporting clients through the tremendous repair work needed to heal. She helps clients focus on hope and resiliency no matter what barriers they're facing. Tonya understands change takes time, but there's possibility to overcome anything and move forward.

I offer a warm, flexible, and low-pressure space where clients can show up exactly as they are. I honor sensory needs and nervous system responses, incorporating mindfulness practices to bring gentle awareness to our experiences. I often use somatic strategies to support connection and foster a sense of safety that is essential for growth. My background includes training in a wide range of approaches from traditional talk therapy to play-based modalities. I’m especially passionate about working with clients who may feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by conventional models of therapy. Clients can expect to feel supported and encouraged without pressure or judgment. I aim to co-create a space that feels steady and grounded. Whether we’re working through emotional regulation, identity, relationships, or everyday overwhelm, therapy can be a space for you. It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, but reaching out is the first step.

Charissa Simon-Wright earned her BA in Criminal and Social Justice from the University of Arizona (formerly Ashford University), MS in Psychology with a Specialization in Addictions from Perdue University (formerly Kaplan University). Charissa has received a doctoral degree at Walden University- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology. She is a member of Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, since June of 2019. Charissa has also obtained certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP-I), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Charissa has worked passionately in the behavioral health field for over fifteen years with children and families in multiple roles such as a case manager, housing specialist, family preservation worker, and counselor. While working at the second largest health department in Illinois, Charissa gained vast knowledge and skills that encompasses group counseling, individual counseling, clinical assessments, crisis counseling, addiction counseling, and trauma counseling. Charissa believes in treating the whole person. This means that she takes into consideration the underlying factors that can inhibit a person’s ability to practice healthy habits, so that she and the client can address the root of the issue and not just the symptoms in a collaborative manner. Charissa believes that the client is in charge of their own treatment which creates a sense of autonomy and empowerment that enables the client to move towards identified goals.

My practice provides trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care for college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I specialize in working with students who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is grounded in somatic and relational therapies, which means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to how experiences live in the body. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and paced to support safety, choice, and self-trust. I strive to create an affirming space for students of diverse identities and backgrounds, including first-generation students and those balancing multiple cultural expectations. Whether a student is seeking support for trauma, burnout, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, or personal growth, my goal is to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and feel more grounded and empowered in their daily lives.

I’m Dr. Brittany Boyd, a licensed therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I specialize in supporting adults and young adults (18+) through life transitions, career changes, and personal growth. With experience as an academic advisor and a researcher focusing on Black women and relationships, I bring a unique understanding of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating modern life. I work with clients managing ADHD, anxiety, women’s health concerns, work-life balance stress, grief, and family issues. My approach is tailored to each individual, helping you build practical strategies while honoring your experiences and goals. Whether you’re navigating school, career transitions, relationships, or personal development, I provide a supportive space to gain clarity, confidence, and balance.

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Dr. Sarah Sanders is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the boutique mental health practice, Allow Wellness. She is a specialist in treating depression, various anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and identity development concerns. She has been working with the mental health needs of graduate and undergraduate students of the Chicagoland area since 2006. Please visit the Allow Wellness website to learn more: www.allow-wellness.com.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.