Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Therapy can be many things and is different for each person. Whether you are new to therapy or returning, my hope is to meet you where you’re at, explore what may feel stuck, painful, or challenging, and support you in living a life aligned with what is most important to you. Throughout my career I have really enjoyed working with college students and I know that this time of life can bring unique challenges, both in concerns that arise now and in reflecting on what has brought you to this point. No situation is too big or too small to explore and work to understand how to navigate together.

Our mission at Center Focused Therapy is to provide the highest level of ethical, competent and intentional treatment to our clients. We appreciate how difficult it can be to start therapy and do not take this decision lightly. Whether you have a clear idea of what you hope to address in therapy or are unsure of where to begin, our therapists are determined to meet you where you are in your own journey of healing and growth. Interested in learning more? Email or call us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Professional Statement As a clinician, my philosophy is to meet clients where they are and help them establish their own goals. I believe in empowering individuals to take ownership of their healing process, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. My areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mood dysregulation, and domestic violence. I work with a diverse range of clients from various backgrounds and belief systems, and I am fluent in Polish, which allows me to connect with a broader population. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing clients express that they feel better after our sessions, knowing that I have helped them take another step toward healing and growth. I am deeply committed to understanding others' perspectives and feelings, and I genuinely care about helping clients achieve the goals they set for themselves. Listening actively and without judgment is a core part of my approach, and I find great fulfillment in supporting clients as they work toward positive change in their lives. What should a new client know about working with you? I believe in creating a supportive and respectful space where clients can move at their own pace. I will never push them beyond their comfort zone unless they specifically request it. With nearly 20 years of experience in providing mental health services, I understand the importance of fostering trust and allowing clients to guide their own healing process. My approach is grounded in patience and understanding, empowering individuals to take the steps they’re ready for while offering the encouragement and support they need to move forward when they feel ready. What is your typical process for working with clients? I begin by providing a brief overview of the services offered, as well as a clear explanation of HIPAA policies to ensure clients understand their rights and confidentiality. During the initial session, I conduct a thorough mental health assessment, working collaboratively with the client to develop a personalized treatment plan. This process includes helping the client identify their own goals for therapy, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey. I also prioritize scheduling a follow-up appointment, ensuring continuity of care and the opportunity to revisit and adjust goals as needed. This approach creates a foundation of trust and allows for ongoing progress in therapy.

Our mission is to make mental health care accessible, collaborative, and culturally responsive. Through evidence-based care and a holistic perspective, we help clients create sustainable change and cultivate a life that aligns with their values. We strive to strengthen our community by supporting individuals and families in developing tools for healing, connection, and growth. We deliver high-quality, client-centered therapy that honors the uniqueness of every individual.

Hi! I’m Will, a trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapist based in Chicago. You may be used to holding it all together, as the responsible one, the high-achiever, the bridge between different worlds. As a student, you might be navigating academic pressure, family expectations, and questions about identity or belonging, all while trying to keep up on the surface. Somewhere along the way, you lost the plot on what you actually want, not what your parents or those around you want. Therapy with me offers a space to slow down and reconnect with yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented, grounded in relational-cultural and psychodynamic therapy, with practical tools from ACT and DBT when helpful. Together, we’ll explore what’s underneath the stress or stuckness and work toward a way of living that feels more aligned and sustainable. I’m especially passionate about working with students of color, particularly Asian American and BIPOC students, who may be navigating identity, culture, and intergenerational dynamics. As the child of Taiwanese and Korean immigrants, I’m conversational in Mandarin and Korean, and we can incorporate them in ways that help you feel more at home. I’m a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago. If any of this resonates, feel free to reach out. I’d love to chat.

Melissa Mello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. Melissa received her BS in psychology from the University of Washington and her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Melissa completed her training at UC San Diego in an outpatient setting and went on to contribute to clinical research and provide services for eating disorders on multidisciplinary teams. She was also a program therapist for the UCSD Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program- a week-long intensive program for teens with eating disorders and their families. She has been trained in and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy( ACT). Her primary interests include working with children, teens, and young adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation and a certified Family Based Treatment provider.

I specialize in supporting individuals facing challenges such as mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, or those simply seeking a safe space for self-reflection, personal growth, and emotional exploration. At the core of my practice is a genuine therapeutic relationship—one built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. With a foundation in evidence-based treatment methods, I combine clinical expertise with a compassionate, empowering approach. Humor is often woven into sessions where appropriate, helping to create a comfortable and engaging environment. By taking the time to truly understand each client’s unique personality, experiences, and goals, I tailor my approach to meet individual needs and foster lasting, meaningful change. I deeply believe that everyone has the potential to create positive transformation, and therapy can be that powerful catalyst for growth. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients on their journey, helping them build momentum toward the changes they seek.

At Snow Lake Counseling PLLC, our mission is to help you live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We empower individuals to make healthy, informed decisions through direct, solution-focused care. With flexible scheduling and virtual accessibility, we ensure that prioritizing your well-being fits seamlessly into your life. Rooted in allyship, our practice is a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. At Snow Lake, you are supported to heal, explore, and grow—free from judgment. Mental health support available for: Anxiety | ADHD | Addiction | ASD | Bipolar Disorder | Coping Skills | Communication Skills | Depression | Desire Discrepancy | Divorce | Ethical Non-monogamy | Grief | Intellectual Disabilities | Intimacy Issues | Kink | Life Transitions | LGBTQIA+ | Men’s Issues | OCD | Relationship Issues | Religious Trauma | Stress | Sexual Dysfunction | Substance abuse | Women's Issues We offer convenient online booking though our secure booking portal: https://snowlake.clientsecure.me/

Are you exhausted? Is your anxiety running the show? Do you feel burnt out from your classes, your responsibilities, or living through a pandemic? Maybe you know what you want but need assistance getting started. Maybe you're unsure of what you want, but know that something feels off and your current situation isn’t serving you. The good news is things CAN get better. Together we’ll talk about where you are, where you want to be, and create a plan to get you there. I have experience in a number of concerns including burnout, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Art Therapist. She earned her BFA with a concentration in painting, second major in psychology, and minor in children’s studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and she earned her Masters degree in Counseling: Art Therapy from Adler University. Ryan has 10+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults in various settings including schools, summer camps, hospitals, community mental health, and private practice. In her therapeutic practice, she specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and/or are navigating challenges with daily functioning as a neurodiverse individual. Ryan also works with youth who are not ready to verbalize their needs, but are looking for a creative outlet and safe space to express themself through art with no pressure of needing to talk. As an art therapist, Ryan utilizes art and art making to facilitate communication and help her clients gain insight into themselves. She is experienced in using various art mediums to help clients navigate complex situations and explore their identity without the added pressure of needing to verbalize their thoughts. No prior art experience or high level of art prowess is needed for art therapy. Art therapy is about the creation of art, not the appearance of the final product! Ryan takes a client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, utilizing principles from narrative therapy and choice theory, as well as Trauma-Focused CBT to inform her work. Ryan believes that each person is the expert on themself, and aims to empower the client and help them feel a renewed sense of confidence and agency over their life.

Whether you are seeking therapy to process life stressors, learn new coping skills, or to address your relationship with food and your body, I am here to help. Located in the heart of Roscoe Village, I offer in-person sessions as well as virtual sessions to folks living in the Chicagoland area. In our sessions, I offer individualized, compassionate, and evidence-based care to help you achieve your goals. I will be your partner in guiding you toward deeper self-reflection and helping you reconnect with your self-worth.

Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit can matter as much as the therapy itself. I work with students who are thoughtful, capable, and often carrying more than they let on — anxiety, stress, self-doubt, trauma, or the pressure to keep it together while figuring out who they are and where they’re headed. I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with a background in both clinical mental health and higher education. Before returning to full-time clinical work, I spent many years working on college campuses as well as teaching in undergraduate and graduate courses. I understand the unique stressors students face — academic pressure, financial stressors, identity development, relationships, family expectations, and the emotional toll of trying to succeed in an uncertain world. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I integrate evidence-based practices with a strong focus on nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and practical skills you can use in everyday life. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and learn how to respond to stress and anxiety with more clarity and self-compassion. Many of the students I work with struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Together, we work on building a sense of safety, learning how to set boundaries, and developing coping strategies that support both mental health and personal growth. I believe therapy should feel human, respectful, and supportive — a place where you don’t have to perform or have everything figured out. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, more present, and more able to navigate life with confidence and care.

People often start looking for therapy when they are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to begin. Right here is a great start, so I am glad you made it. Whether you are struggling with distressing emotions, holding onto unhelpful beliefs about yourself or your experiences, or navigating a complicated season of life, I believe I can help you. ​​My role as your therapist is to provide a supportive, collaborative space where you can learn more about yourself and develop new ways of approaching life’s challenges. I work with both adolescents and adults, offering support on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image, gender identity, and sexuality. I am particularly passionate about helping those from diverse backgrounds, including members of the queer community, neurodivergent individuals, and those with the non-monogamous or kink communities. My approach to therapy is flexible to your unique needs. I incorporate mindfulness techniques, strengths-based perspectives, and trauma-informed care all while being sensitive to your diverse experiences. Therapy is a space for growth, empathy, and even moments of humor as we work together. I look forward to starting this journey with you.

Room to Breathe is a group practice of therapists and yoga instructors who understand that your mental and physical health are interconnected. Our therapists offer talk therapy for those interested in exploring and accessing their wellbeing and their personhood, difficulties and strengths through counseling sessions. Our yoga instructors are psychologically-informed and offer trauma sensitive classes for people who are connecting with their bodies and wellbeing through the practices of yoga and meditation. We’re here to support and address your goals holistically; that may be with therapy, yoga, or both. It’s up to you. We’re glad you’re here.

I have a low-pressure, warm approach focused on creating an environment of safety and encouragement. I enjoy helping individuals with a variety of concerns including life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, health issues, substance use concerns, and healing from trauma. My practice is LGBTQ affirming and I am experienced working with Trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. I work with adults of all ages, genders, and racial/ethnic backgrounds and have extensive experience with college students and emerging adults.

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.

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.

I believe it is my job as a clinical psychologist to help clients improve on their strengths and grow in their areas of need. Humor is highly valued in my approach and I want clients to be able to share their goals, experiences, values, thoughts, and feelings without judgment and with compassion. I work from a strength-based, collaborative approach to empower clients to improve relationships, develop identity, cope with emotional struggles, or promote balance. I specialize in helping clients understand and manage their anxiety.