Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Searching for a therapist can feel daunting, especially when life’s challenges seem to outweigh the moments of clarity. Yet, taking this step toward your well-being is a testament to your resilience and courage. Therapy offers not just a safe haven, but a pathway to understanding, growth, and personal empowerment. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, or an individual navigating the complexities of daily life, I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we can navigate the psychology of performance, challenge thought patterns and behaviors, and explore personal beliefs to foster self-awareness, build self confidence, and tap into your inner champion. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that true healing involves nurturing both the mind and body. By blending traditional therapeutic modalities with sports psychology techniques, we can cultivate a strong relationship between the mind and body that can promote overall well-being.

Create. Grow. Transform. Messiness welcome! Life can get messy. Here at Dandelion, we practice in a studio-based model where you are surrounded by opportunities to get dirty and create. Our space looks more like an art studio than a traditional therapy atmosphere, and often we are making art with you. We rely on a relational, strength-based and collaborative approach in our work while utilizing clinical techniques and skills. Art therapy is our sole focus - our team is dedicated to developing, learning and advancing the practice of art therapy.

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.

My work as a therapist is deeply rooted in connection. Creating a safe space is essential in order to explore and uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings. Considering important aspects of connection such as attachment style, communication, and intimacy can enhance not only the relationship with one’s self, but also with others. I am passionate about working with individuals who have survived trauma, live with anxiety, depression, grief, codependence, as well as interpersonal and internal conflict. My individualized care caters to each client and meets them where they are, while considering each of their identities. Building strong connections with each client is essential as well as my belief that each person is the expert of their own experience. I have worked with many students and understand academic stress as well as the many adjustments that come along with being a student in higher education. I am here to provide support, understanding, and non-judgement.

Maybe you’ve been telling yourself you should be able to handle this by now. But lately, everything feels heavier. Your energy is low, motivation is hard to find, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming. You may notice yourself pulling away from people, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break. At times, you might find yourself reaching for something—whether it’s substances, distractions, or numbing behaviors—to get through the moment, even when it doesn’t bring lasting relief. For some, this shows up as persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. For others, it may look like anxiety, burnout, or being caught in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. These experiences can also show up in relationships pulling away, avoiding hard conversations, or finding yourself in the same painful dynamics again and again. You may notice that your inner voice is harsh or unforgiving, making it even harder to find a way forward. Together, we will gently identify and address these patterns while building more compassion, stability, and connection—both within yourself and in your relationships I work with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, traumatic experiences, and life transitions. I provide LGBTQAI+-affirming therapy grounded in cultural humility, creating a safe and validating space to explore identity, relationships, and lived experiences. I also support individuals who are exploring their relationship with substances, whether that means reducing use, understanding patterns, or working toward recovery. I have completed training toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and am CADC-eligible, which allows me to integrate evidence-based approaches for substance use into our work. My practice is trauma-informed and guided by phase-oriented treatment approaches. In our early work, we focus on safety, stabilization, and building self-regulation skills to help you feel more grounded—even when things feel heavy or overwhelming. As you begin to feel more supported and resourced, we may shift toward processing more difficult experiences and understanding the roots of depressive patterns or substance use. Therapy is always paced according to your readiness. I prioritize transparency throughout therapy, ensuring you understand each step of the process and why certain approaches are used. My goal is to create a space that feels collaborative, supportive, and grounded—so you can move from feeling stuck and depleted toward feeling more engaged, connected, and able to experience meaning in your life again.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve taken the first step toward growth and healing. As a therapist, I believe that the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives and experiences. Sometimes the narratives we hold can limit us, causing us to feel stuck or disconnected from our true selves. My approach is centered on collaboration— together, we can work to identify your strengths, explore the stories that shape your life, and gently challenge any patterns that may no longer serve you. Through our work, we’ll explore how the stories you tell yourself have influenced your relationships, sense of identity, and overall well-being. From there, we can uncover opportunities for living in more alignment with your values and goals, creating a life that feels meaningful and expansive. I approach my work with warmth, humor, cultural humility, and curiosity to create a space where you feel empowered to create changes that support you in feeling in sync with your true self. I specialize in working with: Sex, relationships, and intimacy: I work with both individuals and couples who are seeking to deepen your relationships by exploring dynamics that influence how you relate to others to create relationships that feel healthy and joyful. Existential concerns and meaning-making: Life’s uncertainties, existential questions, and the search for meaning are part of the human experience. Together, we’ll explore how to live authentically, even in the face of life’s unknowns. Life transitions: Big changes, whether personal, professional, or relational, can stir up feelings of uncertainty. In our work, we can find ways for you to navigate these transitions with confidence and clarity. Identity exploration and self-compassion: Whether you’re exploring your gender, sexuality, or other aspects of your identity, I provide a supportive environment for self-discovery and self-acceptance. Trauma: Healing from past trauma requires compassion and patience. By co-creating an environment where you feel safe, we can process and reframe traumatic experiences in a way that supports recovery and resilience. Mood disorders and ADHD: I enjoy working with individuals managing mood disorders and ADHD, helping you develop practical tools for managing emotions and behaviors.

Struggling is a natural part of being human—something everyone faces at different points in life. You might be navigating relationship challenges, managing stress, or dealing with the effects of past traumas. Perhaps you feel lost, want to understand yourself better, or are searching for a way to heal and move forward. You deserve to feel more grounded, build stronger connections, and regain clarity and control. When life feels overwhelming, having a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood can make all the difference. If this resonates, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help.

At Ida Lillie, we believe that everyone deserves compassionate, culturally sensitive, and affirming mental health care. As a Black, woman-owned practice, we are dedicated to creating a healing space that centers the voices and needs of marginalized communities while welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Our goal is to offer support that empowers you to explore your unique experiences, challenges, and personal strengths with confidence and clarity.

Birchwood Clinic, LLC provides in person and telehealth mental health services to adults in the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. Our holistic approach strives to empower each client to achieve balance, clarity, and overall health and wellness.

The Aspen Center is a small group practice providing insight-oriented psychotherapy. We offer a personalized approach that focuses on individualism, partnership, respect, and education, with an emphasis on the mind-body connection. We see you as a “whole person,” recognizing that your symptoms are only a part of the picture. We work with you to understand what might be out of balance in your life, and then develop strategies to restore that balance and promote well-being. At The Aspen Center, you can expect an environment that conveys warmth, comfort, confidentiality, and professionalism. We offer you the flexibility of seeing your therapist in-person or via Zoom for Healthcare, allowing you to meet with your therapist regularly to get the support you need.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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 background is in psychodynamic therapy. This type of therapy helps you to better understand patterns that play out in your life, how your mind works, the internal conflicts you wrestle with, the defense mechanisms you use, and other things you might not be fully conscious of. By learning more about yourself and your struggles, you are better equipped to make changes in your life, solve your problems in the ways you want to solve them, and break out of the self-defeating patterns you find yourself stuck in. I specialize in working with adults with longstanding difficulties, including depression and anxiety, overwhelming emotions, issues with self-esteem, impulsivity, and self-destructive behavior. I am not a believer in quick fixes or easy answers. Being in therapy is hard work and a major commitment. I often meet with people long term and sometimes in twice-weekly therapy. I aim to be an ally as you work to make changes that won’t just make you feel better today but will change your life in the years to come.

I am both a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). I work exclusively with athletes and performing artists, I also worked as the Director of Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) at DePaul for nine years. I LOVE DePaul students and have vast knowledge of DePaul.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life doesn’t come with a manual—though it sometimes feels like everyone else secretly got one. When stress, anxiety, trauma, or old patterns start getting in the way, I can you you figure out what isn’t working, understand why it keeps showing up, and develop realistic strategies to move forward. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and goal-oriented.

Ellie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing begins within safe, trusting relationships. She works to create a warm and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. Her work is informed by psychodynamic and attachment theories, and an understanding of nervous system regulation. She is attentive to how early relationships and life experiences shape emotional patterns, self-perception, and how we relate to others. Ellie also helps clients recognize how their nervous system responds to stress, supporting them in becoming more grounded, connected, and in control. Her approach invites greater self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and lasting change. Ellie is passionate about working with individuals who have dealt with various forms of overwhelming stress and trauma, focusing in particular on work with children and adolescents. She incorporates a range of modalities including play, talk, and art therapy, recognizing the unique ways children express themselves and explore their worlds. She meets each child where they are at and allows play and the relationship to serve as powerful tools for healing, growth, and connection. Ellie also strives to support parents and caregivers in understanding their child more deeply and fostering strong and healthy family relationships. Whether working with a child, teen, or adult, Ellie brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s story. ​

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.

At Neuroworks, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Rooted in innovation and a commitment to wellness, our practice is dedicated to enhancing cognitive functioning, mood, and overall brain performance. We provide high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to help individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater focus, resilience, and effectiveness. Whether you're a student striving for academic success, a professional seeking balance, or someone looking to optimize mental clarity, our mission is to support you in achieving your full potential. At Neuroworks, we don’t just treat symptoms—we empower lives.

Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders. I am dedicated to working with clients to identify and process what is keeping them “stuck,” so clients can create for themselves a healthier future. I believe that harnessing creativity within the process of therapy can be extremely beneficial, especially for clients who have a more difficult time verbally expressing their thoughts and feelings. As a nonbinary and neurodivergent person, I know how important it is to find a therapist who shares your identities. I generally tend to be laid-back and very relational as a therapist and enjoy using humor to build rapport. Ultimately, this is YOUR space, and I want clients to feel like therapy is a place where they get to exercise autonomy.