Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Located in the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, Bailey and Associates Counseling and Psychotherapy offers individual psychotherapy and counseling services and art therapy. You currently have the choice to meet online or in office. I specialize in working with adults seeking change. My approach to counseling is client-centered and trauma-informed, encouraging the expression of personal narrative to build self-understanding and community. I support clients in the use of art-making as a grounding tool to process experiences and relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. My intention is to establish a collaborative space alongside clients that fosters bravery; where we can collect helpful coping tools as we work toward clients' goals together. To me, "healing" lies in seeking peace and a sense of wholeness, and not in achieving "perfection." My specialties include supporting individuals with a history of PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and/or living with chronic illness. I enjoy supporting my clients through spiritual exploration and developing a healthy relationship to art. My approach is sex-positive and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming. I love working with artists, Veterans, and existential explorers. I understand how intimidating it can be to start therapy for the first time or to find a new therapist after wrapping up with someone else. I take pride in my ability to put others at ease as we build our relationship with patience and compassion. Please don't hesitate to reach out to schedule a consultation and find out if we are a good therapeutic match.

Whatever challenges are impacting your life, you don't have to face them alone. That's where I come in – to help you heal, gain new insights and perspectives, and develop the tools you need to best care for yourself. At the heart of my approach is building an authentic, egalitarian therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, heard, and best able to work towards your goals in a supportive environment. My primary population focus is LGBTQIA+ clients, and as a queer woman myself, I believe creating a safe, affirming space is key to successful counseling. I provide therapy that is culturally humble, trauma informed, and strengths-based. As a creative person, I am keen on customizing counseling to you and your passions in life. My integrative counseling approach combines humanistic/person-centered principles with techniques including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), creativity, and mindfulness. Since every client has different needs, goals, and nuances, the two of us will work together to develop a treatment plan that is as unique as you and able to grow with you. I graduated from Roosevelt University with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I completed my internship year at Renew You Counseling Center where I worked with a diverse array of individuals, couples, and groups ages 18-65. In my free time, I love playing guitar, rock climbing, going on nature walks, writing, performing stand-up comedy, gaming, and spending time with my loved ones and two cats. Reaching out for help is never easy, so my aim is to provide unconditional acceptance of all aspects of your identity and experience. My hope is to support you on your journey of healing and growth.

It's my belief to "Keep life simple." Life is stressful enough. Balancing work, family, social life, friends, and relationships can be overwhelming at times. I practice from a harm reduction holistic theoretical orientation. It combines person-centered (respect for autonomy) with CBT/systemic therapy (a critical look at culture and attachments). By identifying wants and needs, I can assist clients with locating triggers and establishing healthy coping skills to alleviate any mental, emotional, or physical stress. I work particularly with parents and clients dealing with ADHD, Life choices, anxiety, self-esteem and accountability. I assist clients in adjusting to unexpected life transitions by constructing healthier boundaries with themselves and others to balance their lifestyles. I value the importance of creating a supportive, transparent, and collaborative relationship throughout the therapy process. I do this by providing a safe space for clients to embrace their vulnerabilities. Difficult experiences often show up in the body. Accessing embodied experience helps clients evolve. These shifts in the body have a corresponding effect on our actions, routines, and relationships. Through mindful awareness, we discover how the body holds our experiences. We learn to recognize habitual patterns and create new ones. The healing starts now...

Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist. I provide sessions both in English and Spanish based on the needs of my clients. I provide a safe space for clients to share their unique stories and perspectives, allowing us the opportunity to learn more about their experiences and their behaviors. I am passionate about empowering my clients by helping them discover the tools they need to cope with difficult times and challenging feelings.

At Holding Space our mission is to empathically walk alongside our patients providing a safe and stable “holding space” that promotes acceptance, confidence, healing, and growth. Beyond our training and education, respect and authentic care is at the heart of all our work. The therapeutic journey isn’t always easy, and sometimes it can get messy. Our commitment to our patients is that we are here to help you hold the weight of your pain, and inspire hope in moments that feel hopeless. We’re here to help make sense of the absurd and confusing moments and hopefully make you laugh from time to time. We trust that our patients feel our genuine care as we work together toward the shared goals of living healthier, fuller, more empowered lives.

Chase Wellness, PLLC is a group practice dedicated to providing top-notch therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families who may be feeling stuck or at a crossroads in their life. Our team of compassionate therapists is committed to helping you strengthen your self-esteem, foster better communication, and change your beliefs and behaviors so that you can live your best life. We believe that everyone deserves to have support they need to navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals, and we are to provide that support to you.

I joined Relational Insight in 2023 to provide affordable therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I apply collaboration within therapy to help clients tell their story to practice new perspectives or behaviors. I aim to help clients find validation, healing, and growth within life struggles and transitions. I have a passion for reaching underserved clients, especially men of color and other members of marginalized groups. Also, I connect easily with adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral concerns. I strive to provide a warm welcome with tangible support for individuals and families who may be new to focusing on their mental health. Looking to assist those struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal conflict, and professional challenges. After transitioning from the professional world as a sales director and consultant, having a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology allows me provided insight for clients facing professional challenges and questions.

Hello, I am a huge advocate for school and I am so glad you want to better your life! I offer a welcoming environment for students and encourage you to be open. This is a judgment-free zone. I specialize with clients whom are experiencing depression, anxiety, school stressors, life stressors, and in many other areas.

Many of the students I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and often hard on themselves. On the outside, they might look like they have things together—but internally, they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of who they are and where they’re going. You might be navigating big transitions—starting college, figuring out relationships, questioning your identity, or feeling pressure to meet expectations (your own or others’). You may notice patterns in relationships that leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or not fully understood. In our work together, I focus on creating a space where you can slow down, feel genuinely understood, and make sense of what’s coming up for you. I take a relational approach, which means I pay attention to how you experience connection—with others and with me—so we can better understand patterns and create more fulfilling ways of relating. If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, engaged, and collaborative—and who will help you explore both your emotions and your relationships—you might find this to be a good fit.

Many of the students I work best with seem like they have it together on the outside, but feel anxious, overwhelmed, and never quite good enough on the inside. You may be driven and high achieving, yet constantly worried about falling behind or letting other people down. I specialize in anxiety and trauma, especially when anxiety is tied to perfectionism, pressure to perform, and people pleasing. Together, we look at how your experiences and current pressures influence the way you think about yourself and connect with others. You will also learn practical skills that help you feel steadier, more self assured, and more at ease in your day to day life.

I enjoy supporting and empowering women who struggle with a variety of challenges. At times we can find ourselves feeling lost, out of control or unable to manage life’s difficult and unexpected roadblocks. I believe that the path towards health and wellness is a lifelong journey that takes place each day, one step at a time. Therapy is a courageous first step in the process of healing, and it is my privilege to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey towards growth and transformation. I use a collaborative and humanistic approach to psychotherapy. I strongly value the relationship that is built between us and recognize the safety and trust needed in order to foster change. Together we will reflect on your personal history and deepen your understanding of your emotions, relationships, and what motivates you so that you can develop a stronger sense of self and establish greater meaning in your life. We will also identify ways to navigate and embrace life’s detours so you can feel empowered to manage the ongoing stressors that arise in our world today. I believe in the importance of exploring your lived experience within a multicultural context in order to discover the ways your social and cultural identities coexist together that may impact how you move through the world. I have worked extensively with individuals who experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, those who wish to discuss grief and loss issues, explore difficult relationships, process trauma, and help those develop a sense of identity and self-esteem. I integrate many evidenced-based therapeutic techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness approaches to help you take back control so that you can reach your goals and live a more purposeful life. Teens I am extremely passionate about working with adolescent girls. I understand that the idea of going to see a total stranger isn’t ideal for some and that oftentimes teens feel forced to come by their parents. Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that teenagers today are inundated with many academic, familial, peer, and societal pressures that can leave teens feeling incredibly overwhelmed. What I can offer is a safe place during your week or month to talk about these things. I have a breadth and depth of experience working with adolescents that struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, identity issues, low self-esteem, school anxiety and perfectionistic tendencies, difficulty managing relationships, and teens that have experienced trauma. I aim to help teens find their voice, figure out how to cope with life challenges, and better understand themselves along the way. Experience I am grateful to have a diverse training background which has afforded me the opportunity to learn from a wide range of humans in need within a variety of treatment settings providing individual, group, and couples therapy. My previous training within a therapeutic day school, community mental health center, and partial hospitalization program provide me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of adolescent development, adult needs, and implementation of successful intervention approaches. My clinical and research interests are situated in supporting individuals impacted by grief and loss in many forms. I am particularly passionate about the disenfranchised grief experience, which occurs when losses are unacknowledged by individuals and society. For this reason, I take great responsibility in advocating for those who are unseen and unheard.

I’m a bilingual (Tagalog/Filipino) psychotherapist who creates a culturally responsive, trauma-informed space where you feel seen and empowered. I use CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and expressive arts to support anxiety, depression, identity, and life transitions. My experience as an Asian American daughter of immigrants informs my inclusive approach. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and build a sense of belonging. My pronouns are she/her.

Meredith Starr is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness in Chicago. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago Coordinated Nutrition Program and began her nutrition career at UI Health general inpatient services while working part-time at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. Meredith is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and has been practicing in this field for the past nine years. Meredith's personal nutrition philosophy centers on building a healthy relationship with food and is inclusive of mental, emotional, physical and social health. Meredith aligns herself with size-inclusive and non-diet nutrition approaches. She is passionate about empowering others in their relationship with food and their bodies. Allow Wellness is currently offering outpatient group nutrition sessions and profession presentations. Meredith welcomes all stages of readiness with regard to your relationship with food and your body shape and weight. If ready to schedule, please contact her today.

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.

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.

My experience includes emotional & mood concerns, identity exploration, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, academic & vocational distress, and grief. Sharing your true self in therapy is a vulnerable act, and I respect your courage. I am mindful of your needs and meet you where you are. I would be honored to help you with the next step of your journey.

Change can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but it can also be a chance to grow, learn, and build resilience. As college students, you’re in a unique time of transition—navigating new responsibilities, relationships, routines, and decisions about your future. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you let go of familiar comforts and take on new challenges. Giving yourself the space to process these changes, reflect on your experiences, and prepare for what’s next is an important part of your journey. One of the most empowering steps you can take is to explore and understand your own story. I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental perspective to help you uncover your strengths, tackle challenges, and celebrate your growth. Together, we can work toward helping you feel confident as you take healthy risks, build meaningful connections, and embrace the opportunities ahead in college and beyond. I have experience working with individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and the impacts of past traumas, as well as navigating major life transitions. I’m especially interested in helping you identify what brings purpose and joy to your life, so you can create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling. Above all, I want to get to know you—your experiences, your goals, and how I can support you along the way. Wherever you’re at right now, you don’t have to face it alone. Let’s work together to help you feel more grounded, self-assured, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

We believe that under the right conditions, all humans have the ability to reach their greatest potential. Our psychologists develop trusted relationships with their clients, validating their worth and value while facilitating growth towards becoming their unique, authentic selves. They see each client as a whole, complex person, and through safe exploration of clients’ emotions, thoughts, behaviors, greater awareness is fostered toward identifying the path of becoming one’s true self. We believe that being alive is a gift, yet being human is challenging and difficult. There are many beautiful aspects of life itself, and at the same time life has a lot of suffering. We are human and we are fallible and life involves a lot of difficult external influences. Navigating both seeing and embracing the beauty while also coping with and overcoming the suffering is the key to finding internal happiness, contentment, and peace.

For four years, I sat in my corporate cubicle daydreaming of becoming a psychotherapist. I could only ignore my calling to work in service of the human condition for so long before ultimately embarking on a 180° career change. Since then, I have come to intimately understand that transformation does not happen in isolation. In the sanctity of private sessions, I have witnessed clients encounter shame with tender curiosity, reparent themselves, uncover and mindfully address values-incongruent tendencies, reframe disempowering personal narratives, implement boundaries, somatically resolve trauma, and develop deep trust in intuition. Stigma often mischaracterizes the pursuit of psychological healing and emotional reckoning through therapy as a testament to one’s weakness. But the term “psycho-therapy” translates to “serving the soul.” Commitment to the therapeutic process, and therefore acknowledging a need for additional support, is a reflection of one’s quiet strength, humility, and capacity for self-advocacy. Within my professional purview, a person’s choice to seek therapy is an act of redemptive warfare for their soul. My clinical interests include counseling adolescents, young adults, and adults seeking support for anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, and recovery from early childhood trauma. My therapeutic style is predominantly informed by psychodynamic theory and neuroscience, however my educational and clinical experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to facilitate interventions aligned with additional modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. I am compassionately direct in my counseling approach and appreciate the injection of humor into sessions where appropriate. I have received certification in both Levels I and II of Applied Polyvagal Theory (PVT) in Yoga (16-hour) and I am currently a student in the Somatic Experiencing (SE™) Professional Training Program, seeking to complete the educational & related requirements of the program to use the Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) credential.

Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, transitions, or the pressure to have it all figured out? You’re not alone - and therapy can help you make sense of it all. I work with students and young adults navigating anxiety, perfectionism, relationship patterns, and the emotional weight of their past. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and rooted in compassion. Together, we’ll unpack old narratives, strengthen your ability to regulate emotions, and create new ways of relating - to yourself and others -with greater clarity and confidence. I integrate evidence-based modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness through an intersectional feminist lens, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re healing from trauma, exploring identity, managing substance use, or navigating major life transitions, our work will focus on helping you feel grounded, empowered, and self-aware. My goal is to offer a nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with your authentic self. If this resonates with you, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you move from surviving to thriving.