Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

As a therapist, I work closely with young adults as they navigate the challenges of college life (identity exploration, academic pressure, major life shifts etc.) drawing on proven methods suited to this stage of development. My background in university counseling informs a focused, strengths-oriented style that helps students gain direction and build confidence. My specialty areas include navigating life transitions, managing anxiety and depression, understanding self and others, and exploring immigrant/second-generation identities. As a Chinese-American, I provide therapeutic services in both English and Mandarin Chinese. In sessions, I strive to create a cooperative environment where we can engage in meaningful conversations that foster positive growth. In session with me, students might notice that we begin with examining thought patterns, identifying existing strengths, and focusing on concrete steps to support lasting change. Based on each student's values and lived experiences, I draw upon various clinical approaches, such as: - Strength-Based Therapy - Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Narrative Therapy Pronouns: He/Him

Hello and welcome- I’m so glad you’re here! Starting therapy is a courageous and meaningful step, and I want to recognize the strength it takes to prioritize your mental health. Whether this is your first time seeking support or you’ve been in therapy before, I’m truly honored to walk alongside you on this journey. As a licensed social worker, my goal is to meet you where you are and create a space that feels safe, affirming, and grounded in trust. I strive to build a therapeutic relationship that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and authenticity- one where you feel heard, empowered, and supported. Our work together will focus on your unique strengths and goals, with room for self-reflection, growth, and sometimes even a little humor along the way. As a biracial woman, I am especially passionate about working with diverse individuals. I bring a deep respect for identity, culture, and community into the therapeutic space. I have experience supporting children and teens through anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, identity exploration, relationship concerns, and academic/life transitions. I bring a culturally responsive lens to therapy and aim to create an inclusive, judgment-free space where diversity is celebrated and your lived experiences are honored. Before transitioning into private practice, I worked as a school social worker and a clinician of a non-profit organization. Within those roles, I supported students and families in areas such as executive functioning, social-emotional development, IEP/504 processes, and behavior intervention plans within the public school system. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers that impact mental health and have strengthened my commitment to culturally responsive, equitable care. Modalities: ● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ● Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) ● Strength-Based Therapy ● Mindfulness-Based Therapy ● Solution-Focused Therapy ● Trauma Informed Therapy ● Motivational Interviewing ● Play Therapy Specialty Areas: ● Anxiety ● Depression ● Childhood Traumas ● Life Transitions ● Grief/Loss ● Conduct and Behavioral Concerns ● ADHD ● Emotional Regulation ● Relationship Skills If you're looking for a therapist who will support you with compassion, consistency, and care- I'm here, and I look forward to working with you! Jiana is in-network with Aetna and BCBS PPO. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I am so glad you're here! Starting therapy can often feel like a massive undertaking, so please take a moment to acknowledge the significance of accomplishing this first step. Regardless of whether you are a regular in therapy or a first-timer, my goal in every session is to be approachable, safe, and non-judgmental. I believe that you are the expert on yourself, so I will always be curious about your experience and collaborate with you in sessions.  My clinical approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and holistic, since you are more than the issues that inspired you to seek therapy. As an art therapist, I know firsthand the power of both verbal and non-verbal communication. Whether or not you choose to make art in our sessions, I will focus on all forms of communication and connection. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the potential for change within themselves, and I am passionate about helping my clients discover that power.  While I have experience with many different ages and diagnoses, I am particularly interested in working with children, young adults, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges. When collaborating with clients, I pull from various therapeutic modalities: Art Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Motivational Interviewing Play Therapy Strength-based Therapy Person-Centered Therapy pronouns: she/her/hers Julia is in network with BCBS PPO and Aetna

Hector values a compassionate and supportive dynamic that is conducive to healing and growth. He has experience providing individual and group therapy services with specific focus on depression, anxiety, OCD subtypes, co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, and severe and persistent mental illness. Hector applies a practical approach to the helping relationship and incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and existential theories in his work.

Nikolette believes that successful therapy requires authenticity and depth. She works in a highly relational way and practices on the foundations of Adlerian principles. She is an art therapist who is well versed in CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic theory. She believes that art can help bring out what’s going on beneath the surface, giving both the therapist and client a window into the unconscious. She also enjoys working on attachment issues and a whole family systems approach. She practices through a trauma informed lens and bases methodologies on the client’s individual needs. Nikolette’s areas of specialty are CPTSD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, addiction and co-occurring disorder, self esteems issues, and spiritual crisis.

Starting therapy while navigating everything that brought you here in the first place can feel daunting. Whether this is your first time or you’ve been in therapy before, it takes courage to sit with someone new, let down your walls, and share parts of yourself you’ve learned to protect. Wherever you are, I’ll meet you there with respect for the insight you already carry and a commitment to helping you explore new tools and perspectives for growth. I enjoy working with adults, young adults, and teenagers struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, mood swings, trauma, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. I also enjoy working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+, and I am non-monogamy affirming. I love to support individuals who want to feel more authentic, release shame, and reconnect with their sense of self or inner child. In my work, I value the power of the therapeutic relationship and how sharing humor, creativity, and interests can support connection and self-expression. Together, we can focus on building self-compassion, stepping out of the noise in your head, or embracing the full human experience. I aim to co-create a space that is both serious and lighthearted, challenging when needed and always compassionate. I hold a BS in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington with a minor in Counseling and a certificate in Clinical Psychology. I am currently pursuing a MA in Counseling at Northwestern University. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and somatic practice, psychodynamic theory, and narrative therapy. Therapy can be a place to challenge old stories, reconnect with yourself, and build something new. If you're curious about what that could look like, I’d love to meet with you.

Ben prioritizes establishing authentic relationships with clients as the foundation for therapeutic growth. He practices from a client-centered approach, providing individualized care based on each person’s needs. In therapy, he is highly collaborative, providing skills and empowering clients to overcome life’s difficulties. His therapeutic foundation is Rogerian in nature, while pulling from CBT, DBT and mindfulness-based practices. Ben specializes in working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance-abuse disorders, and problem gambling. He has also worked with couples and has co-authored academic papers on the treatment of depression through couples counseling. Regardless of the concern, Ben works closely with clients to provide best-in-class therapy for his patients.

John is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate the transformative process of change with compassion, clarity, and resilience. With a focus on complex trauma, anxiety, relationship negotiation, social and family role dynamics, and co-occurring disorders, John believes that meaningful change begins with deeper self-understanding and authentic connection. John works from a cognitive-integrative perspective, drawing from object relations and self-psychology to explore how early relational experiences shape current patterns of thinking, feelings, and relating. His approach is exploratory, helping clients build cognitive insights while also attending to the deeper emotional and developmental needs that influence present-day struggles.

We are well-trained, warm, and thoughtful clinicians who thoroughly enjoy getting to know our clients. Our therapy is based on working with you in a collaborative, genuine and productive manner. As counselors, it’s important to us that you feel comfortable and connected so that we can build a positive working relationship where growth and change happen. We offer personalized sessions, flexible scheduling, and are available for both individuals & couples. We accept BCBS PPO, Anthem PPO, Cigna, United Healthcare, self-pay, and sliding scale options. **A few pro-bono (free) slots may be available.

Olivia Palumbo is a Clinical Intern at Ace Counseling Group who provides trauma-informed, body-based therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method. She works with adults and couples experiencing life transitions, identity exploration, relationship concerns, or disordered eating and offers LGBTQIA+ affirming, nature-based and mindfulness-informed care. Olivia draws on experience in inpatient psychiatric settings and is completing her clinical training while pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling.

Our therapy services for individuals aged 18-25 are designed to address the unique challenges faced during this transformative phase of life. Whether you're navigating the transition to adulthood, managing academic stress, dealing with relationship changes, or exploring personal identity, our compassionate therapists are here to support you. With flexible scheduling options and a commitment to understanding your experiences, we aim to empower you to find clarity, build self-confidence, and develop effective strategies for life’s ups and downs. Take the next step in your mental health journey, connect with us today!

College and graduate school can bring exciting opportunities, but they can also leave you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure of how to handle everything that's coming your way. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship conflict, academic stress, identity questions, or feeling stuck in patterns you can't seem to change, therapy can help you better understand yourself and build the skills to move forward with confidence. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, identity development, and neurodivergence. I have extensive experience supporting first-generation, international, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent students, and I'm committed to creating a culturally responsive space where every part of your identity is welcomed and respected. My approach is relational, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we'll explore the experiences and patterns that have shaped the way you relate to yourself and others while building practical tools to help you manage difficult emotions, strengthen relationships, and feel more grounded in everyday life. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) to support meaningful, lasting change. Along the way, you'll gain practical strategies you can use outside of therapy while developing greater self-awareness, resilience, and trust in yourself. My hope is that therapy helps you feel more confident navigating relationships, managing emotions, and creating a life that reflects who you are and where you want to go.

Hi, and welcome! My name is Yaritza, and I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and I want to acknowledge the strength it takes to reach out for support. My role is to walk alongside you as you begin your healing journey. I provide a welcoming, inclusive space where you can freely share your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and growth at your own pace. As a bilingual queer Latina, I understand how cultural background and our experiences can affect our relationships. I specialize in supporting Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ teens and adults using a trauma-informed, psychodynamic-relational approach to help navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, family/relationship conflict, life transitions, and grief/loss. To get started working with me, feel free to call or email me that's listed on my profile. I look forward to working alongside you!

You're used to pushing through. Maybe you're balancing classes, practices, rehearsals, work, or leadership roles while trying to meet everyone's expectations, including your own. From the outside, it may look like you're doing fine, but inside you feel anxious, burned out, disconnected from yourself, or like you're constantly running on empty. You don't have to carry all of that alone. I work with college students, graduate students, athletes, and performers navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, life transitions, and the pressure to always keep going. Together, we'll create space to slow down, better understand what you're experiencing, and build practical tools that help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to yourself. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, and feminist psychology to support both your emotional and physical well-being. We'll explore how stress and trauma affect your mind and body while developing skills you can use long after therapy ends. As a former ballerina, I understand the unique pressures that athletes and performers often face, including perfectionism, injuries, burnout, and identity shifts when life doesn't go according to plan. I also have specialized training in women's mental health, pregnancy and reproductive experiences, perinatal and postpartum mental health, and chronic pain and mind-body healing. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you feel genuinely heard, reconnect with your strengths, and move through life with greater confidence, balance, and self-compassion.

I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA+ students and those navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, or substance use, always providing a safe and affirming space. I take a collaborative and relational approach that helps students explore patterns, rewrite old narratives, and uncover strengths they may not recognize in themselves. My pronouns are he/him.

I provide a warm, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ students to show up fully and feel supported with compassion and acceptance. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered, often integrating art, music, writing, mindfulness, and body-based practices. As a gender-nonconforming, queer therapist, I value authenticity and understand the complexities of identity and self-image. I support students navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions while fostering growth and connection. My pronouns are they/them.

I use CBT, ACT, DBT, and Relational Cultural Theory to support LGBTQIA+ students with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and identity concerns. My style is warm and collaborative, helping you build coping skills and discover new perspectives. I create a safe space for growth, healing, and rewriting your story with strength. I believe we're all narrators of our own lives, even when challenges make us feel stuck in difficult chapters. My pronouns are he/him.

I use approaches like CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness to support students with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, athletes & veterans, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. Therapy with me is collaborative. You are the expert of your own experience, and together we build insight and coping skills. I have extensive experience with substance use, dual diagnosis, self-esteem, and body image struggles. My pronouns are he/him.

I support students experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD/C-PTSD, and life transitions using CBT, ACT, DBT, and trauma-focused therapy. My approach is collaborative and reflective, creating a safe space to explore emotions and build coping skills. I also draw on holistic wellness practices so you feel seen as a whole person. My goal is to help young adults and emerging students move through challenges and grow with strength. My pronouns are she/her.

I center my work on supporting LGBTQIA+ students navigating identity concerns related to gender and race. Using DBT, ERP, and solution-focused approaches, I also help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions. I understand how substance use, relationship challenges, and emotion-regulation struggles can intersect with marginalized identities and amplify feelings of not belonging. My goal is to offer a warm, affirming space where you can bring your full self, build insight, and move toward meaningful change. At Inclusive Insight Psychotherapy, we believe connection is where we heal. My pronouns are he/they.