Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I support students exploring gender identity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, anxiety, depression, intimacy, and stress related to academic or work/life balance. My approach is client-centered, drawing on CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic tools, with tools you can use here and now. I aim to create a space where who you are is honored, your experiences are heard, and your identity feels valid. My goal is to help you build confidence, strengthen your relationships, and feel more grounded in your life. My pronouns are he/him.

Kaitlyn Vranek is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. Kaitlyn is a therapist providing a variety of types of therapies to clients. She is able to help them in their lives with any issues they need met. Outside of work, Kaitlyn is very outdoorsy and likes to spend her extra time outside. She is a very active person. She enjoys her work as a social worker and meeting new clients.

If you are ready to discover a better version of yourself, let's talk. I believe therapy works best with collaboration, working together to find the most effective methods of meeting your self- established and recommended goals. My areas of expertise are within the LGBTQ community, including but not limited to gender identity, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. I work with adults and adolescents confronting anxiety, depression, mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, grief/loss, self- harm, and chronic stress. My clinical style is warm and built on mutual trust, helping you locate and build upon the strengths you already have in order to create change. My educational background includes a Bachelors' degree in Psychology and leadership, and Masters' in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. I am an experienced licensed professional counselor and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy. I also have expertise using exposure and wilderness therapy. I worked as a youth program manager specializing in experiential therapy with under-served youth, combining adventure-based therapies to inspire confidence, independence, and teamwork.

As if life as an undergraduate or graduate student wasn't already stressful and complicated, a lot of mental disorders first start to really get in the way at that vulnerable and challenging stage, when you're navigating lots of new relationships and figuring out who you are. It helps to have someone to talk to, and some of the most exciting and powerful experiences I've had as a therapist have been working with students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as with adults in other creative fields: music, filmmaking, dance, fashion and poetry. For many, creativity often seems inseparable from mental health and illness, and I've explored how they may interact, both with my clients and through presentations for clinicians on the likes of Kurt Cobain, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I think I have some insight into these issues, as my first career was as a journalist, mostly writing on visual and performing arts for the Chicago Tribune and other outlets both online and print. I've been around the block a few times, in other words, and I can help you get back on track.

Christopher Allen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2020. Christopher completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Purdue University and his Master's degree from the Indiana University School of Social Work at IUPUI. He has experience working with a variety of populations including individuals spanning from teens to geriatric patients, substance use disorders, college students, couples, and older adults. Christopher has worked in a variety of environments including private practice, inpatient, outpatient clinic, schools, and community-based treatments. He is LGBTQIA+ affirming and has experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Adjustment Issues, Relationship Issues, Family Issues, Substance Use, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia. Christopher utilizes a Person-Centered approach that blends modalities like internal family systems, cognitive behavioral, dialectal behavior, and acceptance and commitment techniques. In his free time, Christopher is an avid reader, father, dog dad, and enjoys movies as well as live theater and music.

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.

Ms. Shauntai P. Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois with more than 14 years of experience in the field. She holds an MA in School Counseling Psychology and specializes in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions to individuals with various mental health challenges. Ms. Taylor adopts a client-centered and collaborative approach to counseling, tailoring interventions to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Her therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, active listening, and fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and address their concerns. Ms. Taylor is committed to staying current with the latest developments in the field of counseling through regular participation in workshops, seminars, and advanced training courses. Outside of work, Ms. Taylor enjoys traveling, music concerts, theater performances, church, and family time.

Healing is never a straight line, there will be ups and downs, and sometimes moments where one can feel stuck. Counseling is an important component of our healing journey and I hope to be of service to my clients to walk along their healing path. Looking deep inside can make one nervous and scared, but to look deeply inside is a very courageous step. Creating a safe space where my clients can feel seen and heard is very important to me. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology in 2011 and my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. I provide services in both English and Spanish. I actively engage in ongoing research on ADHD and neurodivergence and draw on both professional knowledge and personal insights and lived experience, as I have ADHD, along with my husband and one of my children, to support clients working through ADHD related concerns.

Introduction: Ryan is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who received a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in dance movement therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Therapeutic Approach: Ryan specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults in the pursuit of mental well-being. Having worked with individuals from various backgrounds, I recognize that each client’s story is unique. I utilize a trauma-informed and collaborative approach when working with client’s to understand the holistic impacts on an individual’s symptomatology. I assist individuals explore how their early relationships, inner conflicts, and past experiences shape their current lives. For children and adolescents, I provide a safe and supportive environment to navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, identity development, trauma, and family dynamics. I utilize play and other creative therapies to build trust and rapport and further the safety of the therapeutic relationship. For adults, my practice is centered around helping individuals better understand the root causes of emotional distress, relationship struggles, and life transitions. I believe that healing is possible when clients can access their inner strength, build resilience, and transform negative patterns into opportunities for growth. Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, emotional regulation and expression, grief, divorce / blended family dynamics, ADHD, and coping strategies Currently working with adults, adolescents, and children Theoretical Lens: Psychodynamic, Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (SAFE), Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing

When emotions feel overwhelming, patterns feel stuck, or relationships become difficult to navigate, therapy can offer a supportive space to gain clarity and stability. Some people seek support for themselves, while others reach out around concerns related to their child or family. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relational concerns, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, eclectic, and collaborative, grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. I draw from insight-oriented Psychodynamic Therapy to better understand emotional and relational patterns, and integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and the Gottman Method. In my work, I focus on supporting emotional regulation, communication, and connection across individual, couple, and family systems. Reaching out for support can bring up a mix of thoughts and emotions, especially when you are facing personal challenges or concerns related to your child or family. My goal is to offer a compassionate, steady presence where you feel heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change. If you are looking for a therapist who values connection, curiosity, and collaboration, taking that first step can open space for growth.

Inshirah Hajjar, LSW, is a dedicated social worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals across Illinois in navigating life?s challenges. She provides compassionate care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, fostering a safe and collaborative environment for healing and growth. Inshirah specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and reproductive challenges, using personalized strategies to empower and build resilience. Inshirah is particularly passionate about addressing developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Her integrative approach includes evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Parenting Skills. Whether working with children facing behavioral concerns or adults navigating complex life transitions, she tailors her methods to meet each client?s unique needs. Her expertise also extends to treating depression, grief, and ADHD. Inshirah excels at guiding clients through midlife and later-life transitions, helping them adapt to change with confidence and hope. Additionally, she offers case management and group therapy services to ensure comprehensive support for a variety of concerns.

Nicholas Krysztopik is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from the Institute for Clinical Social Work with a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy. Nick believes in a Psychodynamic approach to therapy where he utilizes the relationships that are apart of the client's life, along with the relationship that develops between the client and the therapist to help the client gain an increase in self-awareness. Nick further believes that the exploration of the unconscious plays a significant role in self-discovery which can enrich one's life, and that a portion of one's struggles are rooted within the depths of the mind. Ultimately, needing to be brought forward to consciousness where they can be processed together with the help of a therapist in order to relieve unwanted tensions of the mind and burdens placed on self.

Shelly Gore, LCSW, is dedicated to guiding individuals through life's challenges with compassion and expertise. At LifeStance Health in Illinois, she offers specialized therapy to help clients achieve contentment and resilience. Shelly welcomes children, adolescents, and adults into her practice, ensuring a safe space for healing and growth. With over two decades of experience, Shelly specializes in PTSD/Trauma, ADHD, and Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety. She is passionate about supporting individuals through life transitions, trauma recovery, and managing anxiety and depression. Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Family Therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Shelly embraces cultural humility, recognizing the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds and experiences. She believes in the power of self-compassion and empathy to foster personal growth and well-being. Whether navigating childhood behavior issues, relationship conflicts, or developmental disabilities, Shelly provides personalized care to support her clients' journey towards mental wellness.

我提供中文普通话心理咨询 and I provide therapy in English. I graduated from NYU in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s in Counseling at Northwestern, expected to graduate in 2026. My academic and personal journey across cultures has deepened my interest in mental health and human connection. I’m passionate about supporting others through meaningful, empathetic conversations and helping them navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. I believe in the power of active listening and collaborative growth. Counseling allows me to combine my curiosity about the human mind with a genuine desire to be of service. Additionally, I co-facilitate the grief support group on Mondays from 6-7:30pm.

We are a group practice with many practitioners who have extensive experience working with college students. Services are available in person and virtually. Services are available in English and Spanish.

You've spent time reflecting and understanding your patterns, but insight alone isn't always enough to create the change you're looking for. If you're ready to move beyond understanding and start living differently, I'd love to help. I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and identity exploration. I'm especially passionate about supporting clients exploring multicultural and interracial identities, strengthening relationships, building self-compassion, and creating healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. My approach is collaborative, direct, and action-oriented. I'll meet you with warmth and honesty while encouraging you to step outside familiar patterns. Together, we'll build practical tools, strengthen emotional resilience, and create meaningful change that aligns with your values and goals. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish and strive to create an affirming, culturally responsive space where every part of your identity is welcomed. My work integrates DBT, somatic and body-based therapies, Dance/Movement Therapy, expressive arts, and Imago Relationship Therapy to help you reconnect with yourself, regulate emotions, and build healthier relationships. If you're looking for a therapist who will support you, challenge you, and help you turn insight into action, I'd be honored to work with you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Meridian Psychiatric Partners provides best-in-class mental health services to children, adolescents, emerging-adults, and adults with an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Specialists cover many areas, including mood and anxiety disorders, women's mental health, child and adolescent mental health, addictions, eating disorders, ADHD and personality disorders. Let’s work together to achieve your goals of symptom remission, better functioning and improved well being.

Your grades are declining. You nap because it's the only way to shut your brain off. You're reviewing everything you said in that last conversation because you're sure you said something embarrassing. You feel like something is wrong, but you don't want anyone to know. You've come to the right place! We will explore your challenges from a non-judgmental and self-compassionate place. Believe me- I've heard and seen it all, and I can still honestly say my clients are the most amazing people. You are not lazy or weird or any of the other negative things your brain is telling you. My clients often struggle with challenges related to anxiety, depression, social anxiety, autism, and perfectionism. I will help you learn to manage your anxious or depressive thoughts differently so that you can function and succeed. You've struggled long enough. Let's work together to get you unstuck.

Sometimes the hardest part of healing is simply starting. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts, stuck in past experiences, or unsure of how to move forward, you’re not alone. Therapy can be a space to breathe, reflect, and begin again on your own terms. I specialize in teen and adult trauma-focused care, with an emphasis on working with survivors of sexual trauma, domestic violence, complex PTSD, and anxiety. Together, we can work on unlearning harmful thought patterns, building self-esteem, and identifying what safety, strength, and autonomy look like for you in an inclusive, warm, and affirming environment. Through my training and clinical work in trauma focused care and sexual violence, I understand the complexity of trauma and how it can affect every part of our lives, mind, and body. Certified in Trauma-Focused CBT, I use an integrated approach that includes psychodynamic, person-centered, and strengths-based therapies that are tailored to each client. Therapy isn’t about fixing you. You aren’t broken. It’s about reconnecting with your resilience, honoring your lived experiences, and giving yourself the care and space you deserve to heal. If you’re ready to begin this process, I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Please call or submit your request on psychology today to get started.