Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

College can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming seasons of your life. You may be adjusting to being away from home, navigating new relationships, questioning your major, managing academic pressure, or quietly carrying anxiety, depression, or past trauma that hasn’t had space to heal. On the outside, it can look like everyone else is handling it just fine — but inside, you might feel stuck, exhausted, unmotivated, or unsure of who you’re becoming. If you’re in that space, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to work through it by yourself. I work with college students who are in the middle of real life transitions — identity shifts, relationship changes, academic stress, family expectations, grief, trauma, and the quiet weight of self-doubt. Depression during college often doesn’t look like “sad all the time.” It can show up as procrastination, isolation, low motivation, difficulty focusing, or feeling disconnected from the person you used to be. Trauma can show up in relationships, in trust, in sleep, or in how hard you are on yourself. Together, we slow things down. We make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns that are keeping you stuck and build practical tools that help you feel more steady, confident, and grounded. My approach is collaborative and straightforward. I don’t believe in sitting back silently while you struggle to find words. We talk. We process. We challenge unhelpful thoughts. We work through emotional blocks. I integrate approaches such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based strategies to help you build resilience while honoring your story. My goal is not just symptom relief — it’s helping you understand yourself better so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. College is a time of growth — but growth can feel uncomfortable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, stuck, or unsure about your direction, therapy can be a space to reset and regain momentum. You deserve support as you figure out who you are and who you want to become. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to Request an Initial Appointment and begin therapy. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Let’s work together to help you regain balance, rebuild confidence, and move through this season with strength.

Sometimes getting out of bed and facing the world is unbearable. You are expected to show up and give your best, but you have nothing left to give. You muster up enough strength to get by and do it all over again the next day. Perhaps you are stuck in a rut and fear of everything prevents you from moving forward. Your mind is tired and the thought of taking any type of action scares you and makes you retreat. You find yourself in a vicious cycle of making promises to yourself and others, failing, and starting over. We have all been there and have needed someone to walk with us and help us choose a different path. I work with individuals and families to get them "unstuck." Acknowledging that you are the expert on your life, I meet you where you are and we work together to find realistic solutions to your problems. My goal is to empower you to make future decisions that move you forward versus leaving you depleted and stagnant. Contacting someone to support you when you are exhausted, anxious, sad, or afraid is COURAGEOUS! You are worth it and WE will get through this. While the journey may be challenging, you do not have to navigate it on your own. Take the first step to getting unstuck and give yourself permission to heal. I wish you all the best on your healing journey.

I am committed to fostering a compassionate, empathetic, collaborative therapeutic environment. I’m particularly interested in understanding your unique experience of yourself, others, and the world. People often seek help to expand their self-development and personal growth in addition to feeling better. I strive to help people by widening self-awareness through a balance of emotional experience and insight. I believe people should feel heard and understood, and I do my best to understand what it’s like for you in your unique subjective experience. Having a secure, stable place will allow you to freely explore your internal world and take risks in the outside world. Part of the process includes finding integration between emotions and thoughts, memory, consciousness, narrative, attachment relationships, and identity. I aim to help you deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so you can move towards what you care about in life, live more fully with greater passion and vitality, increase your curiosity, and be more present.

Thrive for Life Counseling – Helping College Students Navigate Life’s Challenges College is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—times of your life. Between classes, jobs, relationships, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or unsure. That’s where Thrive for Life Counseling comes in. Our team of compassionate, experienced therapists understands the unique challenges that come with being a college student. We know that success in college isn’t just about grades—it’s about managing stress, building confidence, coping with change, and finding balance in every area of life. At Thrive for Life, we meet you right where you are. Whether you’re feeling anxious about academics, struggling with motivation, facing relationship challenges, or just needing a safe space to talk, we’re here to help. We offer a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can sort through your thoughts, learn practical coping tools, and gain clarity about your next steps. What sets us apart? Specialized support for college students – We “get” the unique stressors of campus life. Therapists you can connect with – Our team is down-to-earth, approachable, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Convenient virtual sessions – You can meet with us from your dorm, apartment, or wherever you feel comfortable. Multi-state access – We can work with college students located in Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, and New Jersey. We help students: Manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm Build self-confidence and motivation Navigate changes in friendships, dating, and family life Cope with homesickness or transitions Find balance between academics, work, and personal well-being You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough” to reach out. Whether you need short-term guidance or ongoing support, Thrive for Life Counseling is here to walk alongside you. Therapy is a powerful step toward building the life you want—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Your mental health matters. Your story matters. And we’re here to help you thrive—right now, in college, and in life beyond. If you’ve been thinking about talking to someone, this is your sign. Let’s get started.

My goal is to create a safe relationship where you can process all the pieces of your experience. We’ll look together at how your cultural identities and family context have shaped how you experience the world, and how your past impacts your present. We’ll approach your relational patterns with a sense of curiosity and compassion. We'll explore, “How did I get here, what does it mean to be here, and where do I want to go?". Whatever is bringing you to therapy, I hope to provide a space where you can face your difficulties in order to restore connection, both to yourself and to the most important people in your life. My approach is warm and direct, and I'm informed by training in attachment, trauma, grief & loss, perinatal mental health, infertility, emotional agility, embodiment, religious deconstruction, brain science, cultural influences, privilege & oppression, HAES, and couple/family systems. I am accepting new clients and I'd love to meet you! For CO: in-network with Aetna and Cigna. For IL: in-network with BCBS. I also partner with a company called Mentaya that helps clients access their out-of-network benefits. You may be eligible to receive partial reimbursements for your sessions. Contact me for more info. If you have any questions about anything on my profile, feel free to reach out!

Following a life transition, it's common to feel disconnected, disillusioned, lacking confidence and motivation. You may not be sure how to move forward into an uncharted landscape. You may question your beliefs, values, relationships, and priorities. You may miss your “old life” your “old self”. This is Transformation. Transition. Right now, even the smallest effort can feel overwhelming, and I’m glad you’ve taken the step of coming here to see if therapy is for you. Regardless of circumstance, each person’s response to change is unique. You can navigate your new landscape and develop strength, resilience and perspective. You can welcome peace, beauty, and joy back into your life. I have a relaxed, conversational style and implement Mindfulness Based interventions to focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. We’ll work together to tell your (his)story and see the unwritten chapters take shape. There is indescribable beauty in healing, and I’m honored to share that journey with you.

Are you feeling stuck, disconnected from yourself, or unsure about your next steps? Maybe you’re questioning who you are, what you want, or where you truly belong. The weight of the world, especially the current political and social climate, can make it even harder to find your footing. You're not alone in this. You're likely here because you’re ready to feel more like you again. I work with creatives, deep thinkers, and sensitive folks who are ready to reconnect with their authentic self and make meaningful changes. You don’t need to be “ready” or “perfect”; just willing to show up and do the work together. In our work together, I combine art therapy, body-based (somatic) practices, neuroscience, and spirituality, all grounded in a decolonial, feminist, and strengths-based lens. I specialize in supporting people navigating complex trauma, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. My approach is holistic and honors your unique story, identity, and cultural background. I’m a first-gen, queer, bilingual (English/Spanish), trauma-informed therapist offering talk therapy & art therapy to support healing on your terms. Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It’s a space to be human, to be seen, and to grow. Curious about working together? Let’s start with a free 15-minute consultation: onelovestudio.clientsecure.me/request/clinician

I’m Christine Askeland, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I provide compassionate psychiatric care and have a special focus on women’s mental health, pregnancy and postpartum support, and addiction treatment. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and truly heard. I’m known for my warm, nonjudgmental approach and for meeting people where they are. I believe mental health care should feel collaborative and personalized, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Together, we’ll focus on your goals, preferences, and what matters most to you, so your care feels meaningful and supportive. My approach combines psychotherapy with thoughtful, evidence-based medication management while also looking at the bigger picture of wellness. I value the role of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and daily routines in emotional health, and I work with you to create a balanced, realistic treatment plan that supports long-term healing and stability.