Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I support LGBTQIA+ students dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and the stress of chronic illness or life changes. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, so therapy feels like it's built for you. I create a safe and supportive space to help individuals process challenges and coping skills. Together, we'll work toward healing and a more fulfilling life. My pronouns are she/her.

I support LGBTQIA+ students navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationships, substance use, and life transitions using IFS, psychodynamic, and strengths-based approaches. My style is collaborative and affirming, especially for queer, trans, and nontraditional students. Together, we'll explore your story, uncover patterns, and build tools that help you grow in ways that feel authentic. My pronouns are he/him.

Navigating life’s challenges can be daunting, and we are not meant to do it alone. My practice is a judgment-free zone that meets you where you are and embraces your unique experiences. My work is grounded in a multicultural approach emphasizing the importance of understanding the intersectionality of who we are and how that shapes our experiences, beliefs, and values. I believe we all deserve a space to discover who we are in a safe and empathetic environment. Whether you’re striving to achieve a goal or seeking to understand yourself better, I am here to support and empower you every step of the way. Together we can freely explore deep wounds, challenge unhelpful patterns, and work towards a more fulfilling future.

Life is challenging—but finding a LGBTQIA+ affirming LGBTQIA+ Psychiatric Care in Chicago who truly listens shouldn’t be. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I offer integrative, trauma-informed care that prioritizes trust, transparency, and collaboration virtually in Illinois. I take time to understand your lived experience and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and values. Medication may be one helpful tool—but it’s never the only one. I’ll make sure you feel informed about your choices and empowered to take an active role in your care. I provide psychiatric support for adolescents and adults, with a focus on gender-affirming, poly-affirming, and kink-aware care. My practice is rooted in trauma-informed principles and inclusive of neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ experiences. Common concerns I support include: • Anxiety and panic • Depression and suicidality • Bipolar disorder and mood instability • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Sleep disruptions and insomnia • PTSD and complex trauma • ADHD and executive functioning challenges • Autism spectrum support You deserve mental health care that respects your identity, your autonomy, and your pace. I’m here to meet you exactly where you are. Who I Work Best With: • LGBTQIA+ clients seeking affirming, informed psychiatric care • Individuals exploring gender identity or navigating transition • Neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD or autism • Adults and teens managing mood disorders or trauma • People looking for collaborative medication management in a compassionate, judgment-free space Education & Credentials: • Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) • Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) – Illinois Licensed • LGBTQIA+, gender, poly, and kink-affirming provider I provide secure psychiatric services LGBTQIA+ Psychiatric Care in Chicago and through telehealth appointments across Illinois. Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or reassessing your current medication, I’m here to support you with openness and care. Let’s work together to create a plan that supports your healing. You deserve to feel heard, respected and empowered every step of the way.

Leslie is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and her Bachelors in Social Work at Luther College in Iowa. Leslie has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with various issues including depression, anxiety, coping skills, difficult life transitions, and building self-compassion. She has worked with individuals in many different settings ranging from individual and group therapy to crisis intervention in the Emergency Room. Leslie practices from a strength-based approach and combines several modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness. Throughout treatment, she works with clients to utilize coping skills, identify their core values, and develop a strong sense of self. Leslie believes that regardless of age, clients are their own expert and therefore aims to build a strong therapeutic relationship that provides a warm and accepting environment that can lead to positive change.

As a multilingual and Latina therapist of 9 years, I provide psychotherapy to college students & adults of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, life transitions, family dynamics, relationship issues, grief and loss, chronic illness/pain, racial injustice, cultural issues, and various disabilities. I have extensive experience using cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, motivational interviewing, & self-compassion. I believe therapy is an ongoing conversation where you are the expert of your lived experience. YOU are more than what has happened to you. My goal is to empower you to use your strengths while believing in yourself & what you can do on your own healing journey. I am here to shine a flashlight & guide you, but you are & will be the person to create the change & healing you need in your life. My goal is to empower you. To support that emotional wellness, I emphasize both physical & mental health & care. As a Latina and Mexican-American therapist, my cultural identity is integral to who I am and to my practice. I am passionate about providing linguistically & culturally competent care. I serve individuals from various races & ethnicities including immigrants. Using this culturally aware & strengths-based approach, I listen to your needs & guide you based on your beliefs whether that be to incorporate your culture, faith, identity, or simply your values as a person. Learn more about what therapy with me looks like: Learn more about what therapy with me looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hfAyQS3pVI (I am available to schedule within one week!)

Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you can't seem to break? You're not alone — and you don't have to white-knuckle your way through it. I work with college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I especially love working with students who: Have ADHD (diagnosed or suspected) and are tired of "just try harder" advice Feel things deeply and get overwhelmed with anxiety Pick up on other people's moods, tension, or unspoken feelings almost automatically Feel disconnected from their bodies, or like their mind and body are constantly at odds Feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, even when they know better My approach blends somatic and relational therapy — in plain terms, that means we don't just talk about what's going on, we pay attention to how it shows up in your body, too (tension, exhaustion, that "on edge" feeling that won't quit). Sessions are collaborative and paced to your comfort — there's no pressure to share more than you're ready to. Whether you're dealing with trauma, burnout, academic pressure, or just trying to figure out who you are, my goal is simple: help you feel more grounded, resilient, and like yourself again. I welcome students of all backgrounds and identities, and I'm committed to providing thoughtful, culturally responsive care. Sessions available via telehealth. Insurance accepted.

Maya Angelou said, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Your life's story matters. Perhaps in this chapter you're encountering low self-esteem, anxiety & depression or relationship concerns. You may be looking to heal from past trauma, or needing a place to ventilate overwhelm. I can help with that. I'll meet you where you're at and help you build a sense of agency for the change you'd like to author in your life. I'm not an 'Oz behind a curtain' type therapist but more of a fellow traveler, drawing from both lived experience and professional training to guide and empower. I utilize a behavioral approach (DBT) to help build concrete skills and I offer EMDR to address trauma. Depending on your preference, I can provide homework, reading recommendations, and guided meditation practice. Above all, I hold a warm, safe space where you can unpack with a trusted and experienced professional. In our sessions you can expect an authentic, down-to-earth connection. Together we will build a relationship that fosters the safety needed for healing. You can count on me to share wisdom and helpful resources, provide validation and support, offer constructive challenges where needed, and remain actively engaged and attentive throughout our time together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Maybe rest never actually feels restful. The moment you slow down, guilt, anxiety, or the feeling that you should be doing something productive starts to creep in. You may be keeping up with classes, work, relationships, and family expectations while privately feeling exhausted, scattered, or like you’re always falling behind. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, burnout, perfectionism, body image and disordered eating, relationships, and major life transitions. I also work with students whose childhood experiences, trauma, family dynamics, or experiences of discrimination are still affecting how they see themselves, relate to others, or respond when life feels overwhelming. Many of my clients are BIPOC or multicultural and want to talk openly about racial identity, belonging, family and cultural expectations, and the pressure to succeed without having to explain why those things matter. My approach is trauma-informed, relational, direct, and collaborative. We might notice that you keep saying yes when you want to say no, work until you’re completely depleted, shut down during conflict, or criticize yourself before anyone else gets the chance. Instead of judging those patterns, we’ll get curious about where they came from, what they’ve been doing for you, and whether they still fit the life you’re living now. You also don’t have to be the “good therapy client.” You can come in unsure of what you want to talk about, change your mind, laugh, be frustrated, or feel completely differently about something than you did last week. I’ll be consistent while giving you room to figure things out without turning therapy into another place where you have to perform.

Hi, I'm Kelly, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 23 years in the mental health field. I work with adolescents, adults, and families, and I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family systems therapy. I use these approaches to help people manage co-occurring disorders, anxiety, adjustment struggles, and depression. I would describe myself as inclusive and empathetic, and I am not afraid to use a little humor to break the ice. My philosophy is simple: I meet you where you are. I take time to understand your whole life and what you need, and then we work together to put the pieces together and find healing. Whether you are facing a mental health challenge or just a new and confusing season of life, I am here to help you find your way forward and discover who you are meant to be. I see clients through WellQor, where I provide therapy entirely online, so we can meet from wherever feels comfortable for you. If you would like to begin working together, visit the WellQor website and fill out the Get Started form. A patient liaison will then text you with the next steps and help get you on my schedule. I am excited to learn more about you.

Somewhere along the way, "fine" became your full-time job. It's exhausting work — smiling when you don't feel like it, showing up when you're running on empty, keeping the anxious thoughts quiet enough that no one else notices. You're managing everything except the thing that actually needs attention: That exhaustion doesn't go away by pushing harder or waiting it out. It goes away by finally understanding what's underneath it. That's what therapy actually does. It's not about talking for the sake of talking. It's about getting real tools that change how you think, cope, and show up — for yourself, not just everyone else. I work with teens and adults ready to stop surviving and start living differently. If anxiety, depression, stress, or a major life change has you feeling like you're just getting by, this is the work that changes that. You don't need to become better at surviving. You deserve to feel grounded, connected, and like yourself again — and that's within reach. Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation or an appointment and take the first step toward the life you actually want, not just the one you're getting through.

You are one "I'm fine" away from completely falling apart. How long can you keep telling yourself that, when you know you're not? You're getting through the day, showing up for everyone, and doing what needs to be done — but inside, you're exhausted. Anxiety may have you overthinking everything. Depression may have taken away your motivation or made you feel disconnected from yourself. Stress and major life changes may have left you wondering, "How much longer can I keep doing this?" I work with teens and adults who are ready to understand what's really going on beneath the surface and make meaningful changes. In therapy, we'll look at the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop practical strategies that fit your real life. You deserve more than simply getting through the day. You deserve to feel present in your own life. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy — you just need to know that you want something to feel different. Reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation or to schedule and appointment.

Hi there! I'm glad you're here. Here is what you can expect in our work together: Together, we will aim to build a safe, supportive space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and free from judgment. My compassionate approach centers on meeting you exactly where you are in life. I work collaboratively with adolescents and adults who are navigating anxiety, self-esteem struggles, social anxiety, self-criticism, shame, guilt, emotion dysregulation, depression, relationship issues, stress, and life transitions, alongside a wide range of other mental health concerns. I recognize that everyone’s needs are unique. So, I utilize and tailor evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), & Mindfulness. I believe these approaches can help us slow down to identify & reframe unhelpful thought patterns, while also assisting you build coping and emotion regulation skills. If you are feeling overwhelmed, getting stuck in your head, struggling in relationships, or in daily life, let's work together. If you're open to understanding patterns and building practical tools to cope, I'm your therapist. My goal is to support greater stability, resilience, & emotional balance so you can feel more grounded and in control of your life.

I am a Queer, neurodivergent, trauma-informed relational therapist with a deep commitment to creating inclusive, affirming, and healing spaces. Whether through talk therapy, creative expression, or somatic awareness, I meet each person with curiosity, care, and authenticity. My practice is grounded in an eclectic, person-centered, and holistic approach that honors the complexity of each individual’s lived experience. I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey toward self-understanding, growth, and empowerment. My work focuses on helping clients build a multifaceted sense of self, recognize their inherent strengths, and cultivate resilience. I support clients in becoming more comfortable with uncomfortable emotions by fostering self-compassion, radical acceptance, and self-love. I have a background in substance use counseling and take a harm reduction approach to care. Whether someone is seeking moderation, abstinence, or simply more insight, my practice is grounded in meeting people where they are and creating a supportive space that honors each client’s unique experiences, needs, and goals.

D. Joel Marquart has 10 years of clinical experience specializing in ADHD, relationships, major life transitions, and inner-child work. He especially enjoys helping clients integrate childhood wounds, build self-compassion, and foster a stronger sense of self and purpose. He firmly believes healing only occurs when safety and trust are established enough to risk vulnerability. SPECIALTIES: Life transitions Perfectionism/Procrastination Personal growth and self-esteem Marriage and partnerships ADD/ADHD LGBTQIA+

My priority as your therapist is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space that allows you to navigate life’s stressors and to also provide guidance in helping you meet your identified goals. My approach to treatment focuses on the perspective that you are the expert; you know your emotions, thoughts and experiences best. I affirm and honor all identities and practice from a person-centered, strengths based, social justice informed approach.

You should never have to justify your identity to a provider. As a therapist with nearly 20 years experience, I provide culturally competent, compassionate, trauma-informed, and affirming psychotherapy to help you make decisions about your own life. Whether you are transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, nonbinary, genderqueer, gender nonconforming, kinky, queer, questioning, pansexual, asexual, detransitioner/retransitioner, Dominant, submissive, kinky, into BDSM, a sex worker, monogamous, polyamorous, neurodivergent, neurospicy, neurotypical, or unicorn... even cisgender, straight/hetero, or vanilla… our goal together is your happiness. In service to our communities, I have volunteered on Boards of Directors, committees, and elsewhere, made several hundred (300+) educational and other public appearances including workshops at conferences, lectures in colleges and universities, appearances in the media, and elsewhere. I have also written books and articles. This has largely been pro-bono activism, advocating for the rights and healthcare of gender and sexually diverse communities. We can be defiant against the current physical and legislative assaults on our identities where ‘they’ bully the vulnerable, inciting hate, violence, fear, and despair. If you, like so many are distressed about the current world… I can provide support and hope. We are fierce. And we deserve joy. Licensed in NY, NJ, PA, DC, IL, RI Check out the award winning book, Surviving Transphobia!!! www.SurvivingTransphobia.com Recipient, 2025 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Distinguished Book Award, the American Psychological Association [APA].

Hello and Welcome to Skylark Behavioral Health. We are pleased you are visiting us. If you are looking for a mental health provider– or, perhaps, looking to switch from the provider you are currently seeing– the chances are good that you have been asking yourself some difficult questions. For example, you may be asking yourself: What sort of treatment will work best for me— medications, talk therapy, or both? Are there different types of talk therapy? Which type is right for me? How risky are psychiatric medications? How easy will it be to stop them? Am I taking too many medications already? How many is “too many”? Are there any lifestyle changes that might help me to feel better? What about these “alternative medicine” treatments that I’ve read about? Are they safe? Do they work? What should I know about newer FDA-approved treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine (Spravato)? At Skylark, our mission is to help you find answers to these questions. We are not here to “dictate” a course of treatment, but instead to advise you of a range or possible treatment approaches, describing the benefits and risks of each one. Our goal is to do this in a manner that is clear, easily-understood, and— most importantly of all— unbiased. The clinicians at Skylark do not accept “speaking fees”, free steak dinners, or other forms of payment from drug companies.

Little Bird Psychotherapy is a therapeutic space for clients to explore and understand themselves with a sense of compassion and curiosity. Rooted in a commitment to collaborative care free of judgement and shame, Little Bird welcomes those with a desire to discover and rediscover who they are in order to embody their most authentic and joyful selves. We are who we have always been; Little Bird can help you see who that is. I enjoy working with adults of all ages seeking support with eating disorders/body image, gender/sexuality exploration, unique stressors of graduate school, and family of origin issues. Abolition is the primary value that guides both my own life and practice. In sessions, this involves a deep understanding and compassion for all persons and their parts and a commitment to maintaining space free of pathologization and hierarchical relationships between therapist and client. I am deeply invested in anti-carceral approaches to healing. For clients wanting to engage in a collaborative relationship to foster healing, find joy in their authentic selves, and practice more self compassion, this might be your nest.