Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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 weight-inclusive, trauma-informed licensed Clinical Psychologist offering a therapeutic space where clients can reconnect with themselves and others by gaining insight into their relationships. My aim is to work with you to create positive and lasting change. I specialize in the treatment of disordered eating (including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, obesity and body image concerns) as well as co-occurring mood disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating a wide range of concerns including significant life transitions, anxiety, stress and relationship difficulty (room mates, partners, etc.). I also have experience in working with individuals in academic and medical profession. I treat adolescents and adults. I work with my client's treatment team that may include your psychiatrist, dietician, and PCP as well as family and other supports. The foundation of my therapeutic work is the relationship between me and my client. When appropriate I incorporate techniques from other modalities.

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.

Life presents challenges, and one can get stuck, but growth is in sight. While understanding can lead to change and peace of mind, there are times when you could use help gaining a clear perspective. That's where therapy comes in. It's a powerful tool that can provide the direction and support you need to manage stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms or just to adjust to life's changes. Help to navigate life's challenges is available. Our evidence-based techniques and holistic approach to wellness encompasses emotional, physical, spiritual, and environmental needs, guiding you toward your goals while helping you develop coping skills and resilience. Growth and wellness are in your reach. Please reach out today to discuss your concerns and next steps. Online scheduling available!

Struggling with stress, anxiety, or balancing college life? At Integrative Family Counseling and Psychology, we offer compassionate, personalized mental health counseling designed to support students like you. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive—both on campus and beyond. Reach out today for a safe, judgment-free space to start feeling better.

Hi, my name is Monday Ogbeibor and I am a board -certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 5 years of experience working in mental health, and my strengths include finding the right diagnoses, managing and changing medications, and providing psychotherapy to those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, sleep disturbance, anger management, psychosis, substance abuse, and eating disorder. Current clients describe me as a great listener, and I love to give ample time to truly hear what you've been feeling so we can come up with the right plan of action. I like to create an environment where you feel understood and comfortable. Opening up to someone new can be hard, but we'll really get to know each other and by the end of our first appointment, we will no longer be strangers, but rather partners on your journey to healing. If right now you are feeling pain, sadness, constant stress, or panic... if you're not sleeping or feeling like your life is chaotic... if you're struggling to navigate relationships (with family, or food, or drugs) none of that has to be your norm. You don't have to suffer through it. My goal at the end of the day is to give you options and strategies that you maybe didn't know were available to you so you can live your best life. I am currently accepting new patients, and I've been known to be speedy and on time when my clients need me. I look forward to supporting you and am excited to meet you.

You find yourself stuck in cycles of overhwelm and numbness. Your anxiety is increasing. You've experienced loss or trauma. Maybe you spend hours scrolling, avoiding painful emotions. You crave a life of connection - whether that is with yourself, others, or the world around you. Who I am: I am an experienced mental health therapist with a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. I have a passion for helping people overcome anxiety, navigate life transitions, heal from trauma, and build more fulfilling relationships. Who you are: I love working with all types of clients, but I most often find myself working with people who struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing, boundaries, and healing from complex relational trauma. My therapeutic style: I strive to be real and relatable - the type of person who can see the complexity and nuance of life. What therapy with me looks like: My approach helps people identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, most commonly associated with feelings of depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict, and provides people with tangible skills that enable you to think and behave in ways that promote inner confidence, strength, and achievement of goals.

Shawn Miller, LPC, is dedicated to helping individuals and families in Peoria, Illinois navigate their mental health challenges. With over 25 years of experience in social services, Shawn provides a compassionate and understanding approach to therapy, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care. Shawn is well-versed in working with children, adolescents, and adults, offering support for various mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and grief. Specializing in childhood behavior issues, midlife transitions, and men's issues, Shawn utilizes evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals. His commitment to family dynamics is reflected in his expertise in family therapy, couples/marital counseling, and parenting skills training. Shawn is passionate about working with diverse populations, including military veterans, first responders, and individuals involved in adoption or foster care.

Pronouns: he/they I have master's degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northern Illinois University, where I studied counseling and education. I hold the credentials of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois. I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I have helped people with their personal growth, mental health, and wellness in inpatient, outpatient, and educational settings. I specialize in working with highly sensitive persons (HSPs) and LGBTQ+ people. Cultural effectiveness and inclusion are passions of mine. My therapeutic approach is focused on evoking the possible in people and creating a life worth living. Our time in counseling is about moving through life's pain and challenges with courage and compassion. In our work together, clients can expect to feel supported in an accepting and dignified way. "True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don't negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own.

Ryan Muir is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He has an MS in Clinical Mental Health/Addiction from National Louis University and a BA in Accounting from North Central College. As a person with a disability, Ryan leads his life with the mindset of "differently abled" rather than "disabled. " This mindset carries over into his therapeutic approach. Finding a balance between out-of-the-box thinking and openness for growth and change can become incredibly healing. Ryan brings an eclectic, individualized approach to therapy primarily rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Gestalt modalities, to name a few. He recently completed EMDR training. Ryan specializes in bringing therapeutic interventions to people facing common challenges in their everyday lives. His expertise extends to helping people deal with issues such as low self-esteem, confidence issues, depression, anxiety, addictions, grief and loss, trauma, acceptance, coping with physical disabilities and navigating life's transitions and changes. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys exploring the adventure that is life.

Valerie Taylor, LCPC, takes an honest, supportive approach to help clients learn the skills to better cope with their struggles. She approaches each client as an individual and will tailor goals and treatments based on their needs. Valerie supports adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, and is especially skilled at treating: Self-Exploration: Knowing exactly who you are can be difficult to discover on your own. Valerie opens her office and teaches skills that develop that confidence and self-love. College Student Support: The transition from high school to college is a large step. Valerie can help with time management, socialization coaching, and addresses any depression/anxiety issues that come with transition. Mindfulness for Life Skills: Valerie offers mindfulness instruction to improve life skills such as socialization, sleep patterns, sleep hygiene, and more. In therapy, Valerie uses a variety of therapeutic approaches such as DBT, CBT, and Mindfulness.