Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
I conduct neuropsychological testing with young adults and adults to understand how they learn and assess for ADHD, learning giftedness or challenges, as well as neurodivergence. I also coach young people entering into the therapy or counseling field. I also very much enjoy coaching people about relationships, dating relationships and boundaries in relationships.
I have experience working with people facing anxiety and depression, and individuals struggling with patterns of codependency and conflict in their intimate relationships. I have also worked with people who feel disconnected from their bodies, their creativity, and their sexuality. I have helped people navigating difficult life transitions, as well as those surviving trauma and loss. In my practice, I am sensitive to how marginalization and stigma impact mental health, as well as the ability to seek support. My style as a therapist is marked by openness, curiosity, and warmth. I sincerely believe in this work, and view therapy as a collaborative effort. With time and trust, we’ll explore the underlying feelings, beliefs, and conflicts which have made it challenging to live a meaningful and satisfying life. In turn, what once felt inescapable begins to shift, and something new emerges.
You might be feeling distress, restlessness, or unease. You might be wondering what’s driving your interactions with others, questioning where certain emotions or motivations stem from. You might be feeling a lack of purpose, anxiety, a pressure to perform, or that you are not living your life as authentically as you once did. You may have even had a moment of, “Well, how did I get here?” If this is you, I may be able to help. I have experience working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, childhood trauma, and complex PTSD. I help individuals and couples who have experienced family issues, struggles with relationships and attachment, women’s health and fertility issues, sexual abuse, and experiences of incarceration. I also work with those in search of individual meaning, identity, and authenticity.
Dr. Michelle Okolita completed her Doctorate in clinical psychology at Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She completed her internship at South Campus Therapeutic Day School in Palatine, IL. She has extensive training providing evidence-based therapy and conducting psychological evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Okolita’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, identity, relationships, and behavioral problems. She uses a holistic approach to therapy, drawing from humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness techniques. She believes in the importance of adjusting to a client’s needs and maintaining flexibility in therapeutic interventions. In addition to therapy services, Dr. Okolita performs psychological assessments with children, adolescents, and adults. During her free time, Dr. Okolita enjoys baking, crafting, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.
Derek completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and is a graduate of the Masters in Counseling program at Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before joining Progressive Psychological Healthcare, Derek worked in a variety of clinical settings including an outpatient private practice, residential group home for teenagers, IOP/PHP programs and a community mental health center. He also has significant experience working for an Employee Assistance Program providing therapeutic support and coping skills to professionals in a variety of industries. Therapy Approach Derek collaborates with clients to form individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans that help clients get from where they are to where they want to be. Derek incorporates appropriate empirically supported treatments to help clients understand themselves more fully. He provides them with skill sets to achieve their current goals, and to empower them in future life challenges. Specializations: Generalized Anxiety, Work/life balance, Depression, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobias, Life- transition issues, Trauma, Grief/loss, Excoriation Disorder (Skin-picking) Currently working with: Children, Adolescents, and Adults Theoretical Lens: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SBFT)
Samantha Parker completed her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. She received her bachelors in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and her Masters in Gerontology from Concordia University River Forest. Samantha has experience working with individuals dealing with numerous psychological illnesses. She has spent the last twenty-two years working at Catholic Charities Older Adult Services in Chicago. She has done case management and her most recent position was Supervisor of the Choices for Care Program. Samantha also has experience providing individual, group, couples and family therapy in a private practice setting. She strives to help clients overcome emotional challenges by utilizing evidence-based therapies that are tailored to meet clients’ individual needs. Samantha is an enthusiastic and dedicated clinician who believes feeling stuck is a part of being human. She uses a strength-based approach to help clients grow, reflect, and heal. Samantha strives to create a judgement-free safe space where people can feel comfortable being their genuine selves. Samantha’s therapeutic style is nurturing, nonjudgmental and respectful of each individual’s needs. Her therapy style also includes viewing clients from a systemic perspective while using Narrative and Solution-focused techniques. Her clinical interests include working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, people recovering from past traumas, those who are facing changes in life stage, grief and loss, and people who are looking for guidance in finding their true self. As a clinician, Samantha is goal oriented and works collaboratively with clients to aid them in transcending the anxieties and stressors of what is holding them back.
I'm Liam, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in downtown Chicago where I offer individual therapy appointments. I primarily use the methods of Strengths Based, Client-Driven, and Person-Centered talk therapy. That basically boils down to me believing that you know yourself best and my role is to help you find a path forward. Everybody's life is wildly different; I can assist you in your decision and achievement of treatment goals that ring truest to you, even if that goal is just having someone to talk with. Wanting a better quality of life and seeking support in that is totally normal. Frankly, reaching out for help in and of itself is terrifying; let alone help from a stranger on the internet. If you are struggling I would be glad to hear from you. To avoid phone tag I am most accessible via e-mail to set up a time for us to talk and see if you'd like to come in for a session.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Dr. Arina Polevoy received her Doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Neuropsychology. She completed her internship specializing in neuropsychology at the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) Predoctoral Internship Consortium. At her internship, Dr. Polevoy specialized in working with adolescent and adults impacted by HIV/AIDS. She provided extensive neuropsychological evaluations to children with a variety of presentations including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as adults who suffer from Substance Use Disorders, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), dementia, as well as a variety of psychiatric conditions. She has also conducted numerous disability evaluations cooperating with the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Following her internship completion, Dr. Polevoy completed a dual Post-Doctoral, two-year fellowship program at Thomson Memory Center and Northwest Behavioral Health Services. At her fellowships, Dr. Polevoy gained a great deal of training in the assessment and treatment of children, adults, and geriatrics with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, learning disabilities, ASD, and complex medical conditions, such as TBI, children with history of low birth weight, and seizure disorder. Dr. Polevoy has a great deal of experience assessing and diagnosing older adults with suspected dementia, as well as providing comprehensive capacity evaluations. Dr. Polevoy’s current interests include assessment and treatment of individuals over the lifespan. Given her training with children, adults, and older adults, Dr. Polevoy conducts assessments in Russian, Hebrew, and English with a variety of ages and presentations. Her vast clinical interests include assessments of ADHD, TBIs, learning and developmental disorders, epilepsy, HIV-related disorders, substance use disorders, socio-emotional evaluations, and complex medical conditions, such as stroke, cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, sleep apnea, and a variety of dementia presentations. Additionally, she has a great deal of experience conducting assessments for patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery. Dr. Polevoy is affiliated with various hospitals as well as rehabilitation facilities.
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions seem too big to handle or when you’re trying to figure out who you are. You might feel anxious, misunderstood, or caught between different worlds — wanting to belong, but unsure where you fit. Whether you’re a teen navigating pressure from school and family or an adult balancing expectations, grief or identity, therapy can be a space to breathe, slow down, and reconnect with yourself. As a trauma-informed, DBT-certified bi-lingual therapist, I help clients learn to regulate emotions, build confidence, and recover from experiences that have left them feeling disconnected, grieving or stuck. My approach combines practical coping tools with genuine curiosity and warmth, so you can better understand your emotions and develop resilience in everyday life. Together, we’ll explore your story at your pace, honoring both the pain and the strength that brought you here. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to be honest, to grow, and to move toward a life that feels authentic, balanced, and your own. You don’t have to carry everything alone — healing begins when you allow yourself to be supported. I graduated in Rutgers University with a BA degree in psychology, 2022. After that, I pursued a mental health counseling master degree in Johns Hopkins University. In therapy, I am solution focused and use approaches that are supportive and effective: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and trauma-informed care. I also incorporate mindfulness and practices rooted in Buddhist and Taoist traditions that honor your unique cultural background. I believe in meeting you where you are, respecting your lived experience, and working together to help you reconnect with your strengths, process your pain, and move toward a more meaningful life. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or distant—it can be collaborative, warm, and deeply healing. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to walk with you. I will be working virtually and from the Lakeview Office. 如果你因为学业感到压力重重，对自己的身份感到迷茫，或者正在努力寻找归属感，请相信你并不孤单——你不需要一个人面对这一切。我专注于帮助青少年、青年和成年人，他们正在经历重大转变、身份困惑、被误解的痛苦，或者在以神经多样性身份生活中挣扎。 无论是学业压力、焦虑、倦怠、失落，还是对自己和未来的疑问，我都会为你提供一个安全、没有评判的空间，让你可以完全做自己。我也特别支持移民家庭、第一代移民，以及在多重文化之间寻找平衡的人。作为一名双性恋的亚裔女性，我深深扎根于中美两种文化，我理解在复杂身份中穿梭所带来的重担——也理解那其中的力量。 在治疗中，我运用既支持性强又有效的方法：接纳与承诺疗法（ACT）、认知行为疗法（CBT）、游戏治疗、焦点解决短期治疗（SFBT），以及创伤知情的治疗方式。我也融入了佛教和道教中与正念相关的文化实践，来尊重并接纳你的独特文化背景。 我相信从你所在的位置出发，尊重你的生活经历，与你携手合作，帮助你重新连接内在力量、处理情绪创伤，并迈向一个更有意义的生活。心理治疗不需要是冷冰冰的或距离感强的——它可以是协作的、温暖的、而且具有深度疗愈作用的。 如果你已经准备好迈出下一步，我会在这里，陪你一起走下去。
Dr. Victoriya Tsaran completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at Loyola University, and completed both her Master’s and Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Schaumburg. Currently, Dr. Victoriya Tsaran is the owner and clinical director at Progressive Psychological Healthcare. Dr. Tsaran’s multicultural background allows her to utilize the awareness and understanding of diverse client needs, and utilizes multicultural sensitivity and appreciation in her therapuetic approach. Dr. Victoriya Tsaran provides therapy services in both English and Russian. Experience Dr. Victoriya Tsaran has worked in a wide range of professional settings, including behavioral health hospitals, community mental health centers, skilled nursing facilities and medical rehabilitation centers providing mental health services. In addition, Dr. Tsaran has worked in school settings as well as therapeutic schools and private group practices. Dr. Tsaran’s clinical experience includes working with hundreds of unique, complex and diverse clients. She believes that the client’s success is born out of a trusting and supportive relationship that the client and therapist build together. This is not an easy task since many components play a role in the type of relationship that is allowed to be developed in the therapeutic relationship. The relationships that Dr. Tsaran has developed with her clients and patients was based on her ability to empathize with their developmental needs and understand their unique environment, their perspective of the world around them, and the way they view themselves and others while maintaining healthy professional boundaries. Providing a safe and nurturing environment that encourages a trusting relationship is the goal Dr. Tsaran has for her clients, especially during the early stages of therapy. Therapy Approach Dr. Tsaran’s clinical work revolves around being supportive, flexible, and progressive. Dr. Tsaran approaches her patients and their problems from an individualized perspective and utilizes an individualized treatment plan that is tailored specifically to her patient’s individual and unique needs. Over the years, Dr. Tsaran has developed an eclectic perspective to therapy and utilizes a unique combination of psychotherapy, mind-body awareness, family systems therapy, emotion focused therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques. Her wide range of knowledge and competency in various psychological theories allows Dr. Tsaran to be flexible in her individualized treatment approach with every client. Dr. Tsaran’s areas of specialty include: working with children, young adults, adults, families and couples therapy. She is experienced in treating various clinical presentations including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, adjustment disorders, behavioral problems, relationship conflict and parenting stress. “I aim to revive my patients from the current positions in their lives and help bring in the much needed harmony and infused positivity that will allow my clients to progress in their minds, their mental health and their overall life.”
Background Holly (She/Hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. She is a Certified Trauma Professional and received sexual assault and crisis intervention training through the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA). She brings clinical experience from the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Skokie, IL as well as a variety of evidenced-based therapeutic trainings to the practice. She is also a Certified Tele Mental Health Associate. In addition, she is an active member of state and national professional counseling associations. Prior to the counseling field, Holly worked in corporate, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine, as a refugee resettlement worker, and received a Master of Science in International Public Service from DePaul University. Holly has had the privilege of dedicating much of her career to helping people. Therapeutic Approach Holly’s priority is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with each whole person. In this relationship, she can attune to each person and naturally hold a gentle and safe space for individuals to deal with and heal from unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, life stressors, adverse childhood experiences, and trauma. Holly believes healing is a collaborative and egalitarian process where clients should feel safe and validated. She is warm, dedicated, intentional, direct, and passionate about her work as a therapist. Holly is a culturally sensitive, relational therapist who is drawn to working from attachment, feminist, and systems lenses. She received training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Trauma-Focused-CBT. She uses a strengths-based, client-centered, and compassionate approach in working with her clients. Holly integrates a range of therapeutic techniques and methods to meet her clients where they are at in the present moment. Other areas of therapeutic focus include Somatic modalities, Breath work, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Specializations and Clinical Interests: anxiety, attachment issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness, coping skills, cultural and societal oppression, depression, dissociation, divorce, emotional abuse, emotional regulation, first responder work, food allergy adjustment counseling, gender and sexual identity development, life transitions, men’s issues, parenting, parent-child relationships, relationships, school performance, self-esteem, self-harming, sexual assault/abuse survivors, stress/stress-management, trauma/PTSD, women’s issues. Currently working with: All genders and sexual orientations, older adolescents, and adults. She works with trauma survivors of all ages (3 and up). Individuals and families. “It is an honor to sit with you and witness your healing journey”-Holly
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
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Our practice prides itself on being affirming, accommodating, and accessible. We are empathic story containers, encouraging clients to work through their life narratives. We offer services to meet the needs of those we serve. We offer individual, group, family, and couples services in both in-person and virtual formats. We accept many forms of insurance and offer sliding scale and pro bono to those who qualify. We are a small private practice comprised of 40% women of color and 60% marginalized identities. Many of the clients we serve share our identities and benefit from our lived experiences and shared cultures. We offer expertise in a range of needs, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, gender, substance misuse, and trauma. We are trained in art therapy, IFS, substance misuse, and group counseling theories. I am a queer, bicultural, first-generation Cuban-American born and raised in the Midwest. I have been enriched by purposefully surrounding myself with diversity. My personality is direct and approachable. Curiosity, humor and compassion are central. I approach therapy collaboratively and compassionately, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and relationship-focused methods. I find that art making can assist with the physical impact of our daily stressors and can open up new and creative ways to see life’s challenges. I work in ways that are both supportive and challenging.
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
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