Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Neurodivergent affirming, trauma informed virtual therapy and coaching in the states of Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri. Individualized support incorporating special interest and digital tools to support individuals seeking a different approach to therapy to support neurodivergent minds. EMDR, IFS parts work, Narrative style approach with specific trauma work, but supportive talk and play therapy style for everyday support with executive functions and life skills.

I value each person for who they are and strive to create a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels respected and accepted. I believe mental health care should be empowering, supportive, and individualized, which is why I take time to understand what matters most to you—so we can work together to create a plan that supports your goals and overall well-being. I focus on understanding your story, goals, and expectations, and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. I aim to be a caring, approachable provider who believes meaningful care starts with seeing the whole person, not just a diagnosis

Colleen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys collaborating with adolescents, adults and families in order to help them make changes that will allow them to find balance, and an enhanced quality of life. Having worked closely with adoptive families, families experiencing crisis and violence in the home, veterans, and individuals managing severe and persistent mental illness, Colleen is well versed in the treatment of trauma and attachment, mood, and anxiety disorders. Colleen's greatest reward as a therapist is helping clients explore ways to make changes in their lives that allow them to look forward with hope and confidence. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her special interests include adoption, divorce, trauma, and relationships. We all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us without judgment. Colleen creates that warm, nonjudgmental environment. With a caring, supportive, strengths-based focus - and a touch of humor, Colleen uses a variety of approaches and interventions such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Harm Reduction.

I am a licensed clinical social worker committed to supporting you through your unique experiences, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care. My integrative approach combines evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you navigate life's challenges and foster resilience. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, empowering you to discover your own path toward healing and growth. Whether you're dealing with trauma, mood disorders, or grief, I’m here to walk alongside you as you work toward your personal goals.

LifeStance Health offers an array of services, including therapy, medication management, and psychological testing. We have providers from all disciplines and walks of life, offering a variety of different experiences. Whatever you are looking for, we likely have someone who can meet your needs! We have locations throughout the state, and offer telehealth services, so there is no interruption in services whether you are at home or staying on campus.

Hi, I'm Jennifer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides a supportive, nonjudgmental space where college students and young adults can explore challenges, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring significant stress and uncertainty. I support individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, academic stress, burnout, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, family conflict, grief and loss, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Whether you're adjusting to college life, navigating relationships, managing family expectations, or feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, therapy can provide support and practical tools to help you move forward. My approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing while incorporating techniques from Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-informed care. Together, we will identify your goals, build insight, strengthen coping skills, and develop strategies that fit your unique needs. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in both school-based and clinical mental health settings. As a school social worker, I provide counseling, crisis intervention, behavioral support, and collaboration with families and community providers. My experience working with adolescents and families has given me a strong understanding of the challenges that can arise during times of transition, including academic stress, changing relationships, identity development, family expectations, and increasing independence. I strive to create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I look forward to supporting you as you work toward greater confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. *Additional evening appointments may be available Monday (6:00PM - 8:30PM) and Tuesday (6:00PM - 8:30PM). Please contact me for current availability. Thank you!

Peace in Counseling is a virtual therapy practice based in Naperville, Illinois, committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for children, teens, adults, and families throughout the state. We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, life transitions, and more. Our mission is to empower clients on their journey to inner peace by fostering a sense of stability and confidence in every aspect of their lives. Our mission at Peace in Counseling is to provide trauma-informed, culturally aware, and evidence-based therapy that helps individuals, couples, and families build lasting inner peace and resilience. We are committed to creating a collaborative space where you feel truly seen, respected, and supported in your growth. By integrating emotional, psychological, and spiritual care, we focus on the whole person and foster meaningful, lasting change.

heARTful wellness is the community care division of heARTful remedies, LLC. Renée (she/her), founder of heARTful remedies, LLC defines heARTful wellness as “being well at a heart level” and believes that these characteristics are all part of experiencing heARTful wellness. The goal of these community care options is to use creativity and mindfulness as a way to support access to mental health wellness skills outside the therapy room. Below is information about different community care offerings: 1. heARTful wellness workshops: Renee is providing art and mindfulness workshops (educational, not therapy) for anyone 18+ in person (STL) and virtually each month. In person: Offered every first Friday of the month @EMPOWERED Spaces in St. Louis, MO from 6-7:30pm CST; Virtual: Offered every second Wednesday of the month VIRTUALLY from 7-8:30pm CST (zoom link sent after sign up). *Full and Partial Equity scholarships for in-person sessions at EMPOWERED Spaces available. Contact Kelly at kkcaul@yahoo.com to inquire about the equity scholarships available! Vist: https://www.heartfulremedies.com/heartful-wellness-workshops Sign up here: https://bit.ly/heARTfulWellnesSTL heARTful remedies is passionate about empowering people to remember and reconnect with their creativity as part of collective liberation. These workshops are a space to reclaim your creativity as an act of Self–care while also building community with other like-hearted individuals. The inspiration for creating the heARTful wellness workshops are founded on these 6 principles: Open Access — making mental health support available outside the therapy room Self–Care — reclaiming prioritized time to nurture yourself Growing Awareness — practicing how to be grounded in the present moment (e.g., mindfulness) Creative Outlet — dedicated space to play and imagine creatively Building Community — connecting with like-hearted people Genuine Wellness — feeling like you have the tools to be your authentic Self 2. heARTful wellness workbook: Renee has published a mindfulness adult coloring workbook that can be used with anyone 13+ to be a supportive (outside of therapy) resource with journaling prompts and mindful coloring options. Visit for more info and purchase options: https://www.heartfulremedies.com/heartful-wellness-products Shop here: https://bit.ly/heARTfulproducts 3. heARTful wellness monthly newsletter: Renee and the heARTful wellness team are putting out a monthly newsletter with wellness tips and info about what heARTful wellness is doing out in the community each month that you can subscribe to on the website or send an email to wellness@heARTfulremedies.com saying you would like to be added. 4. Follow heARTful remedies on social media: Renee and the heARTful wellness team are working to put out creative wellness content regularly on social media as a way to support our collective wellness (can be used by all ages). Follow us @heartfulremedies (IG, FB, TikTok).

Melody Stauffer, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who has counseled children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She then graduated from Argosy University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling. Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, and crisis stabilization. Melody recognizes each client has their own story to tell and specific wounds to heal and will let her clients lead the way on their mental health journey. Melody is also trained in EMDR therapy that is helpful with patients with trauma, old or new. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

Hello! I believe in a holistic approach to treatment and meeting the client where they are to assist them in where they want to be. I offer a unique understanding and appreciation for those who are also in the helping profession. My empathetic and culturally sensitive method strengthens self-esteem and motivation; heals abuse; rebuilds careers; resolves conflicts; supports dreams; teaches effective communication/relationship skills; helps to lower reactivity; identifies triggers; lessens anxiety and depression; heightens creativity, and offers coping techniques towards creating a life well-lived. As a Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker, I have over 13 years of experience and specialize in work with those impacted by: complex trauma, depression, anxiety, life-transitions, education/work/life balance, family dynamics, co-parenting issues, racial identity, interracial/interpersonal relationship challenges. I am trained in EMDR. I am Trauma Focused CBT certified. Finding a therapist who is a good fit can seem like a difficult task. It's important to feel understood, heard, and accepted in a non judgmental space. *Treatment is provided exclusively 100% via HIPPA compliant tele-psychotherapy (video)* Don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email with questions and to schedule a free consultation. I will respond.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you're already balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, work, and everything else that comes with college life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply looking for extra support, I'm glad you're here. I'm Mary Mesiha, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience helping young adults navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with college students facing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, trauma, and the pressures that often come with this stage of life. I believe the relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, gain practical tools, and build confidence as you work toward the life you want. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know each other, discuss what you're looking for, and determine whether we're a good fit. I would be honored to support you through this chapter of your life.

Whenever you may feel overwhelmed by life, making a decision to participate in emotional therapy sessions can be beneficial. Collaborating with a trained professional to manage the complexity of what you may be facing has been proven to be effective in learning life-long skills. These skills and experiences can help in building your own wisdom in life to better live in ways that fit what you value and what is important to you

My passion for psychiatry began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, where I graduated with a degree in neuroscience and a GPA of 3.9. Due to my academic excellence, I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, America’s oldest honor society, which includes 17 former U.S. Presidents and 40 Supreme Court Justices among its members. Before pursuing a career in medicine, I taught Algebra to middle school students in New York City as a public school educator. I was initially hired to help students pass their state exams, and to my surprise, they succeeded. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of education. At Rush University, I hold three administrative roles: Executive Chief Resident, Education Chief, and Internal Moonlighting Coordinator. As Executive Chief Resident, I organize two literature review series: Rush’s Journal Club and a program called “Controversies in Psychopharmacology,” which explores new and controversial topics in psychiatry. Together with faculty, I also coordinate the PRITE exam review series. As an enthusiastic test-taker, I achieved scores above the 90th percentile in neuroscience on the 2020 and 2021 exams. Additionally, I oversee the Balint group, a support group aimed at addressing physician burnout and promoting wellness among residents. In my role as Education Chief, I manage Rush’s Teaching Clinic, designed to support medical students. I regularly lecture to both medical students and residents. I have collaborated with my co-residents to create a personalized tutoring series for at-risk medical students focused on helping them pass their NBME shelf exams; I’m proud to report that 100% of my mentees have successfully passed. Furthermore, I co-lead a neuroscience curriculum aligned with materials from the National Neuroscience Curriculum Initiative (NNCI) and deliver lectures to my co-residents. As the Internal Moonlighting Coordinator at Rush, I ensure continuous and effective psychiatric care in the emergency department. I have logged over 1,000 hours in the emergency room, gaining experience in stabilizing high-acuity situations such as psychosis, mania, and agitation. This role has also provided me with valuable experience in accounting and bookkeeping, allowing me to work closely with the payroll department. I am actively involved in the Illinois Psychiatric Society, the Illinois branch of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). I serve on several committees, including the anti-racism committee and the government affairs committee. My interests lie in interventional psychiatry, and I currently work at Rush’s TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and ketamine clinic. In October, I collaborated with IV Chicago Solutions and shadowed Dr. Eugene Lipov, a pioneer of the stellate ganglion block procedure for treating PTSD. You can easily schedule your session through our online booking link. Click "Website" to find a convenient time for you.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the crux of change. Through this lens, I offer a safe and empathic space for clients to explore their inner world. Counseling is not just for those experiencing a life crisis or a current difficulty— it is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new insights, and position oneself for increased health and wellness. Every client is unique and needs something different from the therapeutic process. Pulling from a variety of modalities, I tailor techniques in a creative way to fit those needs. Through working together, I believe that I can help you find your way to the path for growth. I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, work-life balance concerns, familial troubles, grief and loss, life transitions and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about working with college students and emerging adults. This time of life can be fraught with anxiety related to academic performance and career choices, making this life stage feel quite unpredictable and isolating, which is why I believe therapy is so important during this time. My goal is to help you gain useful tools to not only help you navigate this life stage, but also to carry with you in the future. I earned my M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University and my B.A. in Psychology and Communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have previously worked in various community mental health and private practice settings.

From the outside, you are a high-achieving person, the one who everyone in the family relies on to be "fine." But on the inside, you feel like you are drowning in household chores, high expectations, and taking care of everyone else in your life. You just can't do it all. Many of my clients grew up with a dysfunctional, chaotic family and learned from a young age that the people in their lives couldn’t handle them having a bad day. In therapy, we won’t just talk about your stress and overwhelm; we will challenge the old patterns that cause it. I want you to connect with your feelings and take up more space! I offer a safe, welcoming space to explore your unmet needs, confidently set boundaries, say "no," communicate how you really feel, and live more authentically. My goal is to help you feel grounded, seen, and connected in your relationships and within yourself. You have spent your life making sure everyone else is taken care of; now it's your turn.

I often work with students navigating big changes—adjusting to college life, managing stress, or figuring out who they are and where they fit in. Maybe you’re balancing school with work or family expectations, or feeling pressure to succeed while silently struggling. I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you can slow down, talk things through, and learn to care for yourself while meeting life’s demands. Together, we can work on easing anxiety, building confidence, and finding balance that feels sustainable.

You may look like you’re keeping it together on the outside, but inside you’re exhausted from overthinking, carrying stress, and trying to manage emotions that feel bigger than you can explain. Maybe you’ve learned to push through, stay busy, or take care of everyone else while ignoring what’s happening in your own mind and body. I work with clients who are tired of surviving on autopilot. Many are navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, difficult relationships, or major life changes, and often feel stuck in patterns they understand logically but can’t seem to change. They may feel emotionally drained, disconnected from themselves, or frustrated that they’re struggling even when they’re doing “all the right things.” Therapy with me is a space to be real without judgment. You don’t have to minimize your experiences, make them sound less serious, or show up with the perfect words. Together, we can make sense of what’s beneath the overwhelm, understand the patterns that keep repeating, and create meaningful change that feels sustainable — not performative. If you’re used to being the strong one, the self-aware one, or the one who holds everything together while quietly falling apart, you don’t have to keep doing it alone.

Ideally clients book with me looking to heal and move forward in life when they’re feeling “stuck in neutral”. My expertise extends to addressing a range of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, OCD, developmental and behavioral issues. I provide personalized therapeutic approaches to foster resilience and emotional growth in my clients. Through empathy, communication, and evidence-based interventions, I tend to create a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, build confidence and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I have experience working with individuals as young as 6 to 55 years of age. I am a therapist specialized in working with children, adolescents and adults. I am skilled in helping individuals navigate through the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. I help individuals gain their voices back. With my extensive experience in family therapy, I work to strengthen family dynamics and support healing within the home as well. Therapeutically; I understand that certain circumstances or life events may have impacted you, however I believe your past shouldn’t control your future. “Just like history; your story continues”, meaning don’t let anything or anyone end your story for you. “In order to see progress, you have to trust the process and believe you will overcome these hurdles”.

I like to think of therapy as a journey of inner exploration and I am along as a guide. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a combination of intellectual understanding and emotional experience. In that regard, it feels like your feelings are our road signs that we are in the right track to self-growth. I try to not have a specific agenda going into sessions, but rather to go where it is you feel like you need to go at that time. I believe that it is my role to create a safe space for you to express and explore whatever it is that is inside you. Compassion is key, and cultivating self-compassion is one of the most important elements of therapy. I look forward to helping you explore and become more self-aware and self-compassionate!

Health and Healing Therapy is a mental health counseling and psychotherapy practice. We are here to help children, teens, adults, families, and couples create the lives they want and deserve for themselves and for the people they care about. Our therapist team and counseling office are open for in-person and telehealth visits.