Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Are you tired of overthinking everything—relationships, school, work, finances, and what’s coming next in life? Do you find yourself always thinking ahead, planning details, and trying to stay on top of everything… to the point that it feels exhausting? Maybe your mind rarely slows down. You replay conversations, overanalyze decisions, and put pressure on yourself to do things the “right” way. You may find yourself feeling anxious about the future or wondering whether you’re somehow falling behind. Internally, it can feel exhausting to always be this “on.” If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many highly capable people feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep it all together while quietly struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional exhaustion. And often, it’s not simply a time management issue—it’s the mental and emotional load of carrying too much for too long. I specialize in helping individuals manage overthinking, overwhelm, anxiety, and perfectionism. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-aware, and driven, but feel mentally stretched and unable to fully enjoy where they are in life. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and grounded. Together, we’ll work to untangle anxious thought patterns, quiet the constant pressure you place on yourself, and create more space for clarity, confidence, and ease—without lowering your standards or stepping away from what matters most to you. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Most of the people I work with reach out while they’re still trying to make sense of what they’re experiencing—they just know they’re tired of feeling constantly “on” or stuck in cycles of pressure and overthinking. Please reach out today to start your care. I’m happy to answer any initial questions and help you determine whether we’d be a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you in feeling more grounded, more present, and more like yourself again—so life can start to feel a little lighter.

I am a graduate of the Wayne State University/DMC General Adult Psychiatry Residency Program and am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. My practice centers on providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. I take a holistic and collaborative approach to care, integrating various treatment modalities such as psychotherapy, behavioral modification techniques, medication management, and lifestyle changes. My goal is to support each patient in achieving lasting wellness by addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of mental health. All sessions are conducted via secure video visits for your convenience. I strive to make scheduling seamless and flexible, so appointments can easily fit into your routine. If you feel this may be a good fit for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you.

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.

Hello! We are a group private practice who aims to minimize mental health stigmas among all cultures and populations. We find that being REAL, genuine, and authentic quickly reduces great barriers to care. We look forward to partnering with you to navigate life's unique challenges.

Luke N. Rothschild earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University and also completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at DePaul. Luke sees clients of all ages with specialized experience working with college students and young adults. Luke has experience working with clients who face depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, family and relationship concerns, school and career related stress, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, identity development challenges. He utilizes evidence-based therapeutic practices including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Empathy, cultural competence, curiosity, trust, and collaboration are Luke’s foundational values in the therapeutic process. He works to provide a welcoming and warm environment for each person he supports with the goal of supporting individuals in developing awareness, coping skills and resilience to attain an improved sense of mental and emotional health. Luke spends his free time playing video games both new and old, learning to cook and bake new foods and hanging out with friends and family.

I am a compassionate therapist who values my relationship with clients and who works hard to effectively provide education, feedback, and a variety of strategies to address presenting issues. I work with my clients to enhance their self-awareness, understand sources of stress, discover their inner strengths and resilience, and improve their effectiveness. Therapeutic Approach: I believe in empowering people to work through life's challenging experiences. I am dedicated to working with my clients to identify the source of distress or difficulty and develop strategies to improve their lives. My ideal client is an adult, young or old, who is navigating the challenges of life, starting a family, parenting, family or peer relationships, or personal performance issues. My extensive experience working with adults and adolescents on issues related to mood and behavior, and current and past trauma, has informed many of my treatment approaches. Additionally, I have experience providing fertility support, treating postpartum depression/anxiety, and enjoy my work with teens and young adults navigating their developmental challenges, and athletes on performance enhancement and improvement. I have the E. Passport from PSYPACT, which grants me the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) in 41 US States. Programs Offered: Currently I provide initial, extensive consultations, ongoing trauma-focused therapy, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), psychedelic preparation and harm reduction support, and individual and group psychedelic integration support. ***Join us on a 4-6 week Journey of KAP this summer! As a client, you will receive your own individualized KAP services and be part of a larger group of peers on this journey. It is our hope to build a community of personal and collective growth and mutual support in this process.*** Contact us for more information at renew.mhim@gmail.com

Kathleen Harvey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Illinois and earned a Bachelor's of Arts and Masters in Social Work degrees from St. Louis University.Kathleen believes that it is not what happens to you, it is our attitude and what we choose to do about what happens, that makes a difference. Kathy has experience working with individuals and couples using a multi-disciplinary approach to therapy to help clients resolve life challenges which alter our ability to function in our daily lives. Kathy is accepting new patients at this time and is asking you to take a risk and seek help with what is holding you back from achieving your dreams in life and moving forward in life with joy and hope.

Looking for help with medicines and/or therapy? We've got you! Our group of psychiatrists is dedicated to helping you while you're away at school. We see folks in CA, IL, MA, NY, and TX. There are appointments available right away - no 6 month wait. Send us a message and we'll figure out how to help.

I am an Indian and Pakistani cis-gender woman from an immigrant family and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) and am a Provisionally Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P). I love working with people from different backgrounds and various identities attempting to preserve a sense of authentic self in the Western world. I have a strong background working with immigrant children, their families, as well as individuals of any age desiring self-acceptance, self-esteem, and support surrounding anxiety and depression. Due to my experience navigating the various parts of myself, I am passionate about serving those with opposing or oppressed identities such as those within the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ community. I am trilingual in Hindi/Urd’u, Spanish, and English and offer sessions in all three languages. Our various identities as individuals can sometimes pull us in opposite directions (opposing forces), occasionally forcing us to put forth different versions of ourselves and keeping our authentic selves hidden. This can cause much anxiety and panic, especially in a society where defining and boxing in individuals is the norm. As a child of an immigrant family, I am keenly aware of immigration-related anxiety and maintaining a balance between your culture and the Western world. Sometimes life can throw our internal compass/intuition off balance; for this reason, I integrate ancestral, intuitive, somatic, and spiritual practices and wisdoms into the healing process. I am passionate about increasing your sense of self-empowerment and using your authentic voice to advocate for yourself and your identities to inspire the changes you deem necessary within your community. Values and Approach It is incredibly important to me to operate from a culturally critical perspective, always questioning and expanding my understanding of one’s identities and cultures.

Sometimes words don't cut it. Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or seeking a safe space to explore your inner world? Art therapy uses tools that take traditional talk therapy to the next level by giving you an embodied experience. The heart of my practice is believing people are their own experts. You are the ONLY you with your exact values, experiences, routines, heartaches, and desires. I want you to feel seen, foster a deeper understanding of your journey, and find answers and solace through your own innate intuition. If you're new to art therapy you may not be aware of how creativity can open new doors of understanding and connection. Sometimes we get stuck on a judgmental message from 1st grade that we aren’t “good” at artmaking. Well, I say forget that! You ARE inherently creative and it’s okay to heal using both the logical AND intuitive sides of your brain. You get to lead at your comfort level and I will authentically support you using tools and techniques (whether open-ended or more structured) to guide you. If you are seeking space to work through an issue you're having, improve self-esteem, cope with anxiety or depression, manage stress, deal with relationship or parenting issues, process trauma, or just vent, consider reaching out to me.

Hello! Making the decision to begin therapy is an important investment in your quality of life. I can help you understand and transform painful and confusing experiences. I specialize in treating relationship distress, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse and gaslighting, depression and anxiety, and trauma recovery. It is my passion to support clients toward feeling freer, happier and more at peace. I am licensed in both MO and IL. I accept Anthem/BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna and Cigna, as well as UMR and out-of pocket. ALL SERVICES ARE TELEHEALTH.

My role as a therapist is to provide guidance, insight, and encouragement while empowering clients to recognize their own resilience and capacity for transformation. Whether working through anxiety, depression, life transitions, or relationship difficulties, I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, validated, and supported in their journey toward well-being. My belief is that therapy is a collaborative journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. I integrate evidence-based practices with a person-centered philosophy, ensuring that therapy is tailored to the needs and goals of the unique client. Your feelings are valid, and your experiences matter. Taking the first step isn’t always easy, but it’s a sign of courage and self-care. When you’re ready, I’m here to listen.

Theraviv Wellness seeks to work with individuals and couples to learn to love themselves and each other through boundaries, communication and education. Amanda specializes in sex therapy and maternal mental health.

We are a private practice that specializes in immigrant mental health. Our practice is made up of mostly 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, of which most speak another language (Spanish). We believe that the first generation experience is unique and should be handled in a delicate and trauma-informed way.

I provide attentive, non-judgmental, individualized counseling services for students wanting a different relationship with their anxiety, OCD, and trauma. I find a lot of joy in working with LGBTQ+ and immigrant clients and feel that even with shared identities, no two experience is the same. I accept both MO and IL clients.

Melissa is an LCPC in Illinois. As an Aud_HD therapist, she offers individual therapy, family therapy, and parenting support. She has lived experience, and has received neuro-affirming training in supporting the neurodivergent community, specifically Autism, ADHD, PDA, CPTSD, OCD and Giftedness, with a particular interest in providing acknowledgement and support for the misattunement and trauma that often is a part of our lived experience. She is passionate about supporting clients in their journeys of understanding themselves internally with authenticity and acceptance, including those who are exploring their gender and/or sexual identities. She uses different modalities as a way of giving clients options that fit them. Melissa loves somatic based approaches, including Transformative Touch Therapy, where the work is to support the client through pre-verbal attachment wounding, eventually working through integrating primitive reflexes. It is her passion to connect with her clients and give them a space to explore their intrinsic experience with curiosity, compassion, and understanding. When she is not in the therapy room, Melissa enjoys presenting to private practices and facilitating groups to build community for those supporting autistic clients and families. You can work with Melissa in the state of Illinois through telehealth or in person in Hinsdale.

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.

LGBTQIA-Affirming Trauma-Informed Art Therapy & Counseling in Chicago. I'm M (they/she), a Chicago-based art therapist, counselor, and trauma survivor. With two decades self-publishing comics and zines, I know firsthand how image-making and storytelling reach what words can't. I specialize in complex, religious, and sexual trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, and chronic pain, and I work with folks exploring gender identity and family estrangement. My approach draws on expressive, narrative, and somatic therapies, including Instinctual Trauma Response (ITR). I've also completed 40 hours of sexual trauma crisis training and can help survivors navigate Chicago's support systems. Your voice leads the way. Let's figure this out together.

Ever feel like life's throwing you some curveballs, and you're ready to break free to become the best version of yourself? As your compassionate therapist, I offer a safe, judgment-free space to explore your emotions and thoughts. In our sessions, we're not just talking; we're digging deep to reveal the amazing person you are. This journey of self-discovery isn't just about finding yourself; it's about unlocking those hidden potentials and creating a life that's genuinely fulfilling and authentic. Along the way, we're not just tackling life's twists and turns; we're building a toolkit of savvy coping strategies, so you can navigate it all with grace. Together, we'll boost your self-confidence, cultivating a strong belief in your worth and capabilities. Ready to kick off your personalized therapeutic journey? Let's tackle those goals, and set you on a path of growth. Choosing a therapist who gets you is key, so why not take that step today? Looking forward to this journey with you!

I have experience working with adults and teens in an outpatient setting. A priority of mine is helping clients develop healthy coping mechanisms to reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout. Everyone’s healing journey is unique, so I utilize a multi-dimensional approach, incorporating both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with a person-centered approach. I customize sessions to find what works best for each person. It is my honor to be a part of your healing journey. I believe in creating a safe, empowering, and collaborative space for each of my clients while holding space for each client to be unapologetically themselves. My goal is to help you live a happier life and reach your highest potential!