Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Life can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, full of twists and turns we often do not expect. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a human being, I have witnessed how receiving professional therapeutic support can guide individuals towards finding a sense of safety and comfort within themselves in a world of ever-shifting dynamics that can distract from or exacerbate the challenges we experience. My clients may be struggling with eating disorders, depression/anxiety, body image concerns, and substance misuse, in addition to difficulty managing stress, life transitions, or intimate/peer/familial relationship conflicts/wounding. I am LGBTQ+ allied, anti-racist, and anti-diet/Health at Every Size aligned and informed. Utilizing attachment theory, values exploration, and mind-body awareness, I work with my clients to re-instill and preserve individual autonomy while healing the relationship between oneself and others. I support my clients in learning new ways to tolerate uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding or numbing them, and create space to process the inevitable grief that comes with making any changes in life. As a therapist, I embody humor, authenticity, empathy, and patience to create a safe space for my clients to begin exploring both internal/external experiences that contribute to feelings of distress, loneliness, and uncertainty. Values I hold above all else in the therapy space include humanism, autonomy, relational accountability between client and therapist, and the power of ‘any positive change’.

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I am a licensed clinical counselor who believes that everyone has it in them to be the force of change that they want to be. I look forward to working with anybody who wants to learn about themselves in a safe environment free from judgement. I do have a specialty in working with people who are dealing with substance use, with or without co-occurring mental health issues and life transitions. I also address career concerns, stress over life decisions, relationships, boundaries, and healthy habits for wellness. My therapeutic style is primarily based on motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, and strengths-based models, and I particularly enjoy working with college and graduate students to help harness your strengths. I incorporate aspects of CBT interventions and skills when necessarily to be able to help you achieve your goals. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

Dr. Jay works with individuals- especially women of color and those with immigrant backgrounds- who: - Struggle to manage the stresses of daily life and experience emotional distress like depression, grief and/or anxiety - Are survivors of complex trauma, inter-personal, generational and/or collective trauma - Experience existential, spiritual, identity-based questions and are yearning to clarify their purpose in life - Seek a space to dream beyond the moment they are in to create new futures for themselves and those they love - Value holistic, compassionate, relational care

Hi! I'm Rachel. As a licensed therapist with 11 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, perfectionism and low self esteem, among others. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and grounded in evidence-based techniques. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Whether you're facing a major life transition or simply want to better understand yourself, I’m here to support your growth and healing every step of the way. I been trained in EMDR, have extensive experience treating complex trauma and emerging adulthood issues. I am LGBTQI affirming. I have used expressive/art therapy techniques for clients who better express themselves creatively.

I know it can be hard to ask for help, but you are not alone. There is no shame in reaching out for help. I am passionate about supporting clients facing challenges such as, depression, anxiety, life transition, difficulties with work, family conflict, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, loss and grief, domestic violence, and cultural issues. We will work together to achieve your therapy goals. We will work towards you finding self love and inner peace. My approach is mostly a blend of person-centered theory that includes evidence-based practices, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. My goal is to create an environment that is safe and supportive in order to empower clients and equip them with the tools needed to navigate challenges and promote healthy healing. My belief is that mental health and wellness is an essential component of a life that feels healthy and whole. No matter the reason for seeking therapy, it takes great strength to seek healing, growth, and positive transformation. I would be honored to be alongside you on your journey.

I work with college students, emerging adults, and professionals navigating anxiety, identity concerns, workplace stress, career exploration, and life transitions. I see therapy as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself during moments of uncertainty or change. My approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and presence, and I value being sincere and direct while maintaining warmth and thoughtful reflection. I aim to create a supportive, respectful therapeutic space where clients feel understood and empowered. My work integrates psychotherapy with mindfulness-informed and holistic practices that support self-awareness, grounding, and connection. I’m drawn to approaches that invite clients to slow down, tune in, and build a more intentional relationship with themselves, while honoring the whole person beyond symptoms alone. I completed my doctoral internship at Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Headspace Health. I hold a PhD in Psychology from Tennessee State University’s APA-accredited program and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. I am also certified in Mental Health Coaching.

I have experience working with students who are diagnosed with ADHD, on the Autism Spectrum, identify with LGBTQ+ and who have anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. I like to create a safe and comfortable environment for my clients. I am accepting both virtual and in person clients at this time.

I’m a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, supporting patients with acute psychiatric needs, substance use disorders, and complex comorbidities. I thrive in team-based environments and focus on whole-person, evidence-based care that empowers patients and improves outcomes. I’m seeking inpatient or outpatient opportunities in the Chicago area where I can bring my skills, clinical insight, and passion for mental health to a dedicated care team.

Are you having trouble navigating big questions about who you are? Or where are you going? Are you anxious about where you fit in? Or ask yourself, “do I even belong?” I have a passion for supporting BIPOC individuals, specifically Latiné, Black, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ individuals. My role is to create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. As a Latino and queer therapist, I deeply understand the pressures many students face, whether that is anxiety, depression, financial stress, imposter syndrome, or trauma. Many of us grow up carrying a ton, and college can bring both new opportunities and new challenges. I help individuals explore the root causes of their struggles by tapping into their unique strengths. My approach is collaborative and creates change which helps gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. If you are figuring out your identity, dealing with stress, or just feeling overwhelmed and unsure then I want to emphasize that you are not alone. I want to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self, be heard without judgment, and start to build the life you want. I believe in walking alongside my clients as they work through what is hard and discover what is possible.

Our Treatment Center therapists specialize in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, the first and most established form of talk therapy. These are unique forms of psychotherapy that foster personal development and liberation from dissatisfying or painful patterns of living. Together, you and your therapist will work to understand the meaning of your emotional experiences, thoughts, dreams, memories, fantasies, and sensations with the objective of cultivating a more robust sense of self. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavioral patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re ready to move in a new direction in your life, our therapists look forward to working with you to transform suffering into growth.

What’s keeping you stuck? Are you struggling to understand why relationships keep failing or why your job or school is depleting you? Are you overwhelmed, trapped in a pattern of people pleasing, or struggling with anxious thoughts you can’t seem to stop? Are you high-achieving or perfectionistic and struggling to find peace in your life? Maybe you’re just grappling with the existential questions and wondering what the meaning of all of this is. I specialize in helping people get unstuck, gain confidence, and create the lives they want. I teach you how to cultivate calm in your body and understand how thoughts and internal narratives influence feelings and behaviors. You will learn how to position yourself as the observer of your emotions (like anxiety, irritability), so you can respond intentionally—rather than on autopilot. I provide insightful online therapy that allows you to feel seen, heard, and understood - all in the comfort of your home. I love doing the deep work that helps you better understand yourself and empowers you to build the life you want.

With 14 years of experience in the mental health field, I am deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate the challenges they face. My approach is rooted in a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy, tailored to meet each client exactly where they are. I believe that healing begins with trust, and I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in various settings—community mental health, non-profit organizations, government, and residential facilities—which has shaped my ability to adapt and effectively address a wide range of concerns. Whether it's career difficulties, relationship issues, or struggles with mental health, I work closely with clients to help them identify their strengths and develop practical strategies for moving forward. I encourage active participation, including assignments outside of sessions, to ensure that growth continues beyond our time together. My core values—competence, self-determination, and respect for diversity—guide every interaction I have with clients. I am passionate about empowering those I work with to take charge of their own journey toward healing and success. I find great fulfillment in being a change agent, walking alongside individuals as they work through their challenges, build resilience, and ultimately achieve the personal transformation they seek. If you are looking for a therapist who is compassionate, punctual, and dedicated to your well-being, I am here to support you on your path toward positive change. Together, we can work toward your goals in a collaborative and meaningful way.

We are here to support you. Life Aligned Counseling offers individual, couples, and family counseling services. Our team of therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-concept, emerging adult issues, family conflict, stress management, spirituality, significant life transitions, men's issues, etc. We are committed to providing empathetic, affirming, and culturally sound care that creates a safe space for healing and transformation. Visit our WEBSITE at lifealignedcounseling.com to get scheduled.

Many of the clients I work best with are thoughtful, curious individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. They may be struggling with relationships, feeling stuck in patterns they don’t quite understand, or carrying emotions that feel overwhelming or confusing. Often, they’ve tried to “figure things out” on their own but are ready for something more meaningful and supportive. What they tend to have in common is a desire to be truly seen and heard—not just to fix a problem, but to grow through it. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that change happens in relationship—with a therapist who is present, attuned, and deeply respectful of your experience. I work well with people who are open to exploring the layers beneath their struggles, even if they don’t have all the words for it yet. If you're looking for a space where you can be yourself without judgment, and where your story will be met with care and curiosity, you might feel at home here.

You are so much bigger than the things that have bogged you down in your past, the things that trouble you in the present, and the things that scare you about the future. Therapy isn't about fixing something broken; it's about helping you recognize, hone, and use the strength you already possess to create lasting change. You don't have to be trapped by old stories or limiting beliefs, you can rewrite your own narrative. As a therapist, I believe my first and foremost responsibility is to create a safe space for you - space for you to heal, laugh, cry, celebrate, and even make mistakes. I want you to feel cozy bringing your entire self into the therapeutic space, and I promise I’ll do the same. I’m always on your side; while I may question or challenge you, at the end of the day I fundamentally believe we are all doing our best—you included. I specialize in working with queer adults, adolescents, and couples navigating life transitions, anxiety, family-of-origin issues, identity development, and body image concerns in an easy-going, shame-free space. I am a member of the queer community, and am committed to a practice that is accessible, antiracist, LGBTQIA+-affirming, poly-allied, body-neutral, and welcoming toward clients of all walks of life. I draw on diverse experiences in the arts, corporate settings, education, and in clinical mental health to bring an integrative and eclectic approach to therapy. As a continually developing and evolving clinician, I draw from narrative, existential, and person-centered approaches, and am supervised by Angela Scalisi, LCPC. If you are here and are already considering starting or continuing therapy, you’re already taking such a meaningful step in prioritizing yourself and your wellbeing. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want someone to chat with, there’s a spot on my couch for you.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself lately, I can help you find your way forward. As a compassionate & experienced therapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate these challenges in a safe space. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, eating disturbances, work-stress, relationship struggles, trauma, or self-esteem issues, I work collaboratively with clients to create treatment plans that promote healing. I specialize in helping individuals with relationship challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ issues, & grief. I provide a non-judgmental space for healing & growth.

Our emotional world can at times leave us feeling completely out of control. Whether our emotions feel incredibly intense and unmanageable or numb and out of reach. I know what it's like to feel broken, alone, and disconnected from yourself. I believe that everyone has an inner wisdom they can tap into that can guide them towards self trust and healing. I am passionate about collaborating with my clients to discover that deep inner wisdom and become experts on themselves to gain clarity and peace for the mind and body. Together we can explore anxiety, depression, life transitions, self esteem, family dynamics, relational difficulties, and anything in between that keeps you from living the life you are worthy of. We can come to understand your inner critic and gain skills to quiet the noise that leaves you feeling hopeless and doubtful. I have a genuine love for getting to know you and your story. In our sessions together I will meet you with nonjudgmental support that empowers you in your journey towards self-compassion, balance, and authenticity. My hope is that through this process you develop a deeper understanding and acceptance for yourself. I’m so happy you’re here!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

All of our therapists at Chicago Counseling Center specialize in helping people learn how to manage symptoms related to Anxiety, OCD, Perfectionism, and general life stressors so that they can live meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable lives.