Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
I am currently accepting new clients both virtually and in-person. Are you experiencing stress, relationship issues, anxiety, insecurity or a life transition? Together, we can work to develop an understanding of life’s circumstances, make positive changes, and find emotional relief. I believe (and have seen!) that healing and joy can come from working through the challenges you are facing. By integrating authenticity, encouragement, and honesty into each session, I provide space for you to process and tools to better manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I am especially passionate about incorporating a biblical perspective for those who request Christian counseling. Please let me know when you reach out if this is something you are looking for, as my clients have varying spiritual beliefs and I respect each individual’s values. I currently have weekday and evening availability. I am happy to provide a 20 minute free phone consultation to answer your questions as you consider if this may be a good fit for you!
College is a lot. Therapy can help. Whether you’re navigating classes, relationships, identity, anxiety, or just trying to figure things out—you don’t have to do it alone. I’m Mary Patton, LCSW, a therapist who gets how overwhelming this phase of life can be. I work with college students who want a space to talk it out, find clarity, and feel more grounded. No pressure. No judgment. Just real support as you move through this messy, transformative chapter.
At this practice, our mission is to help individuals, couples, and families live authentic, connected, and happy lives, in a way that affirms our shared humanity. Our work is focused on assisting clients in identifying and growing their unique set of strengths while learning the skills that research shows to be necessary for building healthy emotion regulation skills, balanced relationships, and the ability to thrive through challenge. We believe that every person holds within them the capacity to lead a life of joy and connection, and that helping clients fully realize this potential will create individual happiness, stronger families, and more peaceful communities. We recognize the importance of comprehensive care in helping to build greater systemic support for our clients, and utilize wrap around services including skills groups and testing. We have intentionally cultivated a diverse and interdisciplinary team of clinicians, within a culture of collaboration and support. We learn and grow from our colleagues’ experiences and perspectives, and this affirms our shared humanity and allows us to be better and more well rounded clinicians. We provide an emphasis on supporting our clinicians so that they can be peaceful and at ease, and on building clinicians’ skills through ongoing team trainings and weekly supervision meetings.
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.
Head First Health provides 1:1 counseling for gen-z and millennials struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions and substance abuse.
Empowering Options is one of the most effective counseling approaches because our philosophy is to be uniquely on the side of the client. We concentrate on helping you learn, explore, and create your options. Options are in the perspective – the beliefs that you view yourself and the world through. As children, we believe what the adults in our lives told about the world and especially about ourselves. This profoundly affects us as adults. The way we view ourselves, our level of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and how we act in our lives and in our intimate relationships. The view we are given of ourselves determines our levels of self-esteem, and self–acceptance, and is one of the main reasons for problems in our relationships, with our partners, and in our parenting. Most of us were unintentionally taught, from a very young age, to think and feel against ourselves. So we do not have an objective view of ourselves and little compassion for how we handle the challenges we face. No charge for the first session to make sure it's a good fit. See the website for all other info.
While trauma can be generational, so can healing! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently based out of Illinois. Since I started working in the field, I have gained experience providing services to those who not only identified troubles due to mental health, but who have also struggled with addiction. I received my MSW from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018 where I specialized in trauma processing and trauma-informed care. I am also an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Trained Therapist; I find this modality has been especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma but can also be used for other mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. While my previous work experience has an emphasis on trauma and addiction, I am also comfortable working with issues such as depression, anxiety, and anger management among other different diagnoses. I have also had the joy of working with individuals of all ages. I like to use an eclectic approach when it comes to treatment modalities because I believe that there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to therapy. I truly believe that one is the expert of their own experiences, so I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals to tailor their mental health services to meet their needs. I pride myself on providing a welcoming and inclusive space for the individuals I work with to feel heard and to heal from their past and present. I want everyone I work with to know that their feelings are valid, and hope that they leave feeling empowered to take on life’s challenges! 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 also committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!
We look at individuals as part of a bigger family system, offering support to folks experiencing low motivation and school refusal, social anxiety, performance anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, depression, and cultural identity.
Hi! My name is Sophia (they/them). I am a Licensed Professional and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am passionate about supporting the intersectionality of marginalized groups, including queer, trans, and people of color. My areas of focus are trauma recovery, racial, sexual, gender identity development, childhood trauma, attachment, relational difficulties, anxiety, and depression. I work best with clients who want to build a more mindful and compassionate relationship with themselves, centering pleasure and softness. My work supports people who want to build a stronger sense of self, centering their needs, engaging in inner child healing, and healing from childhood trauma. I have supported my clients with intergenerational trauma/healing, attachment issues, neurodivergence, perfectionism, workaholism, marginalization, identity, belonging, and relational healing. I utilize internal family systems (IFS), mindfulness, somatic, relational, and solution-based approaches. My practice is warm, compassionate, experiential, consent-based, and direct. Therapy is always centered around you and your needs. I prioritize holistic therapy that takes the mind, body, and spirit into consideration, and is rooted in resisting and healing the impacts of oppression. In an effort to decolonize mental health and create safer therapeutic spaces for BIPOC folks, my practice focuses on strengthening the mind-body connection and raising awareness of how systems of oppression can negatively impact well-being. I take into consideration the complex dynamics occurring with you on the individual, societal, environmental, and institutional levels and how they impact your inner world. My goal is to help you foster liberation, empowerment, and consciousness raising as we address oppression and its impact on these levels. I welcome all healing approaches that feel right for you, including ancestral, spiritual, or cultural. If what I've shared resonates with you, please visit my website or email me.
We are a group practice in downtown Chicago where we serve a diverse community. As a staff, we hold multiple intersecting identities and are eager to work from that intersectional framework with our clients. Several of us identify as queer and we celebrate work with the LGBTQI+ community and other historically underserved groups. We have a modern relational, psychodynamic current that runs through our group but we honor human complexity and seek out thoughtful approaches to each and every person we are privileged enough to work with.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience helping people cope with family and social issues. I have worked with clients with depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety, OCD, TBI, intellectual disabilities, conduct disorders, anger management issues, intermittent explosive disorder, domestic violence, identity, family, grief, social and academic issues. I especially working with college and graduate students, and have also provided guidance and support to families in navigating IEP, 504, and LRE concerns in school environments. I believe everyone can overcome challenges; I help provide a supportive and nurturing environment to help clients navigate tough challenges and situations. Counseling is powerful, and I am diligent about supporting my clients and helping them to reach their full potential. 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!
We provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy to people of all ages and for most problems in life, including depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Our mission is to deliver the highest-quality, culturally-sensitive counseling services in a client-friendly manner. We are driven by a desire to empower clients to heal, grow, and achieve balance. Our therapists have experience providing therapy to people from all walks of life. We work with life-long residents of Chicago as well as people who are more transitory. Many of our clients are students, faculty, and staff of local colleges and universities. Wherever you live and whatever your reason for seeking help, we are here to support you (or your child) in reaching your goals.
Grey Area Therapy is a small, private practice conveniently located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and an emphasis on building meaningful, authentic connections with clients. As a therapist with Grey Area Therapy, I work with clients on needs related to anxiety, depression, OCD, vocational stress, and life transitions. I have a special interest in working with individuals who identify in the LGBTQ+ community. I offer both in-person and virtual appointments. I accept Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurance and offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you find a therapist that works for you!
New Light is a Lincoln Park based therapy practice, providing in-person and telehealth sessions for children, families, and adults. Founded to extend our expertise beyond the school setting, our clinicians have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a range of presenting challenges. With a wide variety of clinical approaches including psychodynamic talk therapy, play therapy, EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy, our foremost goal is to provide each client with individualized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive therapy. At New Light, we support and include people of any ability level, gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation
I work with clients who are feeling stuck, lost, and struggling to move forward with their life. Seeking help might be intimidating, but therapy can be a space to receive support with navigating the constant struggles of life, and it can be an empowering journey of finding meaning and thinking more thoughtfully about your relationship with yourself and others. This is why I value creating a strong and authentic therapeutic relationship to support your growth and empower you to create the change you desire. I utilize various techniques that are tailored to your specific needs, and I strive to create a warm environment where we can explore different topics and work towards your goals together. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I assist my clients with managing professional and academic concerns, creating healthier habits, finding balance, and feeling more fulfilled with their lives. I also offer couples therapy for those seeking to improve intimacy, communication, trust, and emotional closeness with their partners. Additionally, I’m passionate about working with international students and immigrants, a path close to my heart as a former international student from Italy. This firsthand experience of navigating the immigration system and adjusting to a different culture has shaped my approach to therapeutic work, ensuring sensitivity to my clients’ unique experiences, beliefs, and marginalized identities. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton. I have previously worked in hospitals and community mental health settings, and I especially enjoy working with college and graduate students, international students, early and mid-career professionals, and couples. I also offer therapy in Italian.
Being a young adult can feel especially overwhelming. You’re expected to build a life, make big decisions, and manage responsibilities—often while still making sense of your past. The impact of trauma, stress, or difficult experiences earlier in life can add another layer of confusion, making it harder to trust yourself or feel grounded in who you are. I offer a supportive space where we can explore your experiences, process what you’ve been through, and find a way forward that feels true to you. In our work together, I offer expressive arts therapy as an additional tool to support healing and self-understanding. This can include drawing, writing, or other forms of creative expression, guided by your comfort. You don’t need to be artistic. Creative processes can help access feelings and experiences that are difficult to put into words. Whether you’re feeling lost, stuck, or simply curious about how therapy might help, I welcome the opportunity to connect. Therapy can offer a space to make sense of your past and strengthen your sense of self in the present. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can talk about your goals, answer questions, and discuss if working together is a good fit.
I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else, so my role is to provide resources and support to help them meet their goals. As a social worker, I also help my clients unpack how larger systems impact their mental health and relationships. I work from a queer-affirming, anti-oppressive, and neurodivergent-affirming approach to therapy.
Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders. I am dedicated to working with clients to identify and process what is keeping them “stuck,” so clients can create for themselves a healthier future. I believe that harnessing creativity within the process of therapy can be extremely beneficial, especially for clients who have a more difficult time verbally expressing their thoughts and feelings. As a nonbinary and neurodivergent person, I know how important it is to find a therapist who shares your identities. I generally tend to be laid-back and very relational as a therapist and enjoy using humor to build rapport. Ultimately, this is YOUR space, and I want clients to feel like therapy is a place where they get to exercise autonomy.