Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) I have experience working with adults and immigrant populations who are navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness. As an immigrant, I can empathize with the unique obstacles faced by those adapting to a new environment and a different way of life. I take a client-centered, culturally responsive approach that recognizes each individual's distinct needs and experiences. I have experience working with individuals navigating both past traumas and the challenges of adjusting to a life that may differ from their previous expectations. I have also worked in hospital settings, supporting patients and their families from the moment of diagnosis through the emotional process of coping with illness and loss. In our first session, we’ll explore what brought you to therapy, what’s currently happening in your life, and what changes you’re hoping for. Utilizing a psychodynamic framework, we will uncover unhelpful patterns and defense mechanisms, helping you develop healthier coping strategies while processing uncomfortable emotions. Shall we dive in?

can look like everyone else has it together while you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, money stress, and figuring out who you even are right now—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone. I work with college students who are navigating stress, burnout, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the weight of life transitions. Many of the students I support are high-achieving, first-generation, or carrying responsibilities that others don’t see. Some are trying to heal from past experiences while still showing up every day and getting things done. My approach is supportive, honest, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn’t about being “fixed” or told what to do—it’s about having a space where you can be real, ask hard questions, and build tools that actually work for your life. We’ll move at your pace, focus on what matters to you, and work toward feeling more grounded, confident, and in control. You don’t have to do college—or life—on your own. If you’re ready for support that feels human, not clinical, I’d love to work with you.

As a first generation immigrant and a former international student from South Korea, I am very passionate about working with clients with multicultural backgrounds. Since 2004, I have worked with people in South Korea, college students and graduate students in IL and CA, and people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who struggle with relationship issues, family, life adjustment, intersecting identities, communications with older or younger generations, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and so on. I offer bi-lingual therapy; I worked as a licensed counselor in S. Korea, so you can speak only Korean, only English, or both languages in session. Since 2010, I have been working with clients to address a variety of issues in the United States. The main issues I have dealt with include relationship problems (romantic, family, interpersonal), anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment, identity, and self-esteem. The experiences of individuals rooted in immigrant families in the United States are special and unique. I have extensive experience counseling first, second, and third-generation Korean and Asian clients over the past 15 years while working in university counseling centers in the U.S. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy, primarily using elements drawn from Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) or Solution-Focused therapy based on the nature of the issues or client’s needs. In therapy, I strive to create new understanding, provide corrective experiences, and promote changes. My clients have told me that they enjoyed their work with me because they loved the insight about them and their patterns that they got from our work, warm and consistent support from me, and changes that they were motivated to make throughout the course of the therapy.

YP Wellness PLLC provides a tailored and holistic approach to therapy to empower you to reach your goals. Yana Patrun, LCPC specializes in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, relationship issues, self worth, trauma, academic and occupational issues, life transitions and managing work/life balance. We are accepting new clients. Please feel free to reach out for a complimentary initial consultation.

The daily grind of work, family, friends, and life can be so demanding. Trying to juggle and balance it all at once. It can be too much pressure. You don't have to do it all, and certainly not alone. When feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, therapy can provide a space to have time to focus on you: to be heard, get feedback, and process through the hard stuff that's going on in your life. I enjoy practicing with individuals, couples, and familes. I am specialized in trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and couples. I am trained and certified in EMDR and perinatal. I have extensive experience working with trauma recovery, survivors of abuse, and relationship and intimacy difficulties. As a working mom myself, with over 17 years of clinical experience, I take a direct and compassionate approach to therapy that allows for interactive dialogue and feedback to identify things that are working, and incorporate them into places that don’t seem to be working so well. We collaborate to create treatment goals, identify barriers, and create a plan.

I’m a licensed psychologist with specialty training in exposure therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders, evidence-based trauma treatments, and transgender and queer healthcare. My passion is engaging in short-term, collaborative change processes with people—helping them make their lives bigger and more fulfilling, while providing the skills to better weather the stresses of life. It’s a hard world to live in for many of us, and I believe one of the best things we can do is get connected to the people and things that make our lives matter, even when it’s hard. In my experience, the thing that usually makes us the most miserable is when we avoid our internal experiences and move away from the things we actually want and value. Therapy can build your resilience, help you get past the barriers to living the life you want, and give you tools to manage or overcome the symptoms that get in your way. My style of practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a treatment modality which can improve the symptoms of many problems in 12-16 sessions and emphasizes the practice of therapy skills in between sessions to maximize gains. My passion in CBT is exposure therapy: approaching the risks we are avoiding and learning, by living, what we are capable of. I have completed exposure therapy training at the Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Central Michigan University as well as a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for OCD and Anxiety Disorders in St Louis. Another passion of mine is improving access to, and quality of, healthcare for LGBTQ+ people. I helped develop a specialty queer & transgender mental health program at St Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and served as the clinical director of that program prior to beginning my work at CBT Solutions. In addition to CBT, in therapy I also incorporate strategies from Acceptance Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindful Self-Compassion. In couples work, I use the Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy. The integration of these strategies can address both short-term change and longer-term self-exploration work. I work with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma and PTSD, people coping with sexual assault, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobia, perfectionism, and unhelpful personality patterns. I particularly enjoy working with LGBTQ+ clients, and I welcome ethical nonmonogamy, nontraditional family structures, and kink lifestyles in my practice. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples / relationship partners. I look forward to getting to know you better! Schedule a free 20-minute consult so we can discuss what you want out of therapy and whether I am a good fit for helping you move towards your goals.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not feeling like you’re firing on all cylinders? Maybe you're feeling burnt out from life or work. Life throws heavy stuff at us, and sometimes, we need a partner to figure it out. That’s where I come in; I’m just a real person helping other real people. The idea of talking to a therapist can be scary- maybe you’re not ready to share your whole story, and that’s okay. My job is to help you figure out what you want to work on and go from there. I believe therapy is a safe place where we can come up with solutions to some of the challenges you may be experiencing. I take a strengths-based approach and will pepper in some humor as well. I am skilled at helping clients with various challenges, but I consider my expertise to be helping people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, caregivers for others, healthcare workers, people dealing with chronic illness, and people going through life transitions. My goal is to help you feel like the best version of yourself. If you are looking for a real and authentic person who will be your partner in this shitshow we call life, and not just someone asking you "how does that make you feel" and head nodding, then I'm your girl! Setup a free consultation to see if I'm a good fit for your needs.

Hi- My name is Jennifer Wolf, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I obtained my Master's Degree in School and Community Counseling from National-Louis University. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, career difficulties, and executive functioning. We all need a bit of support in our lives at one time or another. Reaching out for this support and finding a therapist is a courageous first step toward reaching your personal, professional or family goals. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults who appear high functioning but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stuck. Many are navigating trauma, anxiety, or depression rooted in earlier life or relationship patterns, particularly those from BIPOC communities seeking culturally responsive care. I help clients slow down, understand these patterns, and build emotional regulation, clarity, and more stable ways of relating to themselves and others. I provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you develop insight, regulate emotions, and create lasting change. Spiritual integration, including Christian faith, is available if desired. If you have been holding it together on the outside but struggling internally, you are not alone. Therapy is a space to slow down, feel understood, and begin making meaningful changes. I provide accommodation letters for clients needing documentation for school or work. Healing should fit your life. When you are ready, reaching out is a powerful first step.

Parkside Psychological Services is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. Our team of diverse, talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. Different providers are available 7-days/wk including daytime, evening, and weekends to suite your needs. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Able to connect in-person (Lake Forest, IL) or virtually (PsyPact membership connecting to 42 states nationwide!). We are in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. Out-of-network rates can be discussed as needed with option of superbills to support your request for reimbursement. Please reach out to Dr. Smiley directly to discuss your needs and preferences, and get started right away! Ideally an initial appointment will be scheduled within a week.

🫶🌿🌹 Welcome!! Are you ready to feel different? The RIGHT therapist can change your life! I can provide a safe place to explore your innermost thoughts and help you cope with the emotions that can feel overwhelming. I provide insight oriented talk therapy with a focus on nervous system regulation. What does that mean? It means I strive to help you heal through insights that we learn TOGETHER, and I teach you about your nervous system and how to regain control of the emotions that threaten to take over. Most of my practice is young adult/college age individuals and I help people with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, skill building, assertiveness, improving communication and emotional intelligence. I've spent many years working with crisis clients in an emergency department setting and have experience with clients in crisis, self injury, bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts. Today CAN be better than yesterday but the first step is to GET CONNECTED!

Kenna is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 10 years of experience. She is a nationally certified counselor and independently licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. She is currently accepting clients virtually only at this time. She specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I accept several different insurances. You can visit my page below for the most up-to-date list of these insurances and to get started with me.

Beth Thornton is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and completed her specialized psychiatric training at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Beth’s approach to care is grounded in patient-centered practice, where your unique needs, experiences, and values guide the treatment process. She is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment, emphasizing respect, empathy, and empowering you to actively participate in your mental health journey. Beth integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that address your individual needs. Passionate about demystifying psychiatry, she welcomes all questions and strives to make the process clear and approachable. "Empowering you to take an active role in your care is my passion. Every session provides an opportunity to review and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your concerns and goals are met. Life brings changes, and you deserve a flexible treatment approach that supports you through every season. Please note, I generally do not prescribe controlled substances during an initial consultation." Sessions are designed to be low-stress, and questions are always encouraged. You are unique, and we will take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs before crafting a plan that supports you in achieving your goals.

I have over 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or daily stressors that leave you feeling stuck. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space where you can explore your emotions and develop coping skills to help you meet the challenges you face. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I understand that seeking therapy can be a big step, so I strive to create a relaxed yet professional enironment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered. Remember, you matter.

To the outside world, it may appear that you have it all together yet no matter how hard you try you suffer from anxiety, self doubt, people pleasing, burn out, and guilt when putting your own needs first and something needs to change. My role as a therapist is to bring light to those parts of yourself which have been blocking you from making changes and step into a life of wholeness and authenticity. As a trauma focused therapist, I integrate therapeutic techniques that encourage insight-building and guidance on taking actionable steps toward healing. Areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, systemic abuse, life transitions, attachment wounds, imposter syndrome, identity exploration, women's issues, and college student mental health. My services are telehealth only to provide services in the comfort of your own home.

Existing in the world right now may feel overwhelming and reaching out for support may be even more daunting. Maybe you've struggled to feel safe enough in your body to tend to your own needs. Or maybe you've felt disconnected from yourself and adrift in your relationships. However lost or stuck you may be feeling, you deserve an inclusive space to feel valued and held. Building on the inner resilience you already hold, together we can practice slowing down, invite curiosity and compassion into your life, and expand your comfort zones to make life more manageable and meaningful. My style is warm, relational, and collaborative and my approach is rooted in anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles. I view therapy as a space that we build together and offer an eclectic range of tools and perspectives to meet your unique needs. As a queer and trans therapist, I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool in our path towards collective liberation. I accept Quartz, Dean, GHC-SCW (under Mental Health Collective) insurances.

Before coming to the US, I graduated from the top medical school in China and have a background in internal medicine. After 10 years of practicing in the field of medicine, I had the opportunity to train as a psychiatrist at University of Tennessee and became a board certified general psychiatrist. My training in the field of internal medicine has helped my psychiatry practice, especially in the care of the geriatric patients, who often have chronic medical conditions. I am very conscious of the side effects of the medications commonly used in the treatment of mental illness, some which may affect a patient's physical health. I have been practicing psychiatry for about 12 years in the Chicagoland area, treating a diverse population of patients. My approach includes listening to a patient's story and concerns, evaluating patients’ cultural, social, mental and physical status, their support system, and treating the patient as a whole person. I then generate a treatment plan that can include psychotherapy and other supportive therapy, not only the prescription of medication. I speak Mandarin fluently and can support patients with that language need. Schedule your session easily through our online booking link. Click "Website" to find a time that works for you.

I'm here to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change. Whether you're navigating a major life transition or struggling through the stresses of college life, I'll help you uncover and shift patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we'll work toward greater clarity, purpose, and connection, so you can step into the fullest version of yourself.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.