Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Hello, I know finding a therapist is overwhelming and difficult. My job is to help you make this journey as simple and painless as possible. We will discuss difficult things, but we will have fun doing it. If you are interested in a free consultation, please call or text me at 773-280-7321. I look forward to meeting 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!

Hi, I’m Charles King Hi, I’m Charles King, I’m a geeky therapist who loves to help fellow geeks build deeper connections and feel understood. Too many geeks struggle with anxiety in relationships and in social situations. This often leaves them feeling disconnected from friends, family, and life, and feeling like nobody can understand them. I believe you shouldn’t have to hide your passion for Dungeons and Dragons, tabletop games, Star Trek (even though Star Wars is better, imo), or whatever you geek out about, in order to feel comfortable in social settings and in relationships. I understand what you are going through. I’m a Game/Dungeon Master who has been the one who saw himself as a social outcast or socially on the fringe. It took me a fair bit of time to figure out my path. Now, I have helped over 50 geeks just like you in becoming more connected with others, and more confident in being themselves, no matter the social setting. How does it work? There are three key ingredients to how I do therapy. 1. I’m Geeky but Also Personable And Laidback I can keep a conversation going, and I know the right questions to ask, so it’s never going to be awkward coming into a session. I’m also comfortable being my geeky self in our sessions because I want you to feel comfortable doing the same. 2. I’m Eclectic in My Background I can geek out with you on a lot of topics. It’s not just D&D & Star Wars for me… 3. I’m Highly Motivated to Help You I’ve personally experienced how challenging it is to feel productive and/or successful in my life’s quest while integrating my geekiness. I am intensely passionate about helping other geeks in their own quests. To get started, fill out this get started form. You don’t have to keep feeling like you have to decide between hiding your true self to fit in, or feeling isolated and alone. I can help guide you in your quest to overcome this feeling of being misunderstood, and instead become more passionate, confident about your life, and more successful and connected in your relationships. Come adventure with me here.

Hi there! My name is Reese Minshew, and I work almost entirely with transgender (broadly defined) adults who have had traumatic (broadly defined) experiences. I’m licensed in California, Illinois, and New York, and work via telehealth with people located in any of those states. Clinically, I believe that the reactions we have after experiencing trauma and stress are fundamentally adaptive to the trauma, but can disrupt everyday life. In other words, if you had a difficult experience (including chronic exposure to structural stressors such as anti-trans bias, white supremacy, ableism, etc), you might not be able to eat, sleep, focus, calm down, feel excited, or be in relationships in the way you want. Whatever reaction you’re having was very helpful to you at one time, but if it’s no longer serving you then we can work on that. Most of the time we would do this by talking about what’s going on in your life right now, and working to understand it in the context of your past experiences.

I’m a licensed clinical therapist with over seven years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, adjustments and PTSD. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can begin to explore your experiences and take meaningful steps toward healing. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Adulthood comes along with a lot of invisible changes that you won't find a college course about. From changes in those lifelong relationships and family dynamics as you find your own place in the world, which require new effort & boundary setting. To all the what if's about your future that make it feel like you're so behind if you don't have an answer NOW. Alternatively, if your career plans ARE clear, it can create a lot of pressure to succeed. On top of managing a schedule that's much more flexible & a course load that actually matters, this time can be filled with stress and uncertainty. We are here to walk through these unknowns with you & help you find your footing.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am committed to fostering a compassionate, empathetic, collaborative therapeutic environment. I’m particularly interested in understanding your unique experience of yourself, others, and the world. People often seek help to expand their self-development and personal growth in addition to feeling better. I strive to help people by widening self-awareness through a balance of emotional experience and insight. I believe people should feel heard and understood, and I do my best to understand what it’s like for you in your unique subjective experience. Having a secure, stable place will allow you to freely explore your internal world and take risks in the outside world. Part of the process includes finding integration between emotions and thoughts, memory, consciousness, narrative, attachment relationships, and identity. I aim to help you deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so you can move towards what you care about in life, live more fully with greater passion and vitality, increase your curiosity, and be more present.

Hi, I’m Justine, and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I specialize in working with BIPOC, neurodivergent, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ adults who often feel different, alone, or misunderstood. I also support BIPOC couples struggling with conflict or communication struggles. My approach is simple: I meet you exactly where you are and help you move toward where you want to go. In our first few sessions, you can expect empathy, compassion, transparency, and genuine collaboration. You’ll never be asked to shrink, mask, or pretend. This is a space where all the parts of you can breathe. What makes my practice unique is that I show up authentically, so you can too. I believe in modeling openness, honesty, and humanity in the therapy room. Together we’ll create a space where your identity, your struggles, and your strengths are seen and respected. If you’re looking for a therapist who honors who you are and walks with you at your pace, here.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a wellness hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, EMDR, Art therapy, VR exposure therapy, Movement, Breath, Trauma Release and Somatic work. We also offer support for overcoming substance abuse issues.

I specialize in partner betrayal, anxiety and pornography and sex addiction. I have experience in issues with lack of guidance, nurturing and support in the mother daughter relationship.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Are you snapping at others and struggling to find space to breathe? It’s normal to feel like you’re drowning when you have so many moving pieces in life. Life is constantly throwing stressors at us and maybe you find yourself seeking a new approach. Many of my clients are people struggling with stress and anxiety resulting from never-ending changes. I have extensive experience working with young adults and people who are seeking therapy for the first time. As a therapist, I am straight forward in my approach; I will stay with you on your journey toward the answers by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I’ve been described by former clients as “genuine, decisive, and easy to connect with.” I will help you find peace amongst the chaos, prioritize your wellness, and grow closer to your full potential. Reaching out for help is the first, and often the most difficult part of your path toward healing. Only you can do inner work, but there’s absolutely no reason you should do it alone. Together, we will figure out your next steps. Contact me for a consultation. I'm ready when you are!

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.

I am a compassionate, thoughtful, experienced psychologist, and I am very interested in getting to know you and your struggles. I work with individuals and couples, from late adolescence to older adulthood. My work is collaborative and starts by creating a non-judgmental space in which you can feel comfortable sharing your symptoms and exploring your past, present and future. We will work together to help you understand and negotiate the external and internal obstacles preventing you from achieving greater contentment in your life. I use evidence-based approaches, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT, to help clients reduce anxiety and depression, better cope with stress, and improve their self-esteem and relationships. I also utilize attachment and psychodynamic theories to help clients construct a meaningful narrative of their history, help identify harmful patterns in thinking, behavior and relationships, and help clients liberate from them. I specialize in both short-term and long-term psychotherapy aimed at increasing self-awareness and identifying patterns that contribute to mood symptoms and difficulties at work or in relationships. I look forward to speaking with you about the challenges you are currently facing so that we can establish a plan to help you overcome them and lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life. I look forward to learning about you and partnering with you through psychotherapy to help you reduce stress and find greater satisfaction with your life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

“It is important for us to know ourselves and be able to address our own issues head on. It can be easy to shy away from looking at our problems in a realistic light and to take the steps needed to change for the better. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. My office is a safe and supportive environment in which to help you look at your whole self and get comfortable with making lasting changes. Some of the most common things I address in therapy are anxiety, feeling lost or stuck in your life, improving communication, couples in conflict, sexual relationship therapy, depression, preparing for a new baby, feeling unappreciated in your relationship, improving self-esteem, reconnecting with your partner, reducing stress and overwhelming emotions. Understanding emotions and sharing them effectively truly is a skill. Some are born with it, others learn it, but we can always improve. I work with you to help you deepen your understanding around your struggles. I am here as your guide. Let me help you on your journey!” Bridget is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. As a graduate of The Family Institute at Northwestern University Bridget earned a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy and received extensive clinical training at the Family Institute’s Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic. She is currently serving as a practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of interest are young adults, couples in conflict, life transitions, self-esteem, communication, couples preparing for marriage, first time parents, blended families, and sexual relationship and intimacy therapy. Bridget is an interactive, strength-based therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, Bridget works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

I am here to help college students who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, relationship/roommate/friend/family issues or just want help with improving their study habits and study-life balance. I have worked with many, many college students across the country. I am available weekends, all day and evenings on different days to accommodate your busy academic and social life. Feel better and enjoy your college years!